Who Can I Use as a Reference?

When listing references on your CV, choose people who can best vouch for your skills, professionalism, and character in relevant situations. Here are the types of people you can use as professional references:

• Former bosses and coworkers: They are some of the strongest references because they have first-hand experience with your work style, contributions, and impact. They can provide concrete examples of your achievements, teamwork skills, and dedication.
• People from your internship: If you're starting out, references from internships can be impactful, as they showcase your growth, adaptability, and professional attitude in a learning environment.
• Current coworkers: If they have observed your work closely, they can provide valuable feedback and speak to your skills and dependability in a collaborative work environment. 
• Clients: They can offer unique insights into your professionalism, customer service, professional skills, and ability to meet or exceed expectations.
• Contacts from volunteer work: Supervisors or colleagues from volunteer roles can showcase your commitment, compassion, and skills outside of paid work. 
• A professor or teacher: For recent graduates or those writing a CV with limited work experience, a professor or teacher can be a credible reference who can discuss your academic performance, discipline, and enthusiasm for learning.

When including references in your CV, choose individuals who can speak positively and specifically about your work ethic, skills, and potential. Ideally, these references should highlight both your abilities and character, showcasing your professional skills and personal strengths. This diversity in references will give potential employers a deeper sense of who you are and what you bring to the workplace.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.