Should You Include References on Your CV? The Answer Might Surprise Every Job Seeker

One of the most common questions job seekers ask is: Should I include references on my CV?

You may have heard different advice from different people. Some say every CV must include references, while others insist that references should only be provided when requested.

So, who is right?

The truth is that both approaches can be correct, depending on the job, employer, and recruitment process. However, for most modern job applications in South Africa, including references directly on your CV is no longer necessary.

Understanding when and how to provide references can make your CV look more professional while protecting the privacy of your referees.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about CV references, when to include them, when to leave them out, and the mistakes that could hurt your chances of getting hired.

What Are CV References?

A reference is a person who can confirm your:

Work experience
Character
Skills
Reliability
Professional behaviour
Academic performance (if you have little or no work experience)

Employers usually contact references during the final stages of recruitment after they have shortlisted candidates.

Their goal is to verify that the information on your CV is accurate and to learn more about how you performed in previous roles.

Should You Include References on Your CV?

For most job applications, the answer is:

No. Modern CV writing recommends not listing references unless the employer specifically requests them.

Instead, you should save valuable space for information that sells your skills, such as:

Professional summary
Qualifications
Skills
Work experience
Achievements
Certifications
Volunteer work

Most recruiters simply assume that references will be available if they need them.

Why References Are Usually Left Off Modern CVs

There are several good reasons.

It Saves Valuable Space

Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning a CV.

Every line should help convince them to invite you for an interview.

Using space for references means sacrificing information that could make you a stronger candidate.

Employers Usually Ask Later

Most companies only check references after:

Interviews
Assessments
Shortlisting

There’s little benefit in listing them before they’re needed.

Protects Your Referees’ Privacy

Your referees trust you with their contact information.

Posting their:

Phone numbers
Email addresses
Workplace details

on every application increases the risk of spam or unwanted contact.

Recruitment Has Changed

Many companies now use:

Online application systems
ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Digital recruitment portals

These systems often have a separate section where references can be entered if required.

When Should You Include References?

There are situations where references should be included.

The Job Advert Specifically Requests Them

If the advertisement says:

Include references
Provide contactable referees
Submit three references

then follow the instructions exactly.

Ignoring application instructions may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

Government Applications

Some government departments request:

Three contactable references
Current supervisor details
Previous employer information

Always follow the instructions provided in the advert.

Academic Positions

Schools, universities and educational institutions sometimes ask applicants to include:

Professional referees
Academic referees
Teaching supervisors

Teaching positions often require references as part of the application process.

Graduate Programmes

Graduates with little work experience may be asked to provide:

Lecturers
Tutors
Internship supervisors
Project supervisors

These references help employers assess your potential.

Is “References Available Upon Request” Necessary?

Years ago, almost every CV ended with:

References available upon request.

Today, this sentence is considered unnecessary.

Why?

Because employers already expect you to provide references when needed.

Including this statement doesn’t strengthen your CV.

Instead, use that space for achievements or additional skills.

Who Makes a Good Reference?

Choose people who know your work well.

Examples include:

Current manager
Previous manager
Supervisor
Team leader
School principal
Lecturer
Internship mentor
Volunteer coordinator
Learnership facilitator

A good referee should be able to speak positively about your:

Work ethic
Attendance
Communication
Teamwork
Reliability
Performance

Who Should NOT Be Your Reference?

Avoid using:

Family members
Friends
Neighbours
Romantic partners
People you’ve never worked with
Anyone who may provide negative feedback

Employers prefer independent professional references.

What Information Should You Include for References?

If references are requested, provide:

Full Name

Job Title

Company or Organisation

Relationship to You

Phone Number

Email Address

Example:

John Smith

Operations Manager

ABC Logistics

Former Supervisor

082 XXX XXXX

john.smith@email.com

How Many References Should You Include?

Most employers expect:

Two references
Three references

Having three reliable referees is usually enough.

Quality matters more than quantity.

What If You Have No Work Experience?

Many first-time job seekers worry about references.

Fortunately, employers understand this.

You can use:

Lecturer
Teacher
School principal
Coach
Volunteer coordinator
Community project leader
Internship supervisor

These people can still speak about your character and work ethic.

Should You Ask Someone Before Listing Them?

Absolutely.

Always ask permission first.

This allows your referee to:

Expect a phone call
Prepare for questions
Speak positively about you
Confirm they’re comfortable acting as your reference

Never assume someone is happy to be listed.

Keep Your References Updated

People change jobs regularly.

Before submitting your CV:

Confirm phone numbers
Confirm email addresses
Check job titles
Make sure they still work at the organisation

Outdated references can delay recruitment.

Should References Be on a Separate Page?

If an employer requests references, you have two options.

Option 1

Include them at the end of your CV.

Option 2

Create a separate reference page.

Many professionals prefer a separate document because it:

Looks cleaner
Protects privacy
Can be updated independently

What Happens During a Reference Check?

Employers may ask your referee questions such as:

How long did you work together?
What were the applicant’s responsibilities?
Was the applicant reliable?
Would you hire this person again?
How did they work with others?
Why did they leave?

This helps employers reduce hiring risk.

Common Reference Mistakes

Avoid these common errors.

Including fake references

Employers often verify references.

False information can immediately disqualify you.

Listing someone without permission

Your referee may be surprised by the call and provide incomplete information.

Using outdated contact details

Incorrect numbers create a poor impression.

Choosing the wrong people

Someone who barely knows your work cannot provide meaningful feedback.

Including references when not requested

This isn’t a major mistake, but it uses valuable CV space that could showcase your qualifications.

Tips for First-Time Job Seekers

If you’re applying for:

Learnerships
Graduate programmes
Entry-level jobs
Internships
Government vacancies

Consider preparing a separate reference document before you start applying.

That way, you’re ready if an employer requests it.

Your referee could be:

Lecturer
Teacher
School principal
Volunteer manager
Internship supervisor

Best Practice for South African Job Seekers

For most applications today:

Do not include references on your CV unless requested.
Keep a separate reference list ready.
Always ask permission before using someone’s name.
Keep contact information current.
Choose referees who know your work well.
Follow every instruction in the job advertisement.

A well-written CV should focus on showing employers why you deserve an interview. References are important, but they usually come later in the recruitment process.

Edupstairs Advice

Your CV should be a marketing document that highlights your strengths, qualifications, and achievements. In most cases, references do not need to appear on the CV itself. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet with up-to-date contact details so you can provide it immediately when an employer requests it. Remember, choosing trustworthy and professional referees can strengthen your application during the final hiring stages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I include references on my CV in South Africa?

Not usually. Most employers only request references after shortlisting candidates or during the interview stage.

How many references should I have?

Two to three professional references are generally sufficient.

Can I use my teacher as a reference?

Yes. If you have little or no work experience, teachers, lecturers, principals, or internship supervisors are acceptable references.

Should I write “References Available Upon Request”?

No. This phrase is outdated and unnecessary on most modern CVs.

Can I use a family member as a reference?

No. Employers expect independent professional or academic references.

Should I include my current manager as a reference?

Only if you’re comfortable with them being contacted. Otherwise, you can mention that references will be provided at a later stage.

What if my previous manager has left the company?

You can still use them if you have their current contact details and they agree to act as your referee.

You can also:

Disclaimer

This article provides general career guidance for South African job seekers. Recruitment requirements vary between employers, industries, and government departments. Always read the job advertisement carefully and follow any instructions regarding references or supporting documents.