How to list references on a CV (South Africa): what to write + examples

How to list references on a CV in South Africa comes down to one thing: make it easy for an employer to verify you, without wasting space or sharing people’s details without permission.

For most roles, you don’t need to add full reference contact details on page 1. A short References section near the end (or “References available on request”) is usually enough—then you share names and numbers when the employer asks.

If you’re updating your CV right now, you can quickly add a clean References section in your CV Hub profile editor, then export a neat PDF once it’s ready.

Why references matter (and what goes wrong in South Africa)

References are often checked late in the process—after interviews—especially for roles that involve cash handling, admin access, driving, working with children, or any position where trust is the main issue.

What usually goes wrong:

• People list a reference without asking first (the referee is surprised, ignores the call, or gives a weak reference).
• They use a friend or family member (most employers won’t accept it as a work reference).
• The reference details are outdated (old number, old company switchboard, or a manager who resigned).
• Too much personal info is shared too early (especially when CVs are emailed/WhatsApped around).

The goal is simple: list references in a way that looks professional, protects your referees, and lets the employer do a quick check when it matters.

Should you include references on your CV in South Africa?

Use this practical rule:

• Include references (full details) if: the job advert specifically asks for them, you’re applying through email to a small business, or you’re doing walk-in CV drops where a manager might phone immediately.
• Keep it to “available on request” if: you’re applying online, uploading to portals, or sharing your CV widely (common for graduates and career changers).

If you’re unsure, keep a short References section on the CV, and keep a separate document with full reference details ready to send within minutes when asked.

Where to put references on your CV (best section placement)

In most South African CVs, references go:

• At the end of the CV, after your Work Experience and Education.
• After Skills and any Certificates or Short Courses (SETA, safety, first aid, computer courses, etc.).

Keep it clean and consistent with your overall layout. If you’re still choosing a layout, use a design that has a clear section structure (especially on mobile). You can choose a CV design that keeps headings and spacing easy to scan.

What to write for references (copy-and-paste templates)

Below are safe, employer-friendly options you can copy and adapt.

Option A: References available on request (best for online applications)

ReferencesAvailable on request.

If you want it to sound slightly stronger while still protecting details:

ReferencesProfessional references available on request.

Option B: List 2–3 references with full details (best when the advert asks)

Use this exact structure:

References

• Referee Name Surname – Job Title, CompanyRelationship: (e.g., Line Manager / Supervisor / Lecturer)Cell: 0XX XXX XXXXEmail: name@domain.com
• Referee Name Surname – Job Title, CompanyRelationship: (e.g., Team Lead / Mentor / Coach)Cell: 0XX XXX XXXXEmail: name@domain.com

Tip: If you’re sharing your CV on WhatsApp, rather give email addresses and say “Cell number available on request” unless the employer specifically asked for the number.

Option C: If you have no work experience yet (graduates, first job)

You can use:

• Lecturer / tutor (who knows your work and deadlines)
• Coach / club leader (if you had responsibilities and they can speak to your reliability)
• Volunteer coordinator (church, NGO, community project)
• School teacher (if you’re a school leaver)

Copy-and-paste example:

• Ms Thandi Mokoena – Lecturer, Department of Marketing, ABC CollegeRelationship: Lecturer (2024)Email: thandi.mokoena@college.ac.zaCell: Available on request
• Mr Daniel Jacobs – Volunteer Coordinator, Community Food DriveRelationship: Volunteer supervisor (2023–2025)Email: daniel.jacobs@email.comCell: Available on request

If you’re still building your CV sections from scratch, you may find it useful to first confirm your overall layout and section order. This guide on CV format in South Africa helps you place references in the right spot.

How many references should you list?

Most employers expect two references. Three is fine if it’s relevant (for example, a line manager plus a second supervisor plus a lecturer).

Avoid listing more than three on the CV unless the advert specifically requests it—extra names usually don’t help, and they take up space you could use for achievements.

Who to choose as a reference (and who not to)

Good reference options

• Direct supervisor or line manager (best option if the relationship was okay)
• Team leader / shift supervisor (common in retail, hospitality, call centres)
• HR contact (if company policy says only HR can confirm employment)
• Lecturer / internship supervisor (for graduates)

Avoid these (most employers won’t accept them)

• Family members
• Close friends (even if they “know you well”)
• Anyone who has never supervised your work
• A person you haven’t spoken to in years

Ask permission first: a simple message you can send

Before you list someone, ask them and confirm the details. Here are two ready-to-send scripts.

WhatsApp message

Hi [Name], I hope you’re well. I’m applying for [role] jobs and I’d like to use you as a reference for my CV. Are you comfortable with that? If yes, please confirm your best number and email address. Thank you.

Email message

Subject: Reference request – [Your Name]Hi [Name]I’m currently applying for [role] positions and I’d like to list you as a reference. Please let me know if you’re happy to be contacted, and confirm your preferred phone number and email.Thanks again for your support.[Your Name]

Worked example: a full “References” section you can copy

Here’s a complete example that works for most entry-level to mid-level South African CVs.

• Nomsa Dlamini – Store Manager, RetailCoRelationship: Line Manager (2022–2024)Cell: 082 000 0000Email: nomsa.dlamini@email.com
• Jason Petersen – Team Leader, RetailCoRelationship: Supervisor (2021–2024)Cell: 083 000 0000Email: jason.petersen@email.com

Keep the formatting identical for each reference (same order, same line breaks). It looks more professional and is easier to scan.

Quick checklist: references on your CV

• You asked permission and the referee agreed.
• Names are spelled correctly (including job titles and company names).
• Numbers and emails are current and readable on mobile.
• You listed 2–3 max unless the advert asks for more.
• You chose relevant people who supervised your work, studies, or volunteering.
• You protected privacy if your CV will be shared widely (use “available on request”).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Listing references for every application when you’re sending your CV to many places (it increases spam risk for your referees).
• Using “Character reference” without context. Employers want work-proof where possible.
• Leaving out the relationship. “Manager” is less useful than “Line Manager (2023–2024)”.
• Using a generic CV layout that hides headings. If the References section is hard to find, it won’t be used.

Final takeaway + next step

The best way to handle references is to keep them ready but not overshared: ask permission, use 2–3 strong referees, and share full details when the employer requests them.

If you want to fix your CV quickly, create a free CV and add a clean References section at the end. If you already have an account, log in to CV Hub and update your details in minutes.

If you get stuck on what CV Hub includes or how exporting works, you can always read the CV Hub FAQ.