references

[drab]

I'm thinking about giving my CV to a mate after he suggested an opening which i might be interested in. The body of the CV is ok imo, but i'm not sure who to use as references on it... My options are:

Current line manager - a definite?
Current Business Manager - same company but different business unit which i'm seconded to
Previous MD - Different industry, little relevance to current/potential position
Academic Reference - 2 years since last contact
mate?

[0a]

Put "full references supplied on request". I expect to see this on cvs I read, to be honest I find it a bit weird when people give full references and their contact details on a cv.

[Siscar]

0a said:

Put "full references supplied on request". I expect to see this on cvs I read, to be honest I find it a bit weird when people give full references and their contact details on a cv.

+1 no need to have references on a CV. It's always a bit weird if people do because they are going to be friends etc., it's going to be current and past employers most companies are going to want to ask but only after making an offer.

[mikef]

Some recruiters ask for references early in the process so they can go prospecting. Just don't do it. I'd recommend "Excellent references available prior to interview", in other words the recruiter doesn't just have to request them, there has to be real prospect of a gig.

[drab]

point taken gents! i always have 'references on request' or similar but thought i might fluff it out a bit more.

So when it comes to actually giving references - ok to use 2 from current employer as above?

[Siscar]

drab said:

point taken gents! i always have 'references on request' or similar but thought i might fluff it out a bit more.

So when it comes to actually giving references - ok to use 2 from current employer as above?

Discuss it with the company offering the job. They will normally say what they require.

[rog007]

drab said:

point taken gents! i always have 'references on request' or similar but thought i might fluff it out a bit more.

So when it comes to actually giving references - ok to use 2 from current employer as above?

I'd review your CV to first tackle your need to 'fluff it out a bit'. If it's an issue to you, then it is likely to be an issue at sift. As to references; as stated above, it's good advice not to put on to a CV, and when you do supply references, an employer would usually require your last two employers assuming the earlier wasn't many years ago. If that was the case, then an employer and another from maybe some voluntary work or elsewhere would suffice. The aim with references is not how good a worker they say you are, but to triangulate that you're eligible to work in the UK and you have in fact been employed in the role you say you have on your CV. Good luck!

[drab]

Thanks rog.

Re. Fluffing it out a bit - I'm at a loss tbh about how wordy a CV should be. In all honesty I don't have the experience (2 years relevant) to impress over 2 pages, and will end up with bits like 'transferable skills' etc. I know these can be useful at times but I know if it were me doing the sifting I'd just want to know the capabilities of the person demonstrated by work to date.

Surely better to have a concise CV and a cover letter with more details than just a fluffy CV...