CV Writing Tips: Can I Include a Fake Referee on My CV?

By Jane Okoth,

A referee is an important person in a job search. He/she accounts for a major contribution in landing a job as they are responsible for vouching for you.

Impressing the future employer at the interview stage and convincing them that you are the right person for the job does not mean that you can get away with incredible references.

While it is no secret that some candidates have used their friends as their references while others have fabricated their referees, Melody Mwendwa, a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services warns that such decisions can have dire consequences.

“References act as important endorsements used by hiring managers as reassurance that you are who you say you are and will do for them what you claim you have done for your previous employers,” she says.

How can a referee convince the employer that you are lying? I pose

“An employer can tell you are lying about your referee if they call the concerned referee only to find out that he has no information about you and cannot trace you on the company’s records or payroll,” she responds.

Ms Mwendwa adds that, “Another way of spotting a fake referee is if the person demonstrates lack of knowledge in any professional work or unwillingness to cooperate with your future employer.”

She also sheds some light on who qualifies to be on the referees section in your CV.

“They should be previous employers that you worked for as well as your supervisors. Also on the educational qualification, a referee such as a lecturer is the right person to be incorporated,” she adds.

While titles are also important, Ms Mwendwa also urges for its importance because they can be contacted to brief your future employer as a follow through.

“The titles are one way of indicating that you actually had a professional relationship with the concerned individual,” she emphasizes.

“Any information to be included on the reference letter should be able to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. They should include responsibilities, your titles, your work ethics as well as someone with high integrity and values,” she says.

Ms Mwendwa also adds that referees should be people who can provide unbiased opinions about you.

“While working, ensure that you maintain a good relationship with your supervisors and co workers for them to provide you with a comprehensive response on your performance,” she advises.

Ms Mwendwa also affirms on the number of referees to be stated should be three and two minimum.

Does the phrase “will be provided upon request” put off the HR?

Ms Mwendwa states that this mostly has to do with following instructions on the job description.

“If they ask you to provide certain information on your CV and fail to do so, failing will jeopardize your chances of getting the job. However if a job requires you not to provide the referees, just provide so as an added advantage,” she says.

She advocates for transparency as the key in listing referees as it is one indication that you are not a person of questionable character.

“Credible referees play a crucial role in your employment and therefore it is advisable to choose them carefully,” she concludes.

For any queries on CV writing contact Jane at jane@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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