Knowing how to list references on your CV can help employers verify your work history, skills, qualifications or character when they need additional information about you.
A reference is someone who can provide an employer with information about your experience, abilities, work ethic or professional conduct. Depending on the position, an employer may contact your references during the recruitment process.
However, you should not simply add someone’s name and phone number to your CV without asking them first.
This guide explains how to list references on a CV, who you can use, what information to include and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is a Reference on a CV?
A reference is a person who knows you professionally, academically or through another relevant experience and can provide information about your suitability for an opportunity.
A professional reference could be:
- A previous manager
- Supervisor
- Team leader
- Lecturer
- Teacher
- Internship supervisor
- Learnership supervisor
- Volunteer coordinator
- Project supervisor
- Previous employer
The best reference depends on your experience and the type of opportunity you are applying for.
Do You Need References on Your CV?
Not every CV needs a full list of references.
Some employers may specifically ask for references during the application process, while others may only request them later.
If the job advertisement does not ask for references, you can choose to leave them off your CV and provide them when requested.
Another option is to write:
References available on request
However, you do not necessarily need to include even this sentence. The space can sometimes be used for more important information about your skills, qualifications or experience.
How to List References on a CV
If you decide to include references, create a separate section near the end of your CV.
A basic format could look like this:
References
John Smith
Former Manager, ABC Company
Phone: 012 345 6789
Email: john.smith@example.com
Sarah Mokoena
Lecturer, ABC University
Phone: 011 123 4567
Email: sarah.mokoena@example.com
Keep the formatting consistent with the rest of your CV.
What Information Should You Include?
A reference entry can include:
- Full name
- Job title or relationship to you
- Company or organisation
- Telephone number
- Professional email address
For example:
Thabo Mokoena
IT Manager, ABC Technologies
Phone: 012 555 1234
Email: thabo.mokoena@example.com
You do not need to provide unnecessary personal information about your reference.
Always Ask Before Using Someone as a Reference
Before putting someone on your CV, contact them and ask whether they are willing to act as your reference.
This is important because:
- They need to know that employers may contact them.
- They can prepare for possible questions.
- You can confirm that their contact details are still correct.
- You avoid giving an employer an outdated or incorrect reference.
You should also tell your reference what types of positions you are applying for.
Who Should You Use as a Reference?
The best reference is generally someone who knows your work, education or relevant abilities and can give an honest and useful assessment.
Possible references include:
Previous Manager
A previous manager can discuss your responsibilities, performance and workplace behaviour.
Supervisor
A supervisor can provide information about your day-to-day work and responsibilities.
Lecturer
If you are a graduate or student with limited work experience, a lecturer may be able to provide an academic reference.
Teacher
For school leavers, a teacher can sometimes provide a reference, particularly when you have little or no employment experience.
Internship Supervisor
An internship supervisor can discuss your performance, responsibilities and workplace skills.
Learnership Supervisor
If you completed a learnership, the supervisor or workplace mentor may be an appropriate reference.
Volunteer Coordinator
If you have volunteered for an organisation, the person who supervised your work may be able to provide a reference.
Who Should You Avoid Using as a Reference?
Avoid using people who cannot provide meaningful information about your abilities or experience.
For example, you should generally avoid:
- Random friends
- People who barely know you
- People who cannot discuss your work
- People who do not remember working with you
- Someone you have not spoken to in many years
- Family members, unless specifically requested or genuinely relevant
A reference should have a credible connection to the experience you are presenting on your CV.
Can You Use a Family Member as a Reference?
Usually, professional or academic references are more appropriate.
A family member may not be able to provide an objective assessment of your workplace abilities.
If an application specifically asks for a character reference and permits someone who knows you personally, the requirements may be different.
Always follow the employer’s instructions.
How Many References Should You Include?
There is no universal number of references that every CV must contain.
If the employer requests a specific number, follow the instructions in the job advertisement.
If no number is specified, two or three relevant references may be sufficient when references are requested.
Quality matters more than quantity.
It is better to have two people who can genuinely discuss your abilities than a long list of people who barely know your work.
Professional Reference Example
Here is a simple example:
References
Nomsa Dlamini
Operations Supervisor, ABC Company
Phone: 011 456 7890
Email: nomsa.dlamini@example.com
David Naidoo
IT Manager, XYZ Solutions
Phone: 012 789 4567
Email: david.naidoo@example.com
Make sure the details are accurate and that both people have agreed to act as references.
Academic Reference Example
Students and graduates may not have many professional references.
An academic reference could look like this:
Academic Reference
Dr. Sarah Mokoena
Lecturer, Department of Information Technology
ABC University
Phone: 011 234 5678
Email: sarah.mokoena@example.com
Only use a lecturer or teacher as a reference if they know you well enough to provide useful information.
Reference Example for a School Leaver
If you have never had a job, you can consider an appropriate teacher or other person who supervised your activities.
For example:
Reference
Mr. Peter Mokoena
Teacher, ABC High School
Phone: 012 345
