Putting Together a Reference

How to Ask for References

ü      Three to four persons:

ü      If you're a student or recent grad, a faculty or staff member who knows you well (you can ask two or three)

ü      A former or current employer supervisor

ü      A colleague / fellow worker

      The person writing the letter should satisfy the majority of these criterias:

ü      Know you well enough to write with authority

ü      Know and be able to describe your work  (i.e., academic, employment, or volunteer)

ü      Have a high opinion of you

ü      Know for what type of work you are applying

ü      Know your educational and career goals

ü      Be able to favorably compare you to your peers

ü      Be able to write a good letter

ü      What Your References Say - Or Don't Say - Can Kill a Job Offer

How and When to Ask?

ü      Ask references early in the semester (allow three to four weeks at minimum)

ü      Explain why you need the reference

ü      Tell your reference why you selected him/her

ü      Ask reference if he/she knows you well enough and feels comfortable writing a positive recommendation for you

What to provide?

Make an appointment to speak with your letter writers and provide them with the following information:

ü       Career Services Reference Form (for your file)

ü       Recommendation form provided by employer (if applicable)

ü       Postage-paid addressed envelope (if letter will be mailed)

ü      Information on courses you had with them & grades received

ü      Résumé or vita

ü      Future goals

ü      Upcoming research experiences, internships and other applicable experiences

ü      Due date for the application

Important Details

ü      Contact your reference after about 2 weeks if you haven't received it.

ü      Send each reference a thank you note immediately following the completion of the letter.