Including reference in your CV always seem to be the standard protocol. In times past, it was the norm to add two or three references to a CV. However, all that has changed. Why is including a reference in your CV such a bad idea? I will tell you, but you’ve got to keep reading!

1. Too Early

There are many stages in the recruitment process, and your reference is only useful toward the end-stage. The fact is, you might have about two to three stages of screening and assessment you need to pass. Your employer will only make you an offer toward the end, which is where your reference becomes essential. Aside from that, it is incredibly too early to include a reference in your CV.

2. Preserve Your Space

Almost every job applicant seems to add a reference in their CV; doing the same doesn’t give you a sort of advantage or edge. Rather than follow the flock to the pit, you can do something different. At most, an employee spends less than 30-seconds on your CV. Also remember, space is so precious. It will be an error cluttering your space with unnecessary technicalities like a reference. Cut it off and use that space to convince your employer instead.

3. Unfair To Add Other People’s Info Online

Virtually all application procedure involves forwarding your CV online to the company’s website. One of the numerous reasons why including a reference in this initial stage is a bad idea is because of undue exposure. Your references involve putting the personal information of someone online, like full name, occupation, contact details, and address. Hundreds of thousands of people might end up seeingthat. It just isn’t appropriate at this age of scammers and spammers.

4. Applicant Tracking System

Another reason not to include a reference in your CV is that most companies or firms use an Applicant Tracking System. Immediately the system scans your CV, it automatically sends a mail to all your references, and they stay invalid until they respond. In other words, you will never hear from your employers until your references have responded to the email sent. Instead of dabbling this route, read up guides on how to get past the ATS.

5. Outdated And Unprofessional

Years ago, employers or hiring managers expected you to have a reference. However, things have changed. Your employer will only ask for reference at the later stage of the hiring process, where you have more chances of bagging the job. But when your CV includes this element, it is a huge turn-off, and your employer might dumb it in the trash box.

What To Add To Your CV, Instead Of References

1. Qualified Achievements

In other to convince your employer that you’re the right candidate for the job, you might need to add some impressive impacts on your CV. Add achievements that are valuable to the position you’re applying. Only then will these added elements create the envisioned effect.

2. Show Your Supporting Lines

Another way to fully utilize that reference space is to prove your worth or seniority to your potential employer. Demonstrate that you had a great working relationship with your previous workers. In your role description, you can describe who you report in the outline of your role description.

3. Prove Your Impact On Roles

Another data to use instead of a reference is to prove your impact. Show your potential employee how you were able to make an impact in your former workplace, and the recognition given by their leaders. This beautiful piece of information will further convince your employer that you’re the right candidate for the position.

Wrapping Up!

After your second and third stages of the screening or hiring process, your employer might ask for your reference. In that case, create a separate page and list your references. Upon request, you can easily submit them without hassles. Before you start job hunting, ensure your reference page is separate from your CV and ready too. Good Luck!

Amanee:
You've said it all

PatrickOkunima:
Do you know any reason one should not add references to his or her CV? Kindly join the discussion.

bunmconig:
don't do this, don't do that. very soon we go start to dey submit blank paper.

Neoteny:
Next:

Five reasons to not even write your name on a CV

These CV hawkers won't allow us to rest.

No HR ever gives out jobs because of CV format.

Get a powerful benefactor and see how to get a job without even a CV.

Neoteny:
Next:

Five reasons to not even write your name on a CV

These CV hawkers won't allow us to rest.

No HR ever gives out jobs because of CV format.

Get a powerful benefactor and see how to get a job without even a CV.

Or if you're a lady you're born with your credentials between your legs.

DexterousOne:

CV sells you sometimes
Especially when your qualification and experience matches the role

Neoteny:


If your experience and qualifications match the role then no one cares about your CV formatting. No HR is trained to scour CVs for some margin errors or typesetting or font style used. HRs care about the substance of the CV, not its formatting.

Some of the most attention-grabbing CVs are wild and wacky, Google them online.

There's no fixed convention for writing CVs.

All this attempt to shoehorn CVs into some fanciful standards is just to create a market for some vultures to feed fat off some hapless job seekers.