CV Gap: PhD dropout with no reliable reference I spent 2 years doing a PhD. Not only did the study fail, my paths parted with my main and only supervisor in the worst possible manner. I don't know how to account for the gap on my CV due to the following reasons:

1.) It was 100% research, I cannot say I completed certain subjects or credits to swing it into a positive light.

2.) I obviously don't have a good (or any) reference to account for the 2 years in the PhD.

3.) I can't lie and say I worked as a research assistant during that time to account for the gap. I tried it, and I failed. The recruitment agency through which I tried to work nailed me on the fact that I could not provide them with the contact details of a supervisory figure for the time I spent working as a "research assistant". It's totally impossible to get away with not having a reference for your most recent "job".

I don't know what to do with my CV.

Any help would be substantially beneficial at this stage!
You need to fill that gap. Employers have to allow for the worst case. Currently, they have no evidence that distinguishes your PhD attempt from two years sitting around doing nothing, or even two years in prison.

First contact your former supervisor. Even if they cannot give you a good reference for your research skills etc., they may be willing to say you were a PhD student and roughly what you were doing during those two years.

If that does not work, try the department and the school. You are not looking for a recommendation as a researcher, just a statement that you were registered as a graduate student during that period.

In dealing with potential employers, you can say that you tried being a PhD student but it did not work out, and is not the right path for you.