Your CV is not your biography. It’s your pitch deck.
Here’s why you should leave references off—and what to include instead.
As someone deeply immersed in HR, recruitment, and talent development, I’ve reviewed hundreds of CVs—some brilliant, some promising, and others… still holding onto outdated habits.
One of those habits?
References on CVs.
Let’s talk about it—not from tradition, but from strategy.
First things first: Your CV is a marketing document, not a full biography.
It’s designed to sell your value, not list everyone who knows you.
In 2025, the rules of engagement have evolved—and smart professionals are updating how they present themselves accordingly.
Here’s what I tell every job seeker and professional I coach:
1. References are not required on your CV.
Unless the job specifically requests them, leave them off. Your CV should focus on you, not on the people who might vouch for you.
2. “References available on request” is now obsolete.
Recruiters already know they can ask if they need them. Instead, use that space to showcase your wins, measurable achievements, or your personal brand tagline.
3. Strategic references are prepared, not improvised.
Keep a separate document with updated contacts. Choose mentors, former supervisors, or clients—people who have seen your work and can confidently articulate your value. Brief them in advance.
4. Great references won’t save a weak CV.
If your resume doesn’t clearly show your impact, your referees won’t get the chance to advocate for you. Focus on building proof of your capabilities first.
5. In HR, we’re not just reading your CV—we’re reading your judgment.
The way you present information tells us how you think. A cluttered CV with irrelevant references or outdated formats sends the wrong message about your professional maturity.
Here’s my stance as a career strategist:
We need to stop doing things “because that’s how we were taught” and start doing things because they work.
Your CV should be forward-thinking, clean, and intentional. Let it speak for you before your referees ever get the chance.
And when they do?
Let their voices reinforce what your CV already made crystal clear.
