The "References" Myth: What to Do?
For decades, the standard way to end a CV was the phrase: "References available upon
request."
In 2025, this is effectively dead space.
Recruiters know references are available; if they want them, they will ask for them during the interview stage. Including this phrase wastes valuable space that could be used for skills or achievements. Unless the job description explicitly asks for referee contact details, leave this section off entirely.
3 Strong Ways to End Your CV
So, if you delete the references line, what replaces it? Here are three effective strategies.
1. Hobbies and Interests (The Personality finish)
This is the most common and effective way to end a CV, provided it is done correctly. It gives the recruiter a glimpse of your personality and culture fit.
- Good: "Captain of local 5-a-side football team (demonstrating leadership and teamwork)."
- Bad: "Socializing with friends and watching Netflix."
2. Further Information (The Technical finish)
If you are in a technical or regulated industry, end with hard qualifications that didn't fit elsewhere.
- Driving License (essential for logistics/sales).
- Languages (e.g., "Fluent in French, conversational German").
- Clearance levels (e.g., "DBS Checked").
3. Professional Development (The Ambitious finish)
List seminars, workshops, or short courses you are currently undertaking. This shows you are proactive about your own growth. National Careers Service – Writing a CV – Official UK guidance on structuring your document.
Why the End of Your CV Matters to a Hiring Manager
Think of your CV like a movie. The beginning hooks the audience, the middle drives the plot, but the ending determines how they feel when they walk out of the theater. Hiring managers are human; they want a satisfying conclusion. They want to see that you have thought carefully about the entire document, not just the top half.
A strong ending signals intentionality. It shows you didn't just run out of things to say; you chose exactly what information to leave the reader with. Whether your CV ends with a robust education section, a link to a portfolio, or a carefully curated list of interests, it must feel complete.
Tailoring is the Secret Weapon
Crucially, the "perfect ending" changes depending on the job.
- For a Creative Role: Ending with a link to your Behance portfolio or personal website is essential. It invites the manager to leave the text document and enter your visual world.
- For a Corporate Role: Ending with professional memberships (like ACCA or CIM) reinforces your authority and commitment to industry standards.
- For a Graduate Role: Ending with volunteer work shows character and soft skills that your lack of work history might hide.
Ending on a note that reinforces your suitability—without padding it out for the sake of filling space—is the hallmark of a professional candidate. If you are unsure how to tailor your ending, our cv preparation services can analyze your specific industry and craft a conclusion that resonates with hiring managers.
Elements to Include in Your CV Ending
While the "References available upon request" line is outdated, the space at the bottom of your CV is prime real estate. Depending on your career stage, here are the most powerful elements to include.
1. Education and Qualifications (The Power Closer)
For many professionals, especially those with a few years of experience, Education is the standard, logical finish. However, don't just list the dates. Use this section to prove your value.
The Strategy:
Start with your most recent qualification and work backward (reverse chronological order). If you
are an experienced pro, a simple summary is fine. But if you are early in your career or changing fields, add
detail.
If you don't have traditional grades, highlight NVQs, BTECs, or workplace certifications. The goal isn't just to show what you studied, but how it prepared you to add value from day one.
2. Relevant Interests and Hobbies (The Culture Fit)
This section is often misunderstood. It belongs in the "Use with Purpose" category. Do not include hobbies just to fill space.
- Useless: "Walking, Reading, Socializing." (Every human does this).
- Powerful: "Running a photography blog" (for creative roles) or "Coaching a local youth football team" (for leadership/HR roles).
These specific interests show passion, initiative, and discipline. They give the employer a sense of who you are, not just what you can do. In a tie-breaker situation, a hiring manager often chooses the candidate who seems more interesting or culturally aligned with the team.
3. Professional Online Presence (The Digital Handshake)
In 2025, 91% of employers check you out online. Why not direct them to the best version of you? Ending your CV with a hyperlink is a modern, confident move.
- LinkedIn: Ensure your profile matches your CV perfectly. (Need help? Our online cv writing services can sync both documents.
- Portfolio: For designers, writers, or coders, a link to your GitHub or online portfolio is mandatory.
- Personal Brand: A link to a professional blog or website establishes thought leadership.
4. Professional Memberships & Volunteering
For senior roles, ending with your affiliations is a power move. It shows you are connected and respected in your field.
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM)
- Volunteer Treasurer for Local Charity (2020–Present)
This demonstrates that you take your profession seriously and are willing to give back to the community—traits highly valued by top-tier employers. See our CV Design Service – We ensure these final elements are formatted beautifully.
Conclusion
The end of your CV is your final handshake with the recruiter. It shouldn't be an afterthought or a waste of space. By replacing the outdated "References available upon request" with a targeted section on professional development, technical skills, or relevant interests, you end on a high note.
If you are struggling to close your CV effectively or worry that your formatting looks messy, don't leave it to chance. My Perfect Writing offers the expert touch you need. With our Pay 25% Upfront model, you can access top-tier professional cv making services without the risk.
Finish strong and get hired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a "References" section?
No. Unless the job advert specifically asks for it, save the space. Recruiters assume you have references and will ask for them later.
Are hobbies really necessary at the end?
They are not mandatory, but they can be a tie-breaker. If two candidates have the same skills, the one with interesting, active hobbies (like marathon running or coding clubs) often looks like a better culture fit.
How many pages should my CV be?
In the UK, the standard is two pages. If your ending spills onto page three, you need to edit. Our cv preparation services specialize in concise writing to fit everything perfectly.
Should I put my LinkedIn link at the end?
Usually, your LinkedIn URL goes in the header with your contact details. However, if you have an online portfolio or a GitHub link, these can sometimes go in a "Further Information" section at the end.
Do I need to sign my CV?
No. This is an outdated practice. Your CV is a digital document; a signature looks messy and is unnecessary.
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