During the application process of looking for a job, it is more than likely that your potential employer will ask for a list of references for them to contact to find out more about you and to verify your resume. Therefore, it is very important that you get in contact with the person you intend on putting as your reference before hand as a matter of courtesy, and simply for permission to use their name. This is especially needed if you have not spoken to the person in a long time and it gives you a chance to reintroduce yourself to said person. It also allows the reference to prepare for possible questions the employer has about you.
When writing your reference for permission, you should include the following things:
- Before saying anything, you must state that you wish to reference him/ her and also mention how the reference will be used (Telephone call/ eMail/ Letter etc.)
- As said above, it is extremely important to reintroduce yourself to the reference and let them know your most recent qualifications so they can relay the information to the employer
- You should also let the reference know what stage of schooling you are in. Things such as your year, your degree, your school and what your career aspirations are so he/she can portray the real you to the employer.
- Let them know that if you do not hear back from your letter that you intend on using their name.
- Include a copy of your resume! It is extremely important to attach a copy because then the reference will have the same information as the employer.
Writing your reference is a very important aspect to your application as they can potentially be the pivotal point as to whether you get the job or not. A letter is deemed very professional and anything positive your reference may have to say can only help the application process.
The lady in the video below pretty much summarizes everything in my post :)
References
Oliu, Walter E., Charles T. Brusaw, and Gerald J. Alred. Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job. 9th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Good post daniel! Having a reference is always a good thing to have on a resume. Who would want to hire someone who can't even get a recommendation from somebody? Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteNice graphic and video on references. I am not sure you can use cartoon stock graphics as you need permission to reproduce them. You didn't credit the graphic source either. Yikes!!
ReplyDeleteMore voice needed, Dan.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the video, Daniel. Megan didn't give us a video this week. Yell at her! lol. Anyways, great post Rferences can either help you or hurt you. Therefore, its a good idea to make sure you voir dire your all your references, using your tips, before we let them speak to your, hope to be, new employer.
ReplyDelete