If you (or someone you love—say a graduating college senior) are applying for a job, an educational program, or training, you (or they) are going to need references. Sometimes providing references is simple: you just list names and contact information, and the employer or program takes it from there. Other times, references require more preparation, especially if your references need to complete a reference form or write you a recommendation letter.
No matter what reference type you need, follow these steps to get references that will add value to your application packet.
No matter what reference type you need, follow these steps to get references that will add value to your application packet.
1. Ask…politely. This may sound like a no-brainer, but no one owes you a recommendation or reference. The people you ask will be taking time out of their schedules to provide your reference. They aren’t compensated for doing so, and most—especially when writing reference letters—put a lot of time and effort into the process. So, don’t tell them you need a reference; request that they serve as a reference for you politely.
2. Give them the information they need. In a collegiate setting, professors and instructors receive reference requests often. The easiest ones to write occur when we have an idea of the context we are writing in. And if you aren't in an educational setting, your references will still need to know the requirements. It’s helpful if you explain to the would-be reference:
- Why you are asking them: Can they speak to your academic knowledge? Did they serve as your advisor? Did you work in their lab? Why are they the right person to provide you with a reference? If it’s been awhile since you worked with them, a refresher of what you worked on and found meaningful in their course wouldn’t go amiss.
- What specifically you are asking them for: Do you need a letter? Do they need to fill out a form? Will they be getting calls potentially from several companies?
- Helpful information about the opportunities for which you need the reference: What is the opportunity? Why are you interested in it? Why are you qualified for it?
- Anything about yourself that should inform their reference: Do you have experiences they might not know about? What goals do you have that the opportunity may impact?
3. Give them the resources they need. If someone is providing you with a letter that has to be mailed to the company or needs to be on a specific form, make sure you provide them with a self-addressed, stamped envelope or the form. If they are to submit a reference online, ensure they have access to the weblink and that it works.
4. Be timely. I once received a call from a company asking for a personal reference for one of my friends. It was out of the blue. After I got off the phone, I called her to learn she had JUST interviewed with them and she was going to call me when she had a second. Your references should know they may be called well in advance of receiving the call. References should be requested well in advance of any deadlines to give your reference enough time to complete it. A rushed reference will most likely be a bad reference.
5. Go after the best reference. Sometimes, potential references will tell you they are not the right person to write your reference. Listen to them. You don’t want a formulaic or general reference from someone who can’t speak to your ability. If you are picking from a group of references, ensure that each one can speak to different aspects of what makes you a great candidate.
4. Be timely. I once received a call from a company asking for a personal reference for one of my friends. It was out of the blue. After I got off the phone, I called her to learn she had JUST interviewed with them and she was going to call me when she had a second. Your references should know they may be called well in advance of receiving the call. References should be requested well in advance of any deadlines to give your reference enough time to complete it. A rushed reference will most likely be a bad reference.
5. Go after the best reference. Sometimes, potential references will tell you they are not the right person to write your reference. Listen to them. You don’t want a formulaic or general reference from someone who can’t speak to your ability. If you are picking from a group of references, ensure that each one can speak to different aspects of what makes you a great candidate.
Remember, your references are an important part of your application. Set yourself up for success by finding the right people to serve as references and making the job as easy as possible for them. And when the application process is over, no matter the outcome, remember to say thank you—you never know when you might need that reference again.
Story by Jamie Boyle
Story by Jamie Boyle
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