References are one of the most misunderstood sections of a CV. Some candidates list them in full on every application. Others write "references available on request" as a standard footer. Some leave them out entirely. The right approach depends on where you are applying — because conventions vary significantly between Pakistan, Gulf countries, the UK, and North America.
This guide covers exactly how to handle references on your CV — what to include, where to put them, how many you need, and the market-specific conventions that determine what employers expect. Build your complete CV using our free CV builder once your references approach is clear.
What Is a CV Reference?
A CV reference is a professional contact who can verify your employment history and speak to your character, work ethic, and professional capabilities. When an employer decides to make an offer — or is seriously considering one — they contact your references to confirm what your CV and interview presented.
References are not read during the initial screening stage. They are checked after your CV and interview have already impressed the recruiter. This means the most important function of your references section is to demonstrate that you have credible, professional contacts who can vouch for you — not to provide detailed reference statements upfront.
Types of References
Professional References — Best
Former managers, supervisors, or senior colleagues who can speak directly to your work performance, professional conduct, and specific achievements. Always the strongest type of reference — prioritise these above all others.
Academic References
University professors, dissertation supervisors, or department heads. Appropriate for freshers, recent graduates, and anyone applying for academic or research roles. Less relevant once you have two or more years of professional experience.
Character References
Professional contacts who know you well but have not worked directly with you — community leaders, long-term clients, or senior professionals who can speak to your character. A last resort — only use when professional references are genuinely not available.
Family members — regardless of their professional status
Close personal friends — perceived as biased
Anyone who does not know your professional work
Anyone who has not agreed to serve as your reference
Anyone whose contact details you are not certain are current
How Many References Should You Include?
Two professional references is the standard for most markets. For Pakistani and Gulf applications, two to three references listed in full on the CV is widely expected and appropriate. For UK and North American applications, "references available on request" is the convention — listing full reference details is considered unnecessary and slightly old-fashioned.
Reference Conventions by Country
Pakistan
In Pakistan's job market — particularly for corporate, government, NGO, and formal sector roles — two references listed in full on the CV is standard practice and widely expected. Pakistani recruiters routinely check references and expect them to be readily available.
For Pakistani CVs, include:
- Full name
- Professional title
- Organisation
- Phone number
- Email address
- Relationship to you — "Former Manager", "Academic Supervisor"
See our complete Pakistan CV format guide for more on local conventions.
UAE and Gulf Countries
Gulf employers — particularly in corporate, banking, and professional services — commonly expect references on or accompanying the CV. Two to three references listed in full is standard. Gulf employers often check references thoroughly and quickly — having them readily available is an advantage.
For Gulf CVs, include the same details as Pakistani CVs — and if any reference has Gulf work experience themselves, this can add credibility. See our UAE CV format guide and Gulf countries CV guide for more.
United Kingdom
In the UK, listing full reference details on a CV is considered outdated. The standard practice is to write "References available on request" — or to omit the references section entirely, as this is now so widely understood that even the phrase is considered optional.
UK employers will request references separately — usually after a job offer is made or after a successful final interview. See our UK CV format guide for more on British CV conventions.
Australia and Canada
Similar to the UK — "References available on request" is the convention in Australia and Canada. Full reference details on the CV are not expected. References are provided separately when requested by the employer. See our Australia CV guide and Canada CV guide for more.
What to Include for Each Reference
When listing references in full — for Pakistan and Gulf applications — include these details for each reference:
Mr. Ahmed Khan
Director of Operations
XYZ Manufacturing Company, Karachi
Phone: +92 300 1234567
Email: ahmed.khan@xyzcompany.com
Relationship: Former Line Manager (2019 – 2023)
Keep reference entries clean and consistent. Two references side by side in a two-column layout is a common and space-efficient format for Pakistani CVs — provided the layout is ATS-compatible. Read our guide on passing ATS screening for formatting rules.
