How To End A CV The Perfect Way – With Examples

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.

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.

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.

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!