References on your CV
References are people an employer can phone to ask about you. South African employers often call them before they offer a job, so good references can make the difference.
Updated 24 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau
1. How many and where
- List two or three references in a section at the end of your CV.
- Most South African employers expect to see them on the CV. If you write "available on request", have the details ready to send the same day.
2. Who to choose
| Your situation | Good references |
|---|---|
| You have worked before | A manager or supervisor from your last job or two, or a senior colleague who saw your work. |
| First job or school leaver | A teacher, principal or lecturer; a sports coach; someone you did piece work for; a supervisor from volunteering or a learnership. |
| Community and character | A pastor, community leader or a business owner who knows you well. Use one of these, not all three. |
Avoid family members and close friends: employers want someone who can speak about your work and behaviour honestly.
3. What to write for each person
Mr Sipho Dlamini
Store Manager, ABC Supermarket, Welkom
My manager from 2024 to 2025
072 000 0000 ยท sipho@example.co.za
Store Manager, ABC Supermarket, Welkom
My manager from 2024 to 2025
072 000 0000 ยท sipho@example.co.za
- Full name and title (Mr, Ms, Dr)
- Their job title and where they work
- How they know you, and for how long
- A phone number that works, and an email address if they have one
4. Always ask first
Ask each person before you put them on your CV. It is their personal information, and a reference who expects the call gives a much better answer.
- Tell them which jobs you are applying for, so they can mention the right strengths.
- Check the number before every round of applications: a reference who never answers is worse than none.
- Thank them, and let them know when you get the job.
5. Common mistakes
- Old numbers that no longer work
- References who do not remember you, or did not know they were listed
- A previous employer you left on bad terms, with no other work reference
- Only family members or friends
Add them on your phone
CV Maker SA has a references section in every CV: each person's name, their relationship to you (for example manager or teacher), company, phone number and email, laid out neatly in whichever template you choose.