When you apply for a job, you are often asked to provide references. The employer may want you to give them names and contact information for people you’ve worked for, or with, along with personal references. In some situations, the employer may ask for a reference letter.
Who do you get these references from, and how do you ask for them?The first rule is – never provide anyone’s name as a reference unless you have first asked their permission. You want to do this for a number of reasons. First, you want to make sure they will give you a positive reference. While they may not want to tell you straight out that they are not keen on the idea of recommending you, if they hesitate or seem uncomfortable when you ask them, that’s probably a clue that they are not able or willing to help. When requesting permission to use them as a reference, ask if they have any advice for you, for example what they think might be the best careers for you. The answer to that question may give you insight into whether they will be a good reference.
You also want your references to be prepared if they receive a call from a potential employer. Perpare them with information about the position so they can tailor their answers to the job description. Send them your resume so your information is fresh in their minds.
Let your references know why you chose them. If you have worked for someone, you may ask them to talk about your dependability. A co-worker may be able to vouch for your loyalty or attention to detail. A youth group leader could speak to your enthusiasm.
You also want to check in with your references to make sure you have the correct contact information for them. Ask if they would prefer you use their home, cell or work phone number.
Who should you ask to provide a reference? If this is your first job, you will not have previous employers to list. In some cases, you may not want a past, or especially a current, employer to be contacted. Co-workers can provide good references, as can employees who you have supervised. Professors, club leaders, coaches, youth group leaders, people who have managed volunteer projects are good choices. If you have worked in a job where you have developed steady customers, you can ask a couple of them them to provide a reference for you. If you have a family friend or a neighbor who is a business person, they may be a good candidate for a reference as well.
Letters are a great way to provide references. When you leave a job, always ask for a reference letter from your supervisor. Before graduation, ask professors and others you know to write brief letters, and put them in a file that you can show during an interview, or leave copies when you interview.
Rather than saying “Would you write a reference letter for me,” word it in a way that gives the person an out, and clues you into whether they would provide a good reference. “Do you feel you know my work well enough to write a recommendation letter for me?” Provide your resume or bullet points pertaining to the skills, experience and characteristics you would like your references to focus on. Take a look at these sample reference letters for ideas on what information to provide.
The final step is to always thank your references, both when they provide a reference, and especially if they have helped you land the job!
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