References 1) Selecting References: In selecting people to ask to serve as references for you, think about what those individuals know about you: u
u
u
aculty members may know about your academic ability, F productivity, and timeliness. ast and present employers usually know about such things as P your reliability, initiative and your ability to work with others. dvisors and coaches may also be aware of information about A you which could be relevant to a potential employer such as drive, leadership skills and work ethic.
Avoid selecting references who only know you in a social capacity.
2) Getting Permission: Never give someone’s name as a reference without that person’s permission. Keep each of your references informed about your job search — provide them with a current resume and tell them names of persons and organizations to which you’ve given their names. Whenever possible, give them a copy of the job description for those positions for which you are applying and a copy of your resume.
3) Giving References to Employers: u Create a separate reference page to list your references. Include full name, title, organization with which the person is affiliated, complete address, phone number and email address (if available). See sample Reference page. u
rovide reference information when you are asked to provide P it. If you reach the interview stage and have not been asked for reference information, you may want to offer it.
4) What Should References Say? Many references are not sure what they are to say on the candidate’s behalf. Encourage them to mention: u
the capacity in which they know/knew you
u
the time frame of the relationship, and
u
the positive characteristics you demonstrate
Example Reference List References for Jane Smith jsmith@iwu.edu (309) 829-0000
Dr. Marina Balina Isaac Funk Professor and Professor of Russian Studies Illinois Wesleyan University P.O. Box 2900 Bloomington, IL 61702 (309) 556-3793 mbalina@iwu.edu
Ms. Michelle Jones Human Resources Director XYZ Company 111 Dover Lane Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63121 (314) 935-2222 mjones@xyz.com
Dr. James Sikora Professor of Sociology Illinois Wesleyan University P.O. Box 2900 Bloomington, IL 61702 (309) 556-3163 jsikora@iwu.edu
Mr. Tom Smith Principal ABC High School 1234 Main Street My Town, IL 60666 (309) 556-3071 tsmith@abchighschool.org
steps to success
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