Do you know that references in your CV can make or break your first impression in front of recruiters?
Yes, you read right! It is one of the super essential elements of the job application that, often, applicants ignore. If you have been doing it, too, stop it right now!
By making the correct use of the reference section within your resume, it can offer you the edge you deserve. A positive character assessment from a reputable and trustworthy source can help you stand out from other candidates.
However, if you commit some blunder within this section can result in your vitae appearing messy and unprofessional. Therefore, you must not leave room for any mistake, and for that, you need to know inside out about the reference section. Fortunately, you’re at the right place, as we’ll familiarise you with all the relevant, essential information.
Mention References In Your CV To Elevate Your Credibility
Without taking further ado, let’s dive in!
The Purpose Of References Within The CV
In the reference section, you provide the contact information of specific individuals to the hiring managers. Recruiters might want to verify everything you’ve mentioned within your vitae. Therefore, they might call your said contacts to double-check whilst your connection will vouch for your character, skills, and work performance. As around 85% of candidates lie in their applications, executive CV writers suggest including this will elevate your credibility. Thus, if you add this section to your vitae, recruiters will contact them and ask queries, such as:
- What is the connection between both of you?
- Is the applicant a good employee?
- What are their prominent personality traits, like work ethics and soft and hard skills?
- Will they be the perfect fit for the job they’re applying for?
Strategies To Choose The Right References
Keep in mind that if you include recommendations within your resume, the recruiter will most probably check them. So, create that list with great care.
For instance, you might feel like including an endorsement of someone influential within your current company. However, it may not be helpful if they don’t know you enough or have something meaningful to say.
The right strategy is to provide at least two recommendations on your vitae. Include the first one of your current or former employer. However, the second one should be from someone who knows you closely within your academic or professional life.
If you have recently graduated from a university and don’t have much experience, including two academic endorsements is acceptable. Here are a few connections you should consider for this section:
- Your current or previous employers
- Managers, Team leads, and supervisor
- Professor or tutor
- Colleagues or business partners
- Trainers or coaches
The Correct Strategy To Include References In Your CV
The correct strategy to include this reference section within your application is always to ask permission. It is a basic etiquette that you should always follow to seek approval if they’re okay with you sharing their contacts. Also, his way, the recommender will get some time to think about what and how they want to recommend you. Besides, there is a proper format to add recommendations that you should consider to prevent any mistakes.
Consider the following steps to follow the correct format:
- Give your recommender’s full name along with their job title to let your recruiter know about the person’s company name alongside their address
- Provide their work phone number and email while avoiding their private contact information
- Briefly describe the relationship between you and the referee. It informs the recruiter that the recommender is reliable enough to verify your information.
Analyze 2 Correct Examples Of CV Recommendations
Here are the two correct examples that you should consider for better understanding and correctly adding a recommendation section:
Example 1:
References:
1. Dr. Emily Johnson
Professor of Economics
University of XYZ
Email: emily.johnson@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
2. Mr. John Smith
Senior Manager
ABC Company
Email: john.smith@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 987-6543
Example 2:
Professional References:
1. Ms. Sarah Davis
Project Manager
XYZ Corporation
Email: sarah.davis@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 432-1098
2. Dr. Michael Lewis
Research Scientist
ABC Research Institute
Email: michael.lewis@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 876-5432
In both examples, the references consist of the individual’s name, professional title, the organization they work for, email address, and phone number. Besides the recommendation section, other elements within your resume are equally important. If you don’t want any prosperous career opportunity to slip away, consider outsourcing your vitae to the best CV writing service. Their assistance will set you apart from the other candidates and boost your job-securing chances.
2 Wrong CV Reference Examples To Identify Mistakes You Must Avoid
Besides observing the correct examples, examining the wrong ones will offer you a broader understanding of this section. It will acquaint you with the blunders and let you avoid them. So, let’s check out the following wrong samples:
Example 1:
References:
1. Jane Doe
Friend
Email: jane.doe@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
2. John Smith
Co-worker
Email: john.smith@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 987-6543
Explanation:
These references are incorrect because they lack professional credibility. References should ideally be individuals who have worked closely with you professionally and can provide insights into your skills, work ethic, and character. Friends and co-workers may not hold the same level of professional expertise or knowledge about your abilities as someone in a supervisory or professional position.
Example 2:
References:
1. Dr. Emily Johnson
Professor of Economics
University of XYZ
Email: emily.johnson@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
2. John Doe
Manager
ABC Company
Email: john.doe@example.com
Phone: +1 (555) 987-6543
Explanation:
While the first reference is appropriate, the second reference lacks specificity. It’s crucial to provide the full name and professional title of your referee. Simply stating “John Doe” without mentioning his particular position or role within the company doesn’t provide enough information for potential employers to assess the reference’s relevance or influence. Including the person’s professional title helps employers understand the context of the connection and its significance.
Should I Include References on My CV?
Including recommendations isn’t a must-to-do thing for your resume. It might even result in counterproductive; therefore, be careful while adding this section, such as don’t include when references are prohibited.
What should you not do while including references?
Avoid common blunders, like writing long and poorly organised recommendations. Also, don’t choose the wrong referee, such as who isn’t your recent employer and is irrelevant to your position. Don’t leave any vital information. Always prefer adding a recent or current former employer than the previous ones; otherwise, HR will think you’re hiding something.
When Should I Include recommendations within my resume?
You should include it when your potential employer requests it. If you have received any promotions or rewards from your previous workplace, including endorsement, it will highlight your accomplishments. Besides, you should consider including references if much space is left at the end.
Are there types of references, and what are those?
There are common three common types:
- Employment references: Include current or past employers, colleagues, or clients
- Professional recommendations: Consist of professional contacts who know you closely
- Academic endorsements: Comprise of instructor or vocational counsellors
The Final Takeaway
As you have reached this point of the guide, you’re ready to unleash the power of resume references. Keep in mind that you don’t always have to mention recommendations. Only include it when asked, or you feel it will make a good impact and boost your credibility. Consider the strategies, format, and examples to let the recruiter verify your personality and skills effortlessly.
Best of luck!