Should you have referees in your CV? Yes! But what if you don’t want your current employers to be contacted (and it’s your first job) or you have been running your own business? Read on for advice…
Why do you need referees?
Unfortunately job seekers have been known to stretch the truth – or lie outright (!) - In their CV’s. Recruiters want to check that your information is correct. Many people say “references on request” at the end of their CV, and although this is the norm in the USA (where resumés are very short), South Africans want this information at their fingertips. Some will call the referees before they even shortlist you (although usually you are shortlisted and given a preliminary interview before your referees are contacted).
Own business
If you have been managing your own business, ask a supplier, client, your accountant or bookkeeper to be a referee.
First job
If it’s your first job and you don’t want them to know you’re leaving, you can fall back on a previous part-time employer (if you were waitering or baby-sitting whilst studying). Only give a teacher or university lecturer if they know you well, and contact them first to ask if they will be a referee.
Parents
If you have been working in a family business, this sometimes cannot be avoided, but it’s not the best choice, because they are obviously biased! If there are other staff members such as an accountant, rather give one of those – as long as they know you personally.
Employment record vs. Reference
Employment and remuneration records are kept by the company’s HR department for 5 years (it is a legal requirement) and recruiters will phone previous employers to check whether in fact you worked there. It becomes problematic when you left more than 5 years ago, and all the people you knew, have moved on. That is why it is important to keep a copy of your Letter of Appointment and Record of Service (issued by the HR Department when you leave). A referee is a personal reference and it doesn’t matter if they have since left the company or even the country. Try to stay in touch with your direct managers from previous employers, so that you can still use them as referees.
Reference format
When presenting your referees, make it as easy as possible for the recruiter to contact them. Example:
Joan Smith Previous manager at Absa Bank (now at Investec) Tel (w): 011-555555
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cell: 082 555 5555
Are they still alive?
Recently a client gave me a list of referees for his CV, some dating back to jobs in the 1980’s! “Are you still in touch with these colleagues?” I asked, impressed at the longevity of his friendships. “No, I haven’t spoken to them since I left in 1985,” he said. I suggested he contact them to ensure that the numbers were still correct – turns out his ‘referee’ died in 1994! Now the recruiter is NOT going to be impressed with this waste of time, so please make sure all your referees are alive and well!
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