So, you’ve included the right info in your CV and nailed the layout – now it’s time to end your CV the right way.
However, when you type “how to conclude a CV” into your search engine, you’re finding several conflicting answers.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to ending a CV, this blog looks at various ways you can do it.
Each method has its own pros and cons – and the one you choose will depend on your individual CV.
Key points: How to end a CV
- There’s no single correct way to end a CV, but your choice should align with your experience, layout and the role you’re applying for.
- A hobbies and interests section can add personality and demonstrate cultural fit, especially when interests highlight teamwork or transferable skills.
- Including professional references directly on a CV is usually unnecessary unless explicitly requested by the employer.
- The phrase “references available upon request” provides a clear, traditional ending without overcrowding your CV.
- The best CV endings feel natural, avoid abrupt finishes and maintain a consistent professional tone throughout.
How to end a CV: examples
Work history or education
The most common CV format includes a list of all your work experience from the last 10 years in reverse chronological order.
This CV style guarantees hiring managers will see your most up-to-date employment history at first glance.
Following that, you should include an education section where you detail your academic accomplishments and professional education. In doing so, you demonstrate a further sense of progression.
If you don’t have any info to add beyond this, you can end your CV here so it finishes naturally.
Hobbies and interests
If you have relevant interests outside of work, you may want to end your CV on a more personal note by including a hobbies and interests section.
This will allow the hiring manager to see a bit more of your personality and may well be a fitting end to your CV.
Including this section in your CV could also help to demonstrate you’re appropriate for the position. For example, including team activities may further exemplify your interpersonal skills.
Even if they’re not clearly linked to the role, it may still helpful to include your interests in your CV to give the hiring manager a better idea of your personality. This is paramount when it comes to deciding whether you’ll be a good fit for the team and company.
Professional references
While we typically advise against it, in some cases, it may be appropriate to include references at the end of your CV.
If the job description or hiring manager has not asked for this, you shouldn’t end your CV this way; you can provide this information separately upon request.
If they request this info plus your CV, you can attach a separate document with details of your references.
Remember – if you do provide contact details for your references, let them know the company may contact them regarding your application.
“References available upon request”
Many job applicants use this line of text to end their CV – it’s the traditional way of completing your document and appears in modern examples, even now.
Including “professional references upon request” gives a sense of conclusion and shows you’re willing to share references if necessary.
In many circumstances, hiring managers scour thousands of CVs, shortlist a few for an interview, and then call professional references just before choosing the candidate. This is why it’s often deemed unnecessary to provide professional contacts so early on in the recruitment process.
Including “references available upon request” in your CV is usually more effective than other strategies, such as inserting references or ending your CV abruptly.
This phrase works similarly to how you sign off a letter, encouraging further action from the hiring manager moving forward.
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FAQs
How do I end a CV?
You can end a CV by finishing with your most recent work experience, education or a short references section. In most cases, closing with “References available upon request” provides a clean, professional ending without overcrowding the document.
What is a good closing statement for a CV?
A good closing statement for a CV is simple and professional. “Professional references available upon request” is widely accepted in the UK and signals your willingness to provide further information at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process.
What is the last sentence of a CV?
Again, the last sentence of a CV is often “References available upon request.” This creates a natural conclusion, avoids unnecessary detail and keeps the focus on your skills and experience rather than contact information.
Summary: how to end a CV
Knowing how to end a CV in the right way isn’t rocket science.
The real secret is keeping it in the same tone and avoiding an ending that’s too abrupt.
In most circumstances, we recommend opting for “professional references available upon request”. This acts as a clear ending while demonstrating your willingness to share your references further along in the recruitment process.
We hope you found this blog helpful. For more practical tips and expert guidance on interview preparation, explore the articles below.
- Best Font for CV Guidelines: What Is the Best Font for a CV?
- How To Tailor Your CV To The Job Description
- CV Qualifications: How And Where To Add Professional or Vocational Qualifications
- What Does A Good CV Look Like In 2025? With Examples
- Please Find Attached My CV: Other Ways To Write This Phrase
- AI Interview Process: Do Employers Use AI To Assess Job Candidates?
- How Do I Update My CV? Advice And Guidelines
- How To Write An Investment Banking CV: Our Guide
- Why An AI CV Writer Could Harm Your Job Search
If you need help crafting the perfect CV, why not reach out to our team of professional CV writers?
We can help you create a successful CV that showcases your experience and achievements in the best possible way. Get in touch with PurpleCV today to find out more!
