Lesson 8: References

References typically fall into two categories: personal and professional. Professional references are preferable as they give a potential employer the ability to confirm your work history. Personal references work well for those with little work history. The important thing to remember is that both types of references can, and will, be checked.

Do not include references at the bottom of the resume, and do not send them to an employer unless specifically requested to do so. Instead of writing “references available upon request,” bring in a professionally prepared list of three to five references that you can hand to the employer during the interview. Having the list in your portfolio ready to present when asked shows your preparation and your professionalism. The exception to this rule is when applying for government positions. Always include your references at the bottom of your resume when you’re applying for a state or federal government position.

The following are some useful tips about references:

1. Choose your references wisely. Select people who will say positive things about you and your ability to work and be successful. Do not select friends, co-workers, or family members. Current and former employers/supervisors, professors/instructors, or advisors are acceptable as well as people in positions of authority who you worked with on volunteer or community-based projects.
2. Ask permission first. Make sure you have the approval of your reference before you use his or her name. You don’t want your star reference to say “Susie Who?” or stumble around looking for something nice to say in response to a recruiter’s reference-checking phone call.
3. Coach your references. This will probably not be necessary if you are using someone familiar with your abilities, such as a professor or clinical/research supervisor. However, it doesn’t hurt to tell them about any activities that you’re involved in outside of their purview or to provide them with additional details such as new accomplishments or awards.
4. Inform your references about potential calls. Whenever possible, tell your references who will be calling them and when to expect the call. Your references will be better prepared to sell you and your abilities if they are prepared.
5. Periodically update your references on the status of your job search. When you do get a job, let your references know and thank them for their support. If it has been over a year and you are still looking for work, check to make sure they are still willing to be a reference. Remember, they are doing you a favor by consenting to be a reference!

This is how you should prepare your list of references: Sample References Form.

Assignment 8

Directions: Think of the names of three people whom you feel comfortable asking for a reference and write them down. If you are about to graduate, go ahead and ask those individuals for their permission to use them as a reference. If you are a Nursing, Culinary, or Hospitality Business Management student, remember to use the recommendation forms located above.

Now you are ready to go on to Lesson 9.