Are references on your CV a good idea?
Contrary to the advice of many job consultants, career coach Catherine Breet-Byers says listing references on a CV is a bad idea.
There are three reasons why it is best to withhold the names and contact details of your references:
- Firstly, interested recruiters or potential employers are compelled to call and ask for reference information which alerts you to who is viewing your CV.
- More importantly your ‘references are golden’ and you need to protect the people who can either cement or ruin your career prospects.
- Another benefit of excluding references from your CV is that you are provided with an opportunity to prepare or coach your referee before every reference check. Get in touch with old supervisors and give them some background about the job, why you are interested and why you are the best candidate for the job.
You are able to alert your references to future calls
At the same time potential bosses don’t want to spend hours or days attempting to reach references. If you know who wants to speak to your referees and when, you are able to alert your references to future calls. This will increase the probability of successful contact, which in turn will make the future employer favourably disposed toward the referee and you as the candidate.
Who should be references on a CV?
Once you have provided your ex-boss with a description of your prospective job ask them for feedback, and get their opinion. This is good way to confirm that the job is right for you.
When the times comes for your referee to provide a description of your work experience they will be a much better reference for you because they will understand the new job and be able to put your experience in context. In this way you have created a referee who is knowledgeable and effective giving you the extra points you need to solidify your new position.
