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References often get left until the last minute in a job search, tucked at the bottom of the CV as an afterthought. But knowing when they're likely to come up, and having them ready, can make the final stages of applying for a job feel a lot less stressful.
Most of the time, references aren't asked for until after an interview, once an employer has more or less decided they want to offer you the role. It's often described as the last hurdle rather than part of the interview itself. Some employers will ask for references as a condition of a formal offer, meaning the job is essentially yours, pending good words from people who've worked with you before. Others will contact your referees earlier, sometimes even before an interview, particularly for roles where trust and safety matter a lot, such as work involving children, vulnerable adults or finance.
It's worth reading the job advert and application form carefully, because plenty of employers will tell you upfront when references come into play. If nothing is mentioned, a safe bet is to have your references ready from the point you submit your application, just in case.
Not necessarily. Reference checks are common, but they're not universal, and how thorough they are varies by sector and by employer. A large organisation with a formal HR process is far more likely to run detailed checks than a small business hiring quickly to fill a gap. Some industries make reference checks non-negotiable. Roles in healthcare, education, financial services and anything involving vulnerable groups usually come with strict requirements, sometimes backed by law, and checks in these fields can go beyond a quick phone call.
At the other end of the scale, some employers do not rely on references and prefer to take your word for it once they've seen a strong CV and had a good interview. So, while you should always assume references might be checked, don't panic if a past employer tells you nobody ever called them. It happens more often than people expect.
Employers can ask referees for basic facts, such as your job title, dates of employment and, in some cases, your reason for leaving. Some may also ask for more detailed information about your skills, experience, reliability, conduct or suitability for the role.
There are rules around what can be shared. If an employer gives a reference, it must be fair, accurate and not misleading. They should only include information they can support, and they should not include irrelevant personal details or information that could be discriminatory. For example, references should not normally include details about disability-related absence, maternity or paternity leave, or reasonable adjustments.
Employers should also only ask for information they genuinely need. A reference is not a replacement for other checks, such as right to work checks, qualifications, DBS checks or industry-specific screening where these apply.
If you’re worried about what a former employer might say, it’s worth speaking to your referee before listing them. You can also read our guide on 'can an employer give me a bad reference?' for more advice on what to do if you think a reference may be unfair or inaccurate.
Choosing the right referees matters just as much as having them ready. Generally, employers are looking for people who can speak credibly about your work, so a few things to keep in mind:
Friends and family generally aren't accepted as references, since employers want an objective view of your work rather than a personal one. It's also good practice to ask permission before listing anyone, so they're not caught off guard by a call or email, and so you know they're happy to speak positively about you.
There's no single required format, but there are a few conventions that make life easier for whoever's reading your CV or application.
Some employers prefer "References available upon request" instead of full details on the CV itself, particularly if you'd rather not share a referee's contact information with every company you apply to. If the job advert or application form doesn't specify, either approach is generally fine, though it's worth having the full details ready to send quickly if asked.
References are usually the final piece of the puzzle, so it's worth making sure the rest of your application gives you the best possible chance of getting that far. If you're building your CV from scratch, our guide on how to write a CV with no experience is a good place to start, and our piece on transferable skills to include on your CV can help you stand out even if your experience is limited or varied.
If there's a break in your work history that you're not sure how to explain, take a look at our advice on filling an employment gap on your CV. Once you've made it to interview stage, our list of unique interview questions to ask employers can help you finish strong.
Need extra support with your job search? Explore the finding work services Ingeus offers, or find your local centre to speak to someone directly.
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