Why References Are So Important in Your CV

At Roadhogs, we have been dealing with CVs for over thirty years. 

We’ve learnt over the years that references are hugely important. 

They are a must if you want your CV to stand out and give you an edge over the competition. They also speed things up. Your skill set and experience are super important, but references boost those with solid validation.

References: More Than Just Names on a Page

Think of references as your stamp of approval. They’re the ones who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and all the things your CV might not be able to capture fully. A positive reference from a past employer or supervisor can be the difference between getting an interview and your CV going into the ‘no thanks’ pile. 

Here’s why including references on your CV is important:

• Boosts Credibility: Anyone can write impressive things on a CV, but a glowing reference from someone who’s actually worked with you adds a layer of legitimacy to your claims. It shows employers you’re not just talking the talk; you’re walking the walk.
• Paints a Complete Picture: Your CV highlights your skills and experience, but references can add details about your work style, personality, and how you fit into a team. This well-rounded picture can make a significant impression on potential employers.
• Shows Confidence: By including references, you essentially say, “I’m confident in my abilities and happy to have someone vouch for me.” This confidence can be a selling point to employers.

Including references isn’t just about getting your foot in the door. It can also:

• Help You Stand Out: Any advantage you can get is crucial in a competitive job market. Strong references can set you apart from other qualified candidates.
• Speed Up the Process: By providing references upfront, you’re making it easier for employers to verify your information and get a complete picture of your qualifications, which can lead to a faster interview offer.

Here are some quick tips:

• Only include strong references: Make sure these people know you well and can speak positively about your work.
• Get permission: Before listing someone as a reference, always ask for their permission.
• Keep it professional: Include your reference’s full name, title, company, phone number, and email address.

You’re giving yourself the best chance to land that dream job by including strong references on your CV. If you want any help in obtaining them or to speak to Roadhogs Recruitment about which references to include, give us a call in the office at 0800 999 3655 or 07912864646 or email [email protected].