CV references in 2025: Complete guide to CV references for the United Kingdom. This guide explains when to include references, how to format them, and how to prepare people who will vouch for you.
You will get concrete UK-specific examples and a ready-to-use template to share with employers or include on a separate references sheet.
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What are CV references and when to include them
CV references are people who can speak to your skills, work habits, and conduct, and they help UK employers verify your fit for a role. In the United Kingdom you typically do not attach referees to your CV.
Instead, provide a separate references document or list them when asked. Most UK employers request references later in the process, often after shortlisting or before an offer.
Keep a ready list of referees with consent and up-to-date contact details. Remember UK data protection rules (UK GDPR): obtain explicit consent to hold and share their details, and provide only what is relevant.
For healthcare roles, referees who can comment on clinical competence are particularly valued.
Who makes a strong CV reference
Choose referees who know your work in contexts aligned with the role. In the UK, typical referees include former line managers, direct supervisors, clients, project leads, or academic tutors.
For early career candidates, course tutors, placement supervisors, or internship managers are good; for experienced professionals, senior colleagues or functional leads. For healthcare roles, consider clinicians who can verify clinical skills.
Avoid listing friends, family, or people who cannot speak in detail about your performance. Also consider your qualifications: GCSEs, A-levels, UCAS registrations, and degrees from Russell Group universities.
How to format CV references on a reference sheet
Create a clean reference sheet that mirrors your CV header for quick association, and use a single font and spacing. For each reference include name, job title, organisation, work email, direct phone or mobile, and a brief note on your relationship and dates worked together.
Dates should be in DD/MM/YYYY format. Optionally add one line that summarises why this person is a relevant reference, for example, "Managed my team during the Q3 product launch, 01/2019-12/2021." For healthcare roles, emphasise clinicians who can verify clinical practice and teamwork.
When to provide references and how to share them
Provide references when an employer asks, typically after initial interviews or when you reach the final stages of the UK recruitment process. Send a polished reference sheet or provide referees’ contact details on request.
In the UK, many employers use job boards such as Reed, Indeed UK, Totaljobs, and LinkedIn, and these channels may prompt you to supply referees. If applying to NHS or other healthcare roles, ensure referees can confirm right-to-work in the UK and, if relevant, familiarity with NHS competency frameworks.
Be prepared to discuss your eligibility to work in the UK and your National Insurance number if payroll checks are required.
Additional Tips
- 1If an employer requests references or a reference letter, ask your referees for signed PDFs and provide a clear deadline and context so they can respond on time. Offer to draft a sample letter they can adapt if they prefer, which speeds up the process and ensures key points are included.
- 2Keep a private log of who you listed as a referee for each application and note any feedback received about their responses, so you can adjust future choices and maintain strong relationships. This helps you learn which referees are most effective for different types of roles.
- 3For remote or international job searches, check whether referees are comfortable with video calls and time zones, and provide alternative contacts if needed. Clarify whether they prefer email introductions or direct phone calls so you match their communication preferences.