References on a CV: When to Include Them

In 2026, "References available on request" is the most outdated line on most CVs. Here's the current standard for handling references — and what to do when an employer specifically asks for them.

The default: don't include references on the CV

Unless the job ad explicitly asks for references upfront, leave them off entirely.

• It wastes valuable CV space (a full reference block can take 4–6 lines per reference)
• It's assumed that you'll provide references if asked
• "References available on request" tells the reader nothing they don't already know

The space is better spent on an achievement bullet.

Even better: drop "References available on request"

It's a CV trope from the 1990s. Recruiters don't look for it, and including it signals a CV that hasn't been updated for the current era. Just remove the line.

When the job ad asks for references upfront

Some employers — especially in academia, healthcare, education, and the public sector — ask for references with the initial application. Provide them on a separate page titled "References", not crammed into the CV itself.

Standard format:

``` References

Dr. Elena Marin Director of Engineering, Acme Inc. Direct manager, Mar 2022 – Present elena.marin@acme.com · +44 20 1234 5678

Prof. James O'Donnell Head of Computer Science, University College London PhD supervisor, 2018 – 2022 j.odonnell@ucl.ac.uk ```

Two or three references is typical. Four is the maximum.

Who to ask

1. The strongest references are:
2. Your most recent direct manager (or a senior colleague if your current manager doesn't know you're searching)
3. A previous manager from your last role
4. A senior colleague who saw your work directly

• Avoid:
• Friends, family, or peers at your level
• Anyone who hasn't worked with you in the last 5 years
• Generic "character references" (rarely useful in professional roles)

Always ask permission first

Three rules:

1. **Always ask before listing someone.** A reference call from a recruiter to someone who didn't know they were a reference goes badly.
2. **Brief them.** Send the job description and a 2-line reminder of the project you worked on together.
3. **Thank them after.** Whether you get the offer or not.

When references actually get called

In modern hiring, references are typically called only after an offer is made — as a final check. Some senior roles still do references during the loop, but for most jobs in 2026 the call is post-offer.

If your reference is called pre-offer, that's a sign the employer is genuinely close to a decision — make sure your referee is reachable that week.

What to do if you've left a job badly

• If your last manager won't give a positive reference, use:
• A different senior person at the same company
• A skip-level (their manager) who saw your work
• A peer or client you worked closely with

You're not obligated to list your direct line manager.

Templates

Use the space saved by removing the references block to strengthen your experience section instead. Browse our CV templates — none include a reference section by default, and that's intentional.