How to List References on a Curriculum Vitae
There are several different Curriculum Vitae styles. Based on your experience, job search and individual circumstances, you may choose among academic, IT, medical or international formats. Each format will dictate where--or if--you list references.
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Things You'll Need
- Two to three professional and/or personal associates who would be willing to speak positively on your behalf for you to gain employment. Their contact information should be typed within the CV or on a separate page including name, phone and/or email, city/state/country and their relation to you.
Instructions
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Details of a Curriculum Vitae
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Generally the Curriculum Vitae will begin with your name and contact information. The first section can be education; other formats begin with work experience. When listing your work experience, list it in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
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Next list publications, awards and interests or affiliations. The basic rule is that you want to put your best foot forward.
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If you are a recent graduate, you may want to put your education first, followed by whatever work experience you have. If you have been in the working world for several years and have excellent experience, you ought to list this first, followed by the other sections. In all cases, references would be listed at the bottom of the CV.
To Not Include References
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Every person's circumstance is different. A job may not ask for references. In this case, it is common to end the CV with a phrase such as, "References Provided Upon Request" at the end of the CV.
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Some CV experts claim this phrase is overworked and should be left out. The best thing is to have ready a separate paper with professional and/or personal references that you can take to the interview. If you are asked either for business references or personal, you can immediately provide the data.
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Whether within the CV or on a separate sheet, certain principles remain the same. Be sure the references know you are listing them on your CV. Also make sure they will be a positive asset in your job search.
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Providing too many references will overwhelm the reader. Most employers want to see two or three at the most. Try to have variations of past and present associates. If you only have family references, your work experience will look bad. Try former teachers, employers on good terms, leaders of volunteer/professional organizations and friends who work in prominent positions.
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Many CVs are now done online or within a set format. Be sure whether references are requested or not. If possible, ask the interviewer if he requires references and how he'd like you to include them. Every position is different and information that is considered positive for one, may be detrimental in another.
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Tips & Warnings
It should be noted that a CV is different from a resume in that a CV is usually over two pages and provides an in-depth summary of your educational and academic background, teaching/research experience, publications, presentations, awards and affiliations with professional organizations.
