References
25 References
Sometimes references are required as part of the application and sometimes they are not. Regardless, you should have a good solid list of references in a formal document before you start applying for jobs. While they may or may not be needed to submit as part of the application process, they are helpful to consult if you need to fill out a formal application that requires references and they should be ready to share at a job interview.
Whom to Include
The best people to include on your references page are those that are professionals who are familiar with your work and will have positive things to say about you. Consider current and former supervisors and co-workers. Additionally, those you have worked with in volunteer positions or in clubs are appropriate, as are current and former teachers. It is best practice not to include personal references, meaning no friends and family members.
Activity: Brainstorm whom to include on your references page
- Brainstorm a list of current and former supervisors, teachers, and others who are familiar with your work.
- Check your LinkedIn to see if you can add anyone to your list.
- Which three people from your list are most qualified to say positive things about your work?
Asking for Permission
It is best practice to ask people for permission to use them as a reference and to let them know that a potential employer may be contacting them to ask about you. Not everyone checks their email and voicemails regularly, so letting them know that an email or call may be coming is very important. Further, remember to reach out to those on your list every time you are actively submitting their name and contact information as a reference.
I would recommend sending your reference an email, or a quick message via LinkedIn, to ask them for permission to use them as a reference and to remind them of anything specific you would like them to discuss with your potential future employer. You may also use this email to ask for additional contact information that you may need from them.
If a potential reference does not grant you permission to use them as a reference, do not put them down. Although this is rare, it can happen, and it is best not to use this person as a reference.
Sample Email to Ask for Permission to Use Someone as a Reference
Dear Ms. Smith,
I hope you are doing well. I really miss seeing you at the soup kitchen, but I have been busy getting ready for graduation and starting my job search. However, I hope that this summer I will have more time to volunteer!
As you may know, I am graduating this spring, and I would like to have your permission to use as a reference as I apply for career positions.
I believe that our work together allowed me to demonstrate the following skills and abilities that would be valued by a potential employer:
- Passion and attention to detail which I demonstrated through my work on the “Get the Word Out” social media campaign for the soup kitchen.
- Skill/ability #2 which I demonstrated by __________
- Skill ability #3 which I demonstrated by __________
Please let me know if you are willing to be a reference for me, and I really appreciate you considering my request.
See you soon,
Veronica Gatsby
Activity: Send your potential references an email
- What three skills will you highlight in your message? How did you demonstrate them?
- Compose emails to send to your potential references.
The information You Need for Your References Page
A typical references page includes:
- First and last name of the reference
- Title of Position they hold
- Employer or organization name
- Employer or organization address
- Employer or organization phone number where your reference can be reached
- Employer or organization email where your reference can be reached
- A one to two sentence description of how your relationship with your reference
Activity: Complete the References Preparation Worksheet