When you’re updating your CV, it’s easy to get stuck on the small details. One of the most common questions is whether you should include your referees’ contact details.
The short answer is that it depends. But there are a few clear pros and cons worth knowing before you decide.
What Employers Actually Expect
Most employers don’t expect to see full reference details on your CV anymore. In many cases, references are requested later in the hiring process, often after a successful interview or once an offer has been made.
That means your CV doesn’t need to do everything. Its main job is to show your skills, experience, and suitability for the role. References tend to be a later-stage detail, not something that helps you win an interview.
The Pros of Including Reference Details
There are a few situations where adding references can be helpful.
If you’re early in your career and your CV is still short, including one referee may help fill space and show you’ve already built professional relationships. It can also be useful if you’re applying for temporary or contract roles, where hiring decisions move quickly and employers may want to check references sooner.
Including references can also show transparency. Some candidates feel it gives reassurance that they have nothing to hide and are confident about their work history.
The Cons (and Why Most People Leave Them Off)
The biggest downside is privacy. Putting your referee’s phone number and email on your CV means their details could be shared widely, especially if your CV is uploaded to multiple job boards or forwarded internally.
You also risk your referees being contacted without warning, which can reflect badly on you. Even if an employer has good intentions, it’s best practice to ask permission first and give your referee a heads-up.
Another issue is space. CVs should be concise, and reference details can take up valuable room that would be better used for achievements, key skills, or recent responsibilities.
Is “References Available Upon Request” Still Worth Writing?
This line used to appear on almost every CV, but it’s now widely seen as unnecessary.
Most employers already assume you can provide references if needed. Including the phrase doesn’t usually add value, and it takes up space that could be used for something more specific and relevant.
If you’re trying to keep your CV streamlined, it’s perfectly fine to leave it off entirely.
What You Should Do
Regardless of your decision, always have your referee details secure but ready-to-go. This means making sure your referee's contact details are up-to-date, that they are happy to be contacted, and that they know what types of roles you’re applying for.
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