REFERENCES

REFERENCES

Occasionally, after an interview you may be asked to submit a list of references. To be prepared, you should have 2-3 people identified whom you have had a professional and/or academic relationship with previously. Overall, these should be individuals who can attest to your skills, experiences, and work ethic.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when creating your references list…  Don't go personal – avoid asking your family and friends to be your professional references.  For each reference, provide their name, job title, email, phone number, and your relationship.  Notify all your references that you will use their information and the position that you're applying for.  Helpful information to forward to your references: recent resume, quality papers, projects, or responsibilities in which you excelled.  Give employer references only if you are instructed to do so. Otherwise, bring a hard copy to the interview.  Let your references know about your subsequent success and how they helped you to attain your goal.

Don’t know how to reach out to someone about being a reference? Use the simple email format below to connect with previous employers, professors, or mentors that you have developed a relationship with.

Dear [Potential reference’s name],

I am currently seeking employment as a [job you’re applying for] and am hoping you will provide a reference for me. Having worked with you at [insert where you know them from], I believe you can provide potential employers with specific information about my skills and work ethic.

Attached is my current resume as well as a copy of the job description. Please let me know if you need any additional information to act as a reference on my behalf. Thank you so much for considering my request!

Best,

[Your name]