References are the people in your professional and personal network willing to speak to your qualifications and character to potential employers or graduate/professional school programs. You will want to identify three to five people you want to serve as references and then determine their willingness and availability to serve as a positive reference.
Choose Your References
Identify people who will speak highly of your past work performance (job, class work, research):
- Past or present employers
- Instructors, advisors, coaches
- Professional business leaders in your community
Always ask references if they have time to serve as a positive reference.
Educate Your Reference
- Provide a copy of your resume to your references so they may speak intelligently about your past experiences
- Inform them of the kind of positions you are seeking
- Coach them about the skills and strengths you would like them to emphasize
- Notify them of positions for which you apply so they may anticipate a call
- Thank references and notify them when you accept a job
Don’t Ever
- List individuals you have not contacted
- Assume individuals will know who you are
- List individuals with whom you have had negative experiences
- Fabricate individuals’ names
- List contact information that is not current or incomplete
Reference Page
- Submit reference page as a separate document (when requested) along with your resume and cover letter
- The reference page should mirror your resume in design
- Consider asking each reference to submit a brief (1 to 2 sentences) statement endorsing you as a fit for the position
Reference Page Information
Confirm correct spellings and titles with each reference. Also, ask your reference which contact information they want to use as it may be different from what you use to communicate personally.
- Complete name and title (Mr., Ms. or Dr.)
- Job title
- Name of organization
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Relationship
Reference Letters
An employer (not as often) or graduate/professional program may request a reference letter. This letter communicates that you are a fit for the position and company. The letter should include the following:
- Job title held and dates of employment (if applicable)
- Relationship of the writer to you
- Responsibilities (if applicable) observed
- Work ethic
- Achievements and accomplishments
- Personal endorsement of character
- Abilities and skills
If someone is taking the time to write your letter of reference, you should provide them with the following:
- Correct contact information and instructions for submission
- Self-addressed, stamped envelope with the employer’s name and address typed on the front (if applicable)
- Copy of your resume
- Copy of the job description
- Summary of your skills, experience and accomplishments as they relate to the position
- Thank you note