References -
guidelines for your job search |
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Who should serve as
your references |
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In selecting people
to ask to serve as references for you, think about what those individuals
know about you and if they can discuss your work-related qualities. |
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Past and present
employers usually know about such things as your reliability, initiative,
quickness to learn and take on responsibility, and your ability to work with
others. This type of information is valuable, even if your employment was not
career-related. |
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Faculty members may
know about your academic ability, productivity, and timeliness, and perhaps
have observed how you work with others. |
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Advisors and coaches
may also be aware of information about you that could be relevant to a
potential employer — such as maturity, initiative, interpersonal skills or
leadership qualities. |
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Don't list
references who only know you in a social capacity. While family friends may
have nice things to say about you, employers don't place value on these kinds
of references. |
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Obviously you do not
want to offer as a reference someone who would not speak about you in
positive terms or who doesn't know you well enough to give a strong
reference. If an individual is neutral or has a reservation about serving as
a reference for you, look elsewhere. This is one of the critical reasons for seeking
permission from potential references in advance. |
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Getting permission
from your references |
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DO contact each
individual whom you are asking to serve as your reference. Secure his/her
permission IN ADVANCE. |
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DON'T ever give
someone's name as a reference without that person's permission. It will not
advance your cause of becoming employed if a prospective employer calls a
person you have listed as a reference, only to find out the reference is
surprised to be called. Before you give a name of a reference, make sure that
person is comfortable with serving in that capacity. Don't assume
anything. |
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When you secure
permission, verify all details of your references' contact information,
including spelling of names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and email
addresses. |
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Give each person who
agrees to serve as a reference for you a copy of your resume (or vita). This
lets your references know about your interests, abilities and experiences. A
faculty member may know your academic skills and an employer may know your
on-the-job characteristics, but each may not be aware of the other facets of
your background. Keeping your references well-informed will help them serve
as better references for you. |
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Keep your references
posted on your activities and progress. Tell your references the names of
persons and organizations to whom you’ve given their
names. When possible, give them a copy of the job description for the
positions for which you are applying. This helps your references be prepared
for phone calls and letters they may receive. |
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Thank each reference
in writing for his/her assistance. |
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DON'T view
communicating with your references as bothering them. Brief, cordial e-mail
or phone messages show that you are businesslike about your job search, and
that you appreciate your references. Communicating makes it easier for your
references to help you. |
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When to give your
reference list to a prospective employer |
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Provide reference
information when you are asked to provide it. If you reach the interview
stage and have not been asked for references, you may offer your reference
list. |
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Generally do not
mail reference information with your resume unless it has been specifically
requested. |
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Contacting
references is time-consuming, and most employers will do some initial
screening of candidates — by reviewing resumes and conducting interviews —
before contacting references. |
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For most
undergraduates, employers will not be contacting references prior to
interviewing you. |
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Where to list
references |
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On a resume DON'T. It is unneccessary to state "References available upon
request" — and is often a waste of valuable space — because most
employers assume you can supply references. They expect them on separate
page when requested. |
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On a curriculum vitae DO list references. It is customary practice to include your reference list on this document. |
Make absolutely
sure you have spelled your references' names correctly. |
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Time frame of the
relationship (i.e., summer of 1995 or has known the candidate for four
years), and |
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Before you assume
that a former (or current) employer will serve as a reference for you, ask. |
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