Referees on Your CV: Who to Choose and How to Ask Them

19 Oct 2026

Look at almost any CV in Sri Lanka and you will find a section at the end titled "Referees" or "Non-related referees". Employers – especially in government, banking and established private companies – often contact these people before making a final offer. A strong referee can confirm that you are honest and capable. A poorly chosen one can quietly cost you the job.

What employers want to know

When an employer calls a referee, they usually want to confirm a few things: how long the referee has known you and in what role, your reliability and honesty, your work quality or academic performance, how you work with others, and whether the referee would recommend you. The call may last only a few minutes, but it matters.

Who makes a good referee

• A former or current supervisor – the strongest choice if you have work experience. They can speak directly about your work.
• A lecturer, teacher or principal – ideal for school leavers and graduates without much work experience.
• A senior professional who knows you well – for example a manager at an organisation where you volunteered or did an internship.

Many adverts ask for non-related referees. That means people who are not family members. Avoid relatives, close friends of your own age, and anyone who does not actually know your work or character.

Details to include

For each referee, give:

• Full name with title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Prof., etc.)
• Designation and organisation
• Official address or workplace
• Mobile number and email address
• How they know you (optional but helpful), for example "Former supervisor, 2022–2024"

Mr. A. B. Fernando
Branch Manager, XYZ Finance PLC, Kurunegala
Mobile: 07X XXX XXXX · Email: name@company.lk
(My supervisor from 2022 to 2024)

Always ask permission first

Never list someone without asking. Call or meet them, explain the kind of jobs you are applying for and ask whether they are comfortable acting as a referee. Send them your latest CV so they remember your skills and dates. A referee who is surprised by a call, or who struggles to remember you, does not help your application.

Keep them updated

When you reach the final stage of a recruitment process, send your referees a short message: "You may receive a call from ABC Company about the Executive – Accounts position I interviewed for." After you get the job, thank them. People are much more willing to help again when they are kept informed.

Common mistakes

• Old or wrong phone numbers. Check them every time you update your CV.
• Choosing someone with an impressive title who barely knows you.
• Listing a current employer without considering whether you want them to know you are job hunting. If not, use a former supervisor instead, and explain this politely if asked.
• Listing referees who have retired or moved abroad and are hard to reach.

"References available on request"

Some private-sector employers accept this line instead of full details, particularly when space on the CV is limited or you want to protect referees' privacy. For government and many local employers, however, it is safer to list two non-related referees in full unless the advert says otherwise.