References on a CV: UK Rules, Etiquette, and What Employers Actually Expect

The Short Answer: Do Not Put References on Your CV

In the UK, the standard practice is to not include references on your CV. This is not a matter of opinion or personal preference — it is the established convention across virtually every industry. Recruiters do not expect to see references listed, and including them uses valuable space that would be better spent on your skills, experience, and achievements.

References are checked later in the hiring process, typically after an interview and often only once a conditional offer has been made. Listing them on your CV is premature and, in some cases, counterproductive.

This guide explains why the convention exists, what to do instead, and how to handle the handful of situations where references might be mentioned earlier.

Why References Are No Longer Included

There are several practical reasons why UK CVs have moved away from listing references:

• Space is limited. A UK CV should be one to two pages. Every line needs to earn its place. Two references with names, titles, organisations, phone numbers, and email addresses can take up six to eight lines — space that could hold two or three achievement-driven bullet points instead.
• Privacy concerns. Listing someone's name, phone number, and email on a document that may be uploaded to multiple job boards, forwarded internally, or stored in applicant databases raises legitimate data protection questions. Under GDPR, sharing personal contact details without clear necessity is best avoided.
• Timing is wrong. References are relevant at the offer stage, not the screening stage. Including them on a CV is like bringing a suitcase to a first date — it signals a misunderstanding of where you are in the process.
• Recruiters do not use them at CV stage. No recruiter is going to call your references before deciding whether to invite you for an interview. They assess your CV on its content, not on who will vouch for you.

Should You Write "References Available on Request"?

This phrase was standard on UK CVs for decades, but it has fallen out of favour. Most career advisers and recruiters now consider it unnecessary filler. The reasoning is straightforward: every candidate is expected to be able to provide references if asked. Stating it explicitly adds no information.

That said, including "References available on request" is not a serious error. It will not get your CV rejected. It simply takes up a line that could be used more productively. If you are tight on space — which you almost certainly are on a two-page CV — cut it. If you have room and it makes you feel more comfortable, it will not cause harm.

The one scenario where it might add marginal value is when you are applying to a very traditional employer (certain legal firms, public sector bodies, or academic institutions) where the phrase is still commonly expected. Even then, its absence is unlikely to be noticed.

When References Might Come Up Early

There are a few situations where references are relevant before the offer stage:

• The job advert explicitly asks for them. Some public sector roles, NHS positions, and academic applications require references as part of the initial application. In these cases, follow the instructions exactly — provide what is asked for, in the format specified.
• Application forms with reference fields. Many online application systems include dedicated reference fields. Fill them in if they are marked as required. If they are optional, you can leave them blank or enter "Available on request."
• Regulated industries. Roles in finance, healthcare, education, and social care often require references earlier in the process due to compliance and safeguarding requirements. If you are applying in these sectors, have your references ready from the outset.
• Internal referrals. If someone within the company has referred you, the hiring manager may already have an informal reference. This does not change what you put on your CV, but it is worth being aware of.

How to Prepare Your References

Even though references do not go on your CV, you should have them ready before you start applying. Being asked to provide references and scrambling to find suitable people creates unnecessary stress and can delay an offer.

• Choose two to three referees. The standard expectation in the UK is two references: one from your most recent employer and one from a previous employer or professional contact. Some roles require a third, often an academic reference for graduates or a character reference for certain sectors.
• Ask permission first. Always contact your referees before listing them. Confirm that they are willing to provide a reference, check their current contact details, and give them a heads-up about the types of roles you are applying for so they can tailor their response.
• Choose people who can speak to your work. A direct line manager is ideal. A colleague who worked closely with you is acceptable. A senior person you barely interacted with is not — their reference will be vague and unconvincing.
• Keep their details in a separate document. Prepare a clean reference sheet with each referee's name, job title, organisation, phone number, email address, and their relationship to you. When an employer asks for references, you can send this document promptly.

What Happens During a Reference Check

Understanding the process helps you prepare your referees effectively. In the UK, reference checks typically work as follows:

Timing: References are usually requested after a successful interview, often as part of a conditional job offer. The offer is contingent on satisfactory references, a right-to-work check, and sometimes a DBS check.

Method: Most reference checks are now conducted by email or through an online form. Phone references still happen but are less common than they used to be. Large employers often use third-party reference checking services.

Content: Employers typically ask for confirmation of dates of employment, job title, and reason for leaving. Some ask about performance, conduct, and suitability for the new role. In the UK, employers are not legally obligated to provide a reference (unless it is an industry requirement), but most will provide a basic factual one.

Legal considerations: References must be accurate and fair. An employer cannot give a misleading reference, but they can decline to give one at all. If you are concerned about what a former employer might say, it is better to address this proactively with the new employer rather than hoping it will not come up.

What to Put on Your CV Instead

The space freed up by removing references is better used on content that actually influences whether you get an interview. Consider using it for:

• An additional achievement bullet point in your most recent role — ideally one with quantified results.
• A relevant certification or course that strengthens your application.
• A skills line that includes a keyword from the job description you might otherwise have missed.
• A brief interests section if you are a graduate or early-career candidate (see our guide on what to include in a CV).

Every element on your CV should answer one question: "Does this make the recruiter more likely to invite me for an interview?" References do not answer that question at the CV stage. Skills, achievements, and tailored content do.

For a CV that makes the most of every line, try the AI CV Builder. It structures your content for maximum impact, tailors phrasing to the job description, and ensures nothing important is missing — or wasting space.

Related Reading

• What to Include in a CV: A Complete Section-by-Section Guide
• How to Write a CV: The Complete UK Guide
• CV Tips UK: 15 Practical Tips for a Stronger CV
• Best CV Format for the UK Job Market