References are people who can attest to your professionalism, character and qualifications. They support your résumé and cover letter. They should know you well and have a positive perception of you to share with potential employers.
Ideal Candidates
- Past professors/teachers
- Previous employers/supervisors
- Trainers
- Volunteer managers
Sometimes employers will request a ‘peer reference.’ This means fellow students, coworkers, team members, etc. The reason is to gain an understanding of how you work and interact with others on your level.
For more information about building and maintaining professional connections who can serve as references, visit the Networking page.
Tips
- Never list family members as references.
- Always ask people when you want to list them as a reference, even if you used them before. Ask them several weeks before they might be contacted.
- Make sure your references know what the position and organization is so they can speak to that. Tell references you’ve used in the past if they will be contacted again. Asking once is not sufficient for all requests.
- Give your references a copy of your most current and relevant résumé and remind them of your interactions with them, so they can give an accurate and positive report about you.
- Never ask your references to lie for your gain.
- It’s never too early to start building your pool of references.
Template for Requesting a Reference
Hi [name],
I hope you are well! [Insert a pleasantry (e.g. ‘How was your vacation?’, 'The lesson about XYZ topic last week was really interesting!', or ‘It was great to speak with you at the career fair last month.”)]
I am currently seeking employment as a [position name] at [company] and am wondering if you would be comfortable providing a reference for me. I thought of you because [briefly describe ways in which you’ve worked together], and you could speak to my [2 - 3 key skills and abilities needed in the new position].
Attached is my current resume and the position description. I know the hiring team is particularly looking for a candidate who [very short description of key elements of the role], so specifically, I am hoping you can talk about:
- [1-2 skills, abilities, or talents that are key to the position]
- [Specific project you worked on that’s relevant to the role]
- [Key differentiator between you and other candidates]
Please let me know if you need any additional information to act as a reference on my behalf. I believe the [call, email] will come from [hiring manager or recruiter’s name] at [company] around [time frame]. If now is not a good time for you, I completely understand. Thank you for considering my request!
All the best/Respectfully/Sincerely/etc,
Your name
Your number
Your email
Reference Sheet Format
A reference list is typically a single page with three to four entries set up as illustrated below. Your name and contact information are listed at the top exactly like on your résumé and cover letter.
Sample Reference Sheet
First Name Last Name
Email Address | Phone Number | Physical Address/LinkedIn
Reference name, job title
Company/organization
Physical address
Phone number
Email address
Relation to you
Reference name, job title
Company/organization
Physical address
Phone number
Email address
Relation to you
Reference name, job title
Company/organization
Physical address
Phone number
Email address
Relation to you
Similar to verbal references, letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, advisors, etc. attest to your successes, character, progress and other impressive achievements. As with references, letters of recommendation should be provided by those who have great respect and appreciation for you and can communicate that.
Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
You must ask someone to write a letter of recommendation. Some people decline: they don’t have the time, they don’t feel it’s appropriate, they don’t write letters of recommendation in general, etc.
When you ask, explain what program or position and organization you are applying to. This will help them gauge what to highlight in the letter. Also clarify the deadline and how to submit the letter — to you or the employer directly, electronic or hard copy.
Give the letter writers your résumé and a list of your top achievements. Let them know how you’ve worked with them in the past, what your top skills are, etc. This is not boasting; it’s helpful.
Many professionals have previously written or are trained to write letters of recommendation; you shouldn’t have to guide them. Do communicate to them any specific requests from the employer or program, such as: length limitations, to whom the letter should be addressed, and qualities or skillsets that should be mentioned.
Many professionals, especially instructors and professors, are often flooded with recommendation requests. Therefore, they might ask you to draft your own letter for them to proof, edit and sign. In this case, have other mentors and peers review your letter and help you think of qualities, skills and experiences to include. This may feel unusual to you, but is a common practice.
The more advance notice you give, the more likely someone will be able to accommodate your request. Aim for a minimum of two weeks.
Letters of Recommendation: Required Information
- Their title and organization
- How they know you and how long they have known you
- Brief evaluation/summary of their observation of your skills, strengths, qualifications, etc., with examples as needed
- Direct statement of recommendation and why
Letters of Recommendation: Suggested Information
- Potential
- Dependability/consistency
- Motivation/initiative
- Character
- Work ethic
- Examples of contributions
- Examples of achievements