How to Add References to Your CV in South Africa (Without Wasting Space)

Should you put references on your CV in South Africa?

In most South African job applications, you don’t need to list full references on your CV unless the advert specifically asks for them. Recruiters often want a clean, easy-to-scan CV first. References usually come later (after an interview, or when an employer is close to making an offer).

A good default approach is to keep your CV focused on your skills and experience and use a short reference line that doesn’t take up half a page.

The best way to handle references (the simple, modern option)

For most roles, use one line near the end of your CV:

• References available on request

This keeps your CV neat and prevents you from sharing other people’s contact details too widely, especially when your CV is uploaded online. If you want your CV to be visible to employers, make sure your profile is current and tidy on CV Hub—update your CV profile before you apply.

When you should include references on your CV

Include references (or at least referee details) when:

• The job advert asks for references (follow instructions exactly).
• You’re applying through an agency that requests referee details upfront.
• You’re a graduate or entry-level candidate with limited work experience and strong academic/volunteer referees who add credibility.
• You’re in a trust-sensitive role where references are commonly checked early (for example, roles handling cash, children, or vulnerable people), and the advert asks for it.

If you do include them, keep it short and professional.

How many referees should you list?

Usually 2 to 3 referees is enough. Listing more rarely helps and can make your CV feel padded.

• 2 referees: Often fine for graduates and entry-level roles.
• 3 referees: Useful if you have a mix of recent work and relevant past experience.

Who to choose as a referee (and who to avoid)

Good referee options

• Direct manager or supervisor (best option when available).
• Team lead who oversaw your work.
• Mentor from a learnership, internship, or graduate programme.
• Lecturer, course coordinator, or project supervisor (especially for recent graduates).
• Volunteer coordinator if you did consistent community work.

Referees to avoid (unless the employer specifically accepts them)

• Family members.
• Close friends who can’t speak about your work.
• Anyone you haven’t told you’re job hunting (it can backfire).

What details to include for each reference

If you’re listing references, keep the format consistent. Use:

• Full name and surname
• Job title
• Company/organisation
• Relationship to you (e.g., “Line Manager”, “Project Supervisor”)
• Phone number
• Email address

Tip: If your referee has moved companies, still list the most relevant context (where they supervised you) and then use their current contact details if they’re comfortable with that.

A clean references section example (South African-friendly)

Keep it compact like this:

• Nomsa Dlamini – Store Manager, ABC Retail (Line Manager) | 0XX XXX XXXX | name@email.com
• Johan Jacobs – Operations Supervisor, XYZ Logistics (Shift Supervisor) | 0XX XXX XXXX | name@email.com

If your CV is starting to look crowded, rather focus on readability and structure first. This guide can help: How to Make Your CV Easier to Read (So Recruiters Don’t Miss What Matters).

Always ask permission before listing someone

Before you add a referee, message or call them and confirm:

• They’re happy to be a reference
• Their preferred contact details
• What roles you’re applying for (so they’re not caught off guard)

This is a small step that makes you look organised—and it helps your referee give a better, more relevant reference.

Where to place references on your CV

If you include references, put them at the end of your CV, after your work experience and education. Don’t place them on the first page unless the advert demands it.

If you’re using CV Hub to build and manage versions of your CV, it helps to keep your core profile clean and then adjust per application. Start by checking your details and layout—choose a CV design that keeps sections clear and easy to scan.

What if you don’t have references yet?

If you’re a graduate, career changer, or you’ve never worked formally, you can still build credible references:

• Use a lecturer or academic supervisor (recent is best).
• Use a volunteer coordinator if you showed up consistently.
• Use a part-time/holiday job supervisor, even if the work wasn’t in your target field.

If you’re stuck, focus on strengthening your profile first so you’re more competitive when you apply. You can create a free CV and build out your work history, skills, and education in one place.

Quick reference checklist before you submit

• Only include references if asked, or if they genuinely add value
• Limit to 2–3 referees
• Ask permission and confirm contact details
• Keep the section short and consistent
• Don’t let references push important content off page 1

If you want to double-check your application pack before sending it, CV Hub users often find it helpful to keep their profile updated and ready to share—log in to CV Hub and make sure your latest CV version is saved.

If you need help

If something about references or profile visibility is unclear, you can read the CV Hub FAQ or contact CV Hub for support.