References

Your References

When you apply for a job or an internship, you will usually be asked to provide a list of references. It’s important for your references to be people who can speak to your qualifications and recommend you highly. The organization interviewing you usually will contact them. Be sure you choose them well.

How-To Tips:

Figure out who to ask for a reference.
Ask someone who knows you through a professional or academic setting (e.g., professors, supervisors, advisors). Choose someone who knows you well and can articulate why you’d be a successful employee or intern. This is much better than choosing someone with a fancy title who doesn’t know much about you. Also, try to have more than one type of reference. (For example, instead of 3 professors, have a professor, an advisor, and an internship supervisor.)
Great is better than good.
Be sure to directly ask your references if they can give you a strong recommendation. If they can’t or seem hesitant, find someone else.
Give your references a resume and/or position description.
It’s helpful to give your references a copy of your resume. That way they can more accurately summarize your background and experience when they’re contacted. It can also be helpful to give your references a copy of the position description. That will help them directly relate your skills to the qualifications needed for the position.
Have your references list ready.
Employers will ask for your references when they want them, so don’t send your references list until you’ve been asked for it. Keep in mind that you will likely be asked for it at some point, so be prepared for the request. Talk with your references in advance, and have the document ready when you begin applying for positions.
Bring a copy to your interview.
If you haven’t already submitted your references list, bring copies of it to your interview. That way if you’re asked for it then, you can provide it on the spot.
Use resume paper.
Whatever paper (color, weight, etc) your resume is on, use the same for your references list and cover letter.
Thank your references.
Send a quick thank-you note to everyone on your list. Thank them for serving as a reference for you.

What to Include on the References Document
See a sample "References" document here.

1. Your Contact Info and a Document Title
Place your contact info at the top of the page, formatted the same way it’s formatted on your resume. Place the “References” title below it. The document should generally be formatted to match your resume (same font).

2. Your References
Include the following information about each reference:

First and Last Name
Job Title and Employer Name
Address
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Length and type of relationship (e.g., Supervisor, 2 years)

updated 2/08

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