A letter of reference is written by someone who knows you well enough to discuss your skills, qualifications and abilities in a work or academic setting. They should be able to speak candidly, provide honest opinions and discuss your past work performance in a positive light. Of course, you will only choose references that can do so. It is not necessary to include very employer you worked for in the past.
In most cases you should have a list of three to five references you can use based on the job or graduate school program for which you are applying. You should tailor those references to the situation and, if providing after an interview, the results of that interview. If you have an interview that focuses more on your academic performance, then you may want to provide references that are more academic in nature such as faculty members or other college personnel. Similarly, if the interview is more skills-based in nature, then use references who can speak to your relevant skills. This is the main reason you should NOT provide references at the beginning of the job search process. You want to be able to tailor your references as appropriate.
Generally speaking, it's best select individuals who can speak positively about your skills, abilities and performance. Make sure they know you well enough to provide honest feedback to an employer, as well as answer any general questions an employer may ask.
- Professional
- Academic
- Personal
Professional References can provide a potential employer with specific work habits and abilities. Your references need not be the company president, especially if the president of the company cannot personally attest to your abilities. Choosing an immediate supervisor is usually best.
Academic References can also assist you in finding a job in your chosen field. A professor in your major can attest to your knowledge base and study habits. Academic references are a must for graduate school.
Personal References are usually not recommended unless the potential employer specifically asks for them. These references usually include friends, neighbors or other acquaintances who know you well and understand your values, morals and integrity. Generally, personal references get the least amount of attention from employers.
The first and most important step is to plan ahead. It is best to start lining-up references at least one semester prior to your anticipated graduation. It's generally not appropriate to ask a potential reference to complete an employer's reference form without advance notice. Once you've identified potential references, request meetings with those individuals. During these meetings, you can provide a résumé and discuss your skills, abilities and professional and/or academic performance so they can be aware of why you are asking them to be a reference. Once your potential references become definite, you can add them to your list, but always remember to alert a reference to a potential contact from an employer. You may also want to provide the reference with a copy of the job posting.
As indicated above, always provide your references with a current résumé, a description of the position for which you are applying, and advance notice of possible contact by a potential employer. To may the process go as smoothly as possible, you may want to consider the following:
- Have your references involved in your job campaign. Let them know where you in your process. Just a simple email to them on a monthly basis can keep them in the loop.
- Update them on the places that you will use them as a reference. Let them know if you are applying to an industry job, graduate school or both.
- If applying for graduate or professional school, give a copy of any completed application form including a personal statement or essay you have written.
- If applying for a job, give them a copy of your resume and the actual job posting or description.
- Remind them of the courses, special projects, or extra-curricular activities on which you worked (and why commenting on them might be relevant).
- Let your reference know when a potential employer might call.
- Remember to send a "Thank You" note of some type afterwards.
As indicated above, always write a thank you note to each person who serves as a reference for you. Let them know the results of your application or search. You can even ask your references for advice and help with your search. By keeping in contact with your references, you can expand your network or job referral contacts.
Although it is common practice and many résumé writing sources will say it is not necessary, the common sense approach makes it necessary. Many employers see so many résumés, that the inclusion of the RAUR statement lets them visually see that they have reached the end of your résumé. They may assume that there is a second-page missing without seeing that statement.
Your Reference Page should include the same heading as your résumé (name, address, phone number, email address). Following that information, provide the contact information for each reference including:
- Full Professional Name
- Title or Office, Organization
- Address, City, State, Zip Code
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
A letter of recommendation is a written document from your reference to an employer or graduate school that discusses your skills, abilities and worthiness to apply for the position/program into which you are seeking entrance. Many people who are often asked to write letters of recommendation have at least one or two generic versions on file that they tweak to fit the person asking.
