Often in resumes and curriculum vitae, you are asked to nominate referees. Learn how to choose referees for your CV or resume.
Basically, a job referee is someone your potential employer can contact in order to find out more information about you.
So, your referee can tell the potential employer:
- what you are like as a person and
- what you are like to work with.
Who can be your referee?
Finding it difficult to choose the right referee for your CV? Here are a few suggestions. The best choice for referees for reference can be someone who is a current or past:
- manager
- employer
- supervisor
- team leader
- work experience employer.
- Some other people like:
- people you have worked with
- customers or clients you have dealt with regularly.
- coaches of your sporting teams
- teachers, librarians or principals from your school or university
- people you have volunteered for.
- It is advisable NOT TO INCLUDE- friends or family members as a referee.
How To Choose Referees For Your CV?
In order to find a referee, all you have to do is:
- think about who to ask
- get their permission
- get their preferred contact details.
What do you need from your referee?
Before writing your reference section, ensure that you ask each of your referees for their:
- full name of the referee(double-check the spelling)
- their job title
- current contact details.
What is A Character reference from a referee?
When you do not have any work experience (paid or unpaid), you can also ask someone to give you a ‘character reference’.
So, basically, a character reference tells your potential employer about the kind of person you are. These are impressive in entry-level candidates’ resumes.
Here are some things a character reference could talk about:
- persistence
- ability to communicate well
- willingness to learn
- intelligence
- being good with your hands
- honesty.
What to tell your referee?
When somebody agrees to be your referee, ensure that they are ready to answer phone calls or emails about you.
You need to tell your referees about:
- the job/ jobs you are applying for
- your job interviews (so they can be ready to be contacted)
- any specific qualities or skills that you would like them to emphasize.
However, if you are applying for a number of jobs, you do not have to tell them about each and every single application. Just let them know you’re looking for work so they know they might get a call for a reference.
How many referees you must add?
Mostly the job advertisements mention how many referees are needed. However, if they have not specified, it is advisable to add two.
When you have more than two referees, pick the ones that:
- match the job you are going for best
- are most likely to say the most positive things about you
- will be easiest for your potential employer to contact.
Writing References
You must remember that you must add a reference only when you’re asked to.
Your potential employer may usually talk to referees by a phone call or in person.
A written reference is a letter written by a referee that tells about:
- your relationship to the referee
- what work you did with them
- how well you did your job
- how was it working with you
If you only have to add character references, ask your referee to add things like:
- how they know you
- the kind of person you are
- what all kind of qualities you possess
- why you would make a perfect employee.
How to include referees on your CV / Resume?
So, the best and most common way to put referee details at the end of your resume. For this, you have to options. You can either:
- list each referee. Provide their name, job title, and contact details.
- list only the name and job title of your referees. And then state, ‘Contact details available on request’.
And give their contact details when asked.
However, if the job advertisement specifically mentions that you must include referees’ contact details, make sure you include them on your resume.
Check out more about writing resumes, our How to write a resume has detailed guidelines.
Related-Resume Dos and Don’ts That You Must Follow
So, follow the above guidelines on How To Choose Referees For Your CV or Resume and create stellar resumes/CVs. If you have any queries, comment below. Our experts will guide you on your issues. Do share your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you luck with your oncoming job!