Where to Put References on Your CV
References always go at the end of your CV — after all other sections. They are the last thing a recruiter reads and the least important section for the initial screening decision. Placing references near the top of your CV wastes premium space that should be used for your professional summary and work experience.
✓ Correct Placement
- Last section of the CV
- After skills and certifications
- Clean, consistent formatting
- Two references side by side saves space
- Clear relationship stated for each
✗ Incorrect Placement
- References at the top of the CV
- References before work experience
- References as the second section
- Reference details in the header
- Mixing references throughout the CV
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Reference
Never list someone as a reference without asking them first. A reference who is surprised by an employer's call — or who does not remember you clearly — can damage an application that was otherwise progressing well.
Ask Directly and Specifically
Contact your potential reference by phone or email — ask specifically whether they would be comfortable providing a positive professional reference. Do not assume — ask directly.
Brief Them on the Role
Tell them what type of role you are applying for and the skills or qualities most relevant to it. A reference who knows what to emphasise will give a more useful and targeted reference than one who speaks generally.
Confirm Their Current Contact Details
People change jobs, phone numbers, and email addresses. Confirm their current details before listing them — an employer who cannot reach a reference may assume you provided inaccurate information.
Thank Them Afterwards
Whether or not you get the job — thank your references for their time and update them on the outcome. Professional courtesy maintains the relationship for future applications.
Common Reference Mistakes
Listing References Without Asking
The most damaging reference mistake. A reference who is surprised by an employer's call may give an uncertain or lukewarm response that undermines your application at the final stage. Always confirm before listing.
Using Outdated Contact Details
A reference whose phone number has changed or whose email no longer works reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Verify all contact information before listing it — and update it whenever your reference changes employer.
Listing Family Members
Family members are never appropriate professional references — regardless of their seniority or industry standing. Employers dismiss family references immediately as they cannot be considered objective. Use professional contacts only.
Including References on UK or North American CVs in Full
Listing full reference details on a CV for UK or North American employers takes up space that should be used for work experience and achievements — and signals unfamiliarity with local conventions. Use "References available on request" or omit entirely for these markets. Read our CV mistakes guide for more common errors.
Build Your CV With References Handled Correctly
Our free CV builder helps you structure your complete CV — including the references section — correctly for your target market. Browse our professional templates and download your finished CV as a clean PDF. No sign-up required.
For more on CV conventions by country, see our dedicated guides: Pakistan, UAE, UK, and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include references on my CV?
It depends on where you are applying. For Pakistan and Gulf applications — yes, two references listed in full is standard practice and widely expected. For UK, Australia, Canada, and North America — write "References available on request" or omit the section entirely. Full reference details are not expected in these markets and take up space better used for your work experience and achievements.
How many references should I have on my CV?
Two professional references is the standard for Pakistan and Gulf CVs. Three is acceptable for senior roles or government applications. For UK and North American CVs — the number does not matter because references are provided separately on request rather than listed on the CV itself.
Who should I use as a reference?
Always use professional references first — former managers, supervisors, or senior colleagues who can speak directly to your work performance. For freshers and recent graduates, academic references from professors or dissertation supervisors are appropriate. Never use family members or close personal friends as references — they are considered biased and dismissed by most employers.
Do I need to ask someone before listing them as a reference?
Yes — always. Never list anyone as a reference without their explicit agreement. Contact them directly, confirm they are comfortable providing a positive reference, brief them on the type of role you are applying for, and verify their current contact details. A reference who is surprised by an employer's call can damage an otherwise strong application at the final stage.
What information should I include for each reference?
For Pakistan and Gulf CVs where references are listed in full — include full name, professional title, organisation, phone number, email address, and your relationship to them. For UK and North American CVs — prepare a separate reference sheet with this information to provide when requested, rather than including it on the CV itself.
Ready to build your CV?
Use our free CV builder — ATS-friendly templates, guided sections, and clean PDF download. No sign-up required.
Build Your CV Free →