How to treat your References!!

So you're ready to get a job. You've had your resume reviewed a couple of times, your cover letter is polished and you have the contact information for the job of your dreams all ready to go. What's missing??

A lot of students have come into the office with resumes that state something like "references available upon request" and we've told you that it is assumed that everyone has references, therefore it's not necessary to write it out. Each applicant should have 2-3 references that potential employers can contact to further verify a person's personality, work ethnic, and performance (among other things).

References can make or break an applicant, so here are a couple of tips to get the best out of your references!

• Keep your references in the loop. This means keeping them informed of every step of your process. Let them know when you are starting to look for a job and ask them if they would mind serving as a reference down the line. Tell them when you've submitted your resume and/or have had an interview and tell them to expect a call. Explain the position so that they are prepared for the employer. If you end up getting the job, MAKE SURE to send them a thank you note. They are probably a significant part of you landing the job, and deserve a thanks! (Plus, it helps if you ever need them to help you out again...)

• References should not be personal. This means Mom, Dad, Grandma, roommate, best friend don't count! You want someone who has observed you in a work, volunteer, or classroom setting. While Mom probably loves you most and can sing your praises to no end, she isn't the one who can give the most accurate account of your employment capabilities.

Remember to bring your reference sheet with you to your interview, so that when the potential employer asks for it (which they most likely will), you are more than prepared. Page 34 in our Job and Internship Resource Guide has an excellent sample reference sheet to help with formatting. This is the green booklet that can be found in our office or is available on our website! Feel free to call or come into our drop in hours with any other questions!
-Allison