The short answer
You don't need to list referees on a UK CV. Employers usually ask for references near the end of the process, often once they've offered you the job. Either leave references off your CV entirely or add one line: "References available on request." Don't put your referees' names, phone numbers or email addresses on a CV you send out. Instead, line up two people now, ask their permission, and have their details ready for when an employer asks.
Should you write "References available on request"?
This is one of the most argued-about lines on a CV, and honestly, it doesn't matter much either way.
- The case for it: the National Careers Service suggests it, and on a first CV it reassures the reader that someone will vouch for you.
- The case against: employers assume you'll provide references if asked, so many recruiters see the line as wasted space. On a two-page CV that's already full, it's the first line to go.
Our suggestion: include it on a first CV or a one-page CV with room to spare. Leave it off an experienced two-page CV. Nobody will reject you over this line, so spend your effort on the rest of the CV.
Why you shouldn't put referees' details on your CV
- Privacy. Your CV gets uploaded to job boards, forwarded and stored. Your referees haven't agreed to their phone numbers travelling that far. The National Careers Service also advises against putting other people's contact details on your CV.
- Control. You want to know when a referee is likely to be contacted, so you can warn them and tell them about the job.
- Space. Two referees with full details take six to eight lines you can use for evidence.
- Your current employer. If your manager is listed on your CV, a recruiter could contact them before you've told anyone you're looking.
When employers actually ask for references
According to Acas guidance on job references, it's best practice for employers to ask for references at the final stage, when making a job offer, and to get your permission before approaching your current employer. Many job offers are made "subject to satisfactory references".
There are exceptions where you'll give referee details earlier:
- Application forms, particularly in the NHS, schools, councils and other public sector employers, often have a references section. Fill it in when asked, with people who've agreed. Our NHS CV guide covers NHS applications.
- Roles working with children or vulnerable adults may involve references being requested before interview as part of safer recruitment checks.
- Recruitment agencies sometimes ask for references when you register. You can ask them not to contact your current employer until there's an offer.
Work references and character references
Acas describes two kinds of reference:
- A work reference comes from a current or previous employer. It can be basic (often called factual: your job title and dates of employment) or detailed (your skills, performance, reliability and reasons for leaving). Many organisations have a policy of giving only basic references, so don't read anything into a short one.
- A character reference (or personal reference) comes from someone who knows you well outside a job: a teacher, a mentor, someone you've volunteered for. It covers how they know you and what you're like.
An employer doesn't usually have to give a reference by law, though there are exceptions, such as when they've promised one in writing and for some regulated financial services jobs. If they do give one, Acas says it must be accurate and fair.
Who to ask
If you've been working for a while
- Your current or most recent line manager is usually the most useful work reference. Acas guidance says employers should have made you an offer, and have your permission, before they approach your current employer.
- A previous manager who knows your work well, especially if you'd rather your current employer didn't know you're looking yet.
- A senior colleague or client who saw your work closely, if a manager isn't available.
If it's your first job
You still have options. Good referees for a first job, Saturday job or apprenticeship include:
- Your form tutor, head of year or a teacher who knows you well
- A college or sixth form tutor
- A sports coach, Scout or Guide leader, or Duke of Edinburgh's Award leader
- The supervisor from your work experience placement
- The organiser at a charity shop, food bank or club where you volunteer
- A family you babysit or pet sit for regularly (as a character reference)
Don't use relatives or close friends: employers want someone who can be objective. For the rest of a first CV, see how to write your first CV with no experience.
If you're returning after a break or have been self-employed
Use your last employer (even if it was a few years ago) plus someone who knows what you've done recently: a course tutor, a volunteering coordinator, or a client you've worked with. If you're explaining a gap, our guide on explaining gaps in your CV has wording you can use.
What your referees will be asked
Reference requests vary, but they commonly ask the referee to confirm some or all of these:
- How they know you and for how long
- Your job title and dates of employment (for a work reference)
- Your reliability, punctuality and attendance
- Your skills and how well you did the job
- Your suitability for the role you've applied for
Acas guidance says a reference must not be misleading and should not include irrelevant personal information. It also lists things a reference should not include, such as sickness absence related to a disability, or maternity or paternity leave. If you're asked to suggest a referee for a specific quality ("someone who has seen you manage a team"), pick the person who saw it most directly, even if they're not your most senior contact.
How to ask someone to be your referee
Ask before you need them, ask properly, and make it easy for them to say good things. A short message is enough:
Hi Mrs Okoye,
I'm applying for apprenticeships in business administration this spring, and I wondered if you'd be willing to be one of my referees. You've been my form tutor for two years, so I think you'd be able to speak about my attendance and how I've helped with open evenings.
If that's OK, could you let me know the best email address and phone number to give employers? I'll let you know when someone might be in touch, and I'll send you the job details too.
Thank you,
Amira Hassan
Then keep them in the loop:
- Send them your CV and, when it happens, the job advert. A referee who knows what the job needs can write a better reference.
- Warn them when you've reached the offer stage, so the request doesn't go unanswered in a busy inbox.
- Tell them the outcome and thank them. You may need them again.
How to list referees when you're asked
When an employer asks for your referees, give them on a separate sheet, in an email or on their form, in this format:
Rachel Okoye
Teacher of English and form tutor, Hillside Academy
Relationship: my form tutor, 2024 to 2026
rachel.okoye@example.com | 0113 496 0123
Check that the details are current and that you've used the email address the referee asked you to use (often their work address).
If you can't get a reference
Sometimes a company has closed, a manager has left or an employer only gives basic references. Acas suggests asking the new employer whether they'll accept a reference from someone else, a different employer, or a character reference instead. A basic reference with job title and dates is normal and isn't a bad sign. If you're worried about what a previous employer might say, it's better to raise it calmly at interview than to have it come as a surprise. Our interview preparation guide covers handling tricky questions.
Can a previous employer give you a bad reference?
A reference can be negative, as long as it's fair and accurate: for example, it can say you don't have enough experience for the job. What it can't be, according to Acas, is misleading, inaccurate or discriminatory. If a job offer is withdrawn because of a reference you think is wrong, Acas suggests talking to the new employer about their concerns, offering other referees, and asking the person who wrote it to check it. Its guidance on what to do if you get a bad reference explains your options in full.
Common references mistakes
- Listing referees without asking them first
- Putting full contact details for referees on a CV you upload to job boards
- Using a relative or a friend as a referee
- Giving a referee who barely remembers you
- Forgetting to tell your referees you've applied, so they're caught off guard
- A whole references section on a CV that's already over two pages
References checklist
- No referee contact details on your CV
- "References available on request" included only if you have space (optional)
- Two referees chosen: ideally a recent manager and one other
- Both asked, both agreed, with their preferred email and phone
- Your CV and the job advert sent to them
- Details ready on a separate sheet for when you're asked
- Referees warned when you reach the offer stage, and thanked afterwards
References come at the end. The CV gets you there. Check your CV free to see your CV Score out of 100 and the fixes that will make the biggest difference first.