References on a CV: Should You Include Them, and How?

Short answer: put references on your CV when the job advert asks for them or when employers in that country expect them, which is common across much of Africa. Otherwise write "References available on request" or leave the section out. When you do list references, give two or three people who know your work, with their job title, organisation, phone and email, and ask each of them first.

Advice on references on a CV differs because hiring habits differ. Here is how to decide, and how to write the section well.

Should I put references on my CV?

Yes if the advert asks for referees or if local employers expect them on the CV; no if you are short of space and the employer will ask later. Recruiters in the UK and the US usually check references only after an interview, so many guides there tell you to leave them off. In many African countries the opposite is normal: employers expect to see referees on the CV and some call them before the interview.

What our country guides record:

Country	References on the CV
Kenya	2 to 3, with title, organisation and phone number
Zambia	Expected on the CV itself: 2 to 3 with title, organisation, phone and email
Zimbabwe	At least 2 with full contact details, or "available on request"
South Africa	2 to 3 professional references, or "available on request"
Ghana	At least 2 with job title, organisation and contact; ask permission first
Uganda	2 to 3 professional referees; employers often call them

When the advert says what it wants, follow the advert.

How many references should a CV have?

Two or three. Two is the usual minimum; a third helps when one of them is hard to reach. More than three takes space your experience needs.

How to write references on a CV

Each reference needs five things: name, job title, organisation, phone number and email. Add how they know you if it is not obvious.

Amina Otieno
Finance Manager, Lakeside Foods Ltd
+254 700 000 000 · amina.otieno@example.com
My line manager, 2021 to 2024

(Amina is a fictional example.) Keep every reference in the same order and style, at the end of the CV.

What does "references available on request" mean?

It means you will give referees' details when the employer asks. It is fine where references are not expected on the CV, but it saves only one line, so many people now leave it out. Do not use it when the advert asks for referees.

Who should I use as a reference?

Someone who has seen your work recently: a current or former manager, a supervisor, a senior colleague or a client. Avoid family and friends.

• Students and graduates: a lecturer, your project or internship supervisor, or a teacher who knows your work.
• First job: a volunteering coordinator, a part-time employer or a coach.
• Teachers, nurses and drivers: see the referee advice in our teacher CV and driver CV guides.

Do I need permission to list a referee?

Yes, always ask first. A referee who is surprised by a call gives a weaker answer. Tell them which jobs you are applying for and send them your CV so they know what you wrote.

References on a CV with no experience

References matter more when your work history is short, because they speak for you. Pick people who saw you work hard: a lecturer, an internship supervisor or someone you volunteered with. Our guide to a CV with no experience shows where they fit.

How CV Chap Chap handles references

Every template with a references section shows each referee you add, in full. The AI CV Agent asks about referees before it finishes your CV, and the form builder has its own References step. Before you send, run the CV checklist.

References on a CV are a local habit as much as a rule: list two or three real, willing referees where employers expect them, and say they are available on request where they do not.

Ready to add your referees? Build your CV with the AI CV Agent.