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Career Services |
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References |
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6
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What is a reference?
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| A reference is a
written or spoken testimony about you, your skills, your abilities and
your experiences. There are two types of reference. The first is a
verbal or spoken reference. In this case, your reference agrees to
speak directly to a potential employer by phone and answer specific
questions about you. The second is a written reference or letter of
recommendation. This is an open letter addressed to whom it may
concern detailing the writers’ knowledge of you and your skills.
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Why do references matter?
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| Think of a
reference like you would a restaurant review. Imagine that you are
trying to decide between two restaurants. All you know about
Restaurant A is what they have written about themselves in their
advertisement and what they have said to you on the phone. With
Restaurant B, you have their advertisement and have spoken to them
on the phone. In addition, your friend highly recommended it to
you. Which restaurant would you decide to choose? Restaurant B of
course. Your interest in the restaurant was confirmed by the
favorable review. This is why employers use references. They want
this third party endorsement to confirm what they have already read
or been told by you. |
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How many should I have?
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| Usually three
written and three verbal references is an acceptable number.
However if there are more than three people you can ask, this is
good because you may want to use different references for different
employment opportunities. Whenever you leave a job or position, it
is a good idea to ask your supervisor to write you a letter of
recommendation immediately. You may not need it right away, but you
will have it when you need it. Often by the time you contact an old
supervisor, you learn that they are no longer working there. You
have now lost your chance to utilize them as a reference. |
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Who should I use?
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| Typical references
include employers, supervisors, professors, and coaches; someone who
can attest to your skills and capabilities. ALWAYS ask
permission ahead of time to use someone as a reference. If you have
used someone in the past, and want to use them for a new job search,
you will need to re-contact them and ask if it is still ok. Use
this opportunity to update them on what you have been doing and tell
them about your current job search.` |
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What should be included in a letter of
recommendation?
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| The letter should
address how long the writer has known you, the quality of your work,
dedication, skills and work habits. When you ask someone to write
you a letter of recommendation, be prepared to tell them what type
of positions that you are applying for, and suggest to them what
types of things they may want to highlight or discuss. You should
also give them an updated copy of your resume and remind them of
your specific accomplishments and strengths. |
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What if my reference asks me to write the
letter for them?
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| Many people are
happy to be asked to serve as a reference, but when I comes time to
write it, they don’t know what to say. You want the reference to be
in their words. Therefore, instead of writing it for them, it is
better to talk with them about why you want them to write it. Give
them suggestions and ideas of what to include. |
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Can I use the same letter for more than one
job? £
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| Yes. Instead of
asking your reference to write a letter addressed to a specific
company, you ask them to write an open letter addressed to “to whom
it may concern.” This way you can obtain the letter in advance,
make copies, and distribute it as needed. |
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Can I use the same person for both a verbal
and written reference?
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| Yes. You may also
want to ask if they prefer to be called at home or work and the best
time for a potential employer to reach them. |
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Do I put my references on my resume?
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| No, Your
references DO NOT go on your resume, they are a separate document.
Make sure you label this document as being your list of
references by making a heading such as "References for Terry
Jones." Then list the name of your reference, their
occupation, phone number, email, length of time you have know them,
and the nature of your relationship. Print this on paper that
matches your resume. Sample layout. |
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How and when do I give my list of references
and letters of recommendation to an employer?
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| Typically at the
end of the interview, you can offer your references to the potential
employer. Sometimes they will ask for them before an interview or
request that you submit them with your resume and cover letter. It
is best if you can give them your typed list of verbal references
and your letters of recommendation. This way they can get some
immediate feedback plus ask specific questions by phone to your
verbal references. |
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References Sample
Layout: £
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References
for
Terry Jones
Sarah Smith
Manager
Gram’s Kitchen
5 Bear Road
Newton, MA 02466
617-xxx-xxxx
* Direct
supervisor for 1 year when I was a waitress at Gram’s Kitchen
Anne-Marie Kenney
Director of Student Activities
Lasell College
1844 Commonwealth Ave
Newton, MA 02466
617-243-2122
akenney@lasell.edu
* Advisor for
Student Government Association where I have been a member for the
past year
Helen Alcala
Associate Professor
Lasell College
1844 Commonwealth Ave
Newton, MA 02466
617-243-2260
halcala@lasell.edu
* Professor teaching both my First
Year Seminar course and Spanish 200
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Career Services
Lasell College
1844 Commonwealth Avenue • Newton, MA 02466
Tel: 617.243.2124 ~ Fax: 617.243.2374
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