References For CVs

What are references?

There are two basic types of references that can be put on a CV.

• first one: from a person who can vouch for your previous employment history, such as a previous employer or manager, or somebody who worked with you closely.
• second one: from somebody who is quite senior in the community, such as a teacher or perhaps a doctor, who can vouch for your character.

Do I need to include references?

When you're thinking about whether to put references on your CV, it's a good idea either to give the full details or simply put, "References available on request." The employer, or future employer, will be happy with either of those.

How many references do I need to include?

Ideally, two references on your CV is enough or have two references available on request.
• one of the references should be pertinent to your work history--your previous employer.
• second one should be somebody who's quite senior in the community who can actually vouch for you as a character.

Can I be sure a previous employer will give me a good reference?

You can't guarantee that your most recent employer is going to give you a good reference. So, when your future employer writes to them, by law, they cannot give you a bad reference, but what they can do is decline to give the reference itself. So, that can often send a message back that there may have been a problem with your previous employment history.

Should I let a potential employer know if I suspect my previous employer will give a bad reference?

If for any reason you feel that your previous employer may decline to give you a reference, because you fell out with him when you left, let your prospective employer know that that was the case. They would much rather know at interview that your previous employer will decline to give a reference than later. They won't think any less of you if you are actually honest with them.

Good luck!
Gabriela