United Kingdom · CV rules
References on a UK CV: Do You Include Them?
You don't need to list referees on a UK CV. Prospects says you don't have to include them at this stage, and that writing "references available on request" is optional because employers assume you can provide them. Southampton says employers usually ask after a formal job offer. The exceptions are an advert that asks for full details, and academic CVs, where references are generally expected.
You've squeezed your career onto two pages and the space at the bottom is tight. Do you really need a "References" section? And what if your best manager lives in another country?
The UK is closer to Canada here than to Australia. In Australia, a referees section at the end of the CV is normal. In the UK, most careers services say you can leave it out. But the sources don't agree on every detail, and we'll show you where they differ.
What each source says
| Source | What it says about references |
|---|---|
| Prospects | You don't need to list referees at this stage. "References available upon request" is optional, since employers usually assume you can provide them. Leave it out if space is tight |
| University of Dundee | Add "References available on request" at the end, unless the advert asks for full reference details. Provide references only when asked, often after a final interview |
| University of Southampton | Don't include references unless the recruiter asks. Employers usually request them after a formal job offer. They're generally expected on academic CVs, but not for most industry roles |
| Newcastle University | Optional. For graduate roles, two referees is standard, ideally one academic and one professional contact such as an employer or volunteering supervisor |
| Prospects and Keele employer study | No clear preference. Some employers wanted full details for convenience, others were happy with "available upon request"; the report's guidelines say that phrase is sufficient |
So there are two safe options: leave references off entirely, or add a single line saying they're available. Both are accepted. Only the advert can change that: if it asks for referee details, give them.
When do employers actually ask?
The sources give two slightly different answers. Dundee says references are provided when an employer asks, often after a final interview. Southampton says employers usually request them after a formal job offer. In practice, that means you need your referees ready before the late stages, not on day one. The timing can vary by employer and sector, so check the application instructions.
How many referees, and who?
- Two is the standard for graduate roles, according to Newcastle. Have a third person in reserve.
- Mix the types. Newcastle suggests one university academic and one professional contact, such as an employer or volunteering supervisor.
- Experienced applicants would normally choose recent managers who can speak about their work. That is our suggestion rather than a rule from these sources.
- Ask permission first. Newcastle says to ask each person before you name them.
What to prepare: a reference list to send when asked
Keep this on a separate page, in the same font as your CV, ready to send as soon as an employer asks. A name, job title, organisation, how they know you, and a phone number and email is what most employers need.
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[City] | [Phone] | [Email]
REFEREES
[Referee 1 full name]
[Job title], [Organisation]
Relationship: [e.g. my line manager at ABC Ltd, 2022–2025]
Phone: [+country code number] | Email: [email]
[Referee 2 full name]
[Job title], [Organisation]
Relationship: [e.g. my dissertation supervisor]
Phone: [number] | Email: [email]
And if you decide to say something on the CV itself, this is all you need at the very end:
References available on request.
Your referees are overseas
This is the usual situation for people who have just moved, and it isn't a deal-breaker. The sources we reviewed don't give specific advice on overseas referees, so treat these as our suggestions:
- Include the country code on every phone number, and an email address too.
- Tell them about time zones. A short note on when a recruiter might call avoids missed calls.
- Add a UK contact when you can, such as a manager from a volunteering role, a placement or a university tutor, and say how each person knows you.
Give your referees a heads-up
- Ask first. Newcastle says to ask each person's permission before listing them.
- Send them the job description and your CV, so they can speak to the skills that matter.
- Tell them roughly when to expect contact. That is likely to be late in the process, after an interview or an offer.
- Say thank you once the process is over.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put references on my CV in the UK?
You don't need to. Prospects says referees aren't needed at this stage, and Southampton says not to include them unless asked. Add them if the advert requests full reference details.
Should I write "references available on request"?
It's optional. Prospects says employers assume you can provide references, so you can leave it out if space is tight. Dundee suggests adding it at the end unless the advert asks for details.
How many referees do I need in the UK?
Two is standard for graduate roles, according to Newcastle. Have a third person in mind in case an employer asks for more.
When do UK employers ask for references?
Usually late in the process. Dundee says often after a final interview, and Southampton says usually after a formal job offer.
Who should my referees be?
Newcastle suggests one university academic and one professional contact, such as an employer or volunteering supervisor. Ask each person for permission first.
What if the job advert asks for referee details?
Give them. Dundee's advice to write "references available on request" applies unless the advert asks for full reference details.
Are references expected on an academic CV?
Generally yes. Southampton says references are generally expected on academic CVs, but not for most industry roles.
Your next step
Choose two people today and ask if they'd be willing to act as your referees. Then fill in the reference template above and save it next to your CV, ready to send the moment an employer asks.
Applying in more than one country? Compare how Canada and Australia handle references, and check the UK length rules in our guide on how long a UK CV should be.
Keep going
Your next steps
Sources
Leave a Reply