References on a CV

Wurly

HI folks - hoping you can help me out on something...

Under the references section on my CV, I have 'available upon request'.

My partner thinks that I should have each referee listed as otherwise i'm just making life difficult for a prospective employer.

However, it is my understanding that an employer sorts through the relevant CV's first and makes a shortlist. Then goes reference checking. And then decides who to pick based on a good CV and reference(s).

I don't want to list addresses and phone numbers for my references in case they call them before asking me first. I think it's more courteous to ask my references to take a call first, rather than have someone ringing out of the blue...

Are both approaches the done thing or is one approach better than the other? Thanks.

Wishbone Ash

Wurly wrote: »

it is my understanding that an employer sorts through the relevant CV's first and makes a shortlist. Then goes reference checking

I used to seek references if the candidate was successful at interview and would never ask for one without making sure the candidate knew in advance. I'd be a bit suspicious about "available on request" but I suppose it differs from one employer to another.

cailinoBAC

I’ve never put references on my CV, in fact I don’t even say that they are available upon request. I have always just assumed that I will be asked for them if I get to a certain stage.

Wurly

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I'd be a bit suspicious about "available on request" but I suppose it differs from one employer to another.

Thanks for this. This is exactly what my partner said... So is there another way I can phrase this then as I think maybe the wording might be off putting to an employer.

Again, I am still reluctant to put my references on my CV at first for the reasons stated in my first post. I have no problem of course giving my references when asked for them.

Thanks.;)

Wishbone Ash

When we get CVs we send out an application form. (We don't actually use the CVs). Filling in the references section is mandatory in our application form so it doesn't really arise. We also have a box to tick if you wish to be contacted in advance. I'm not sure how you'd get around it in a CV.

Part of the reason employers like to see a list of references is to determine that they are appropriate for the position applied. For example, we do not accept references from school principals, clergy, GPs, solicitors, shopkeepers, public representatives, agencies etc.

donkey balls

I found having references on the C.V was a pain in the arse when applying for jobs through recruitment agencies as they were more interested in the people I had down as my referees,Some even asked if I could give them mobile nbrs etc:eek: for the people I had on my C.V the morans were probely looking for some new biz leads:rolleyes:.
These days the refs available on request is on the last page of my C.V.

Eoin

References available upon request is absolutely fine, and is advisable.

james405

Put down 2 of your best references! Or alternatively build a linkedIn profile with links to -previous employers!

Eoin

Here's reasons why you don't put references down on a CV:

You want to control who calls your referee. This should be a company or their agent upon making an offer that you've accepted. Not when you apply for a job, or had a good interview.

You want to control when they're called. You don't want them getting a call out of the blue and being caught off guard. When you get the offer and know that your references will be checked out, you contact your referee and tell them to expect the call. Also give them a bit of info about the role you applied for and some detail on what parts of your CV/experience that you emphasised. You might not be going for exactly the same role, or you might have focussed on one area that your referee might not.

References upon request is absolutely fine. I wouldn't be the least bit suspicious - I've received a load of CVs over the last few months, and not one candidate listed their referees' contact details.