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REFERENCES
When do you need a list of
references?
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Potential employers commonly ask
for a list of references whom they might contact (usually by phone)
before or after interviewing you. |
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Be sure you have such a list at
hand when you go to an interview or when you need to fill out an
application for employment. |
How many people do you need to serve
as references?
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You should have three to five
people on your list. |
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If you have been in the work force
for a year or more, at least two of these should be professional
references, such as from previous employers or close business
associates. |
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Always
ask these people if it is okay to list them as references. If they
agree, take down their exact job title, the name of the company
where they work, and their work address and phone number. You will
need to include all of this information on the list you present at
job interviews. |
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If you can, tell them the type(s)
of position you are applying for and the skills and personal
characteristics that are being sought. |
Whom should you ask?
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People who have supervised your
work, through your paid jobs, internships or volunteer and community
activities. |
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In addition, close business
associates can provide references, whether you have worked with them
on the job or while planning professional association activities. |
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Do not list family members as
references. |
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People who, preferably, know you in
a context that is appropriate to the job to which you are applying
(for research positions, you would typically ask professors with
whom you had worked; for most other jobs, work and internship
supervisors or advisors to extracurricular activities; a mix
of people who know you in different contexts is probably best). |
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People who are willing to say good
things about you! If you're not sure, ASK. Be straightforward:
"These are the skills my potential employers are looking for. Do you
feel that you know me well enough to say positive things about me in
these areas?" A less-than-positive recommendation can kill your
chances at a job. |
How should you format your
list?
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Do not make the mistake of listing
your references on your resume, as it is commonly seen as
inappropriate and unprofessional. |
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On a separate page, list three to
five people; their exact title, the company they work for, their
work address and phone number (add e-mail address if it is
available); and their relationship to you ("supervisor at summer
internship at Houghton Mifflin," "thesis advisor," "supervisor of
volunteers at Cambridge Community Services," etc.). |
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At the top of the page, write
"References for (your name)." |
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Create this using word processing
software (such as Microsoft Word, or WordPerfect)--in other words,
don't hand-write it. |
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Print on high quality bond or linen
paper in white, off-white or light gray. |
Stay in touch with your
references.
Don't forget to send each of your
references a thank-you note when your job search is over. Proper
etiquette aside, it will help keep your contacts current. You never know
when you might need their help again sometime down the road.
Read more about references (Boston Globe
article)
Sample
List of References
References for Anita Job
Boston College, Box 9999, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 617.655.0000
123 South Compo Road, Westport, CT 06880 203.227.5555
Mr. Alexander J. Holmes, CPA
Vice Presdent of Mutual Fund Accounting
The Keystone Group
Boston, MA 02199
617-235-1976
As Fund Tax Manager, Alex hired me
and helped train me as a staff audit representative. He also became an
accounting mentor and role model.
Ms. Kathy Hawthorne
Vice President of Corporate Accounting
Fidelity Investments
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-727-6237
I met Kathy while attending Dartmouth
College. She has been a long time accountant & finance mentor and
friend. While working at Keystone, I was a member of the Boston Society
of Corporate Controllers, of which Kathy served as the Vice President.
Mr. Francis J. Melville
Sales & Operations Manager
The Keystone Group
Boston, MA 02199
617-235-1991
When I was chosen to participate in
the new Cross Training Mutual Fund Division, Frank was my boss and
assisted in developing my sales and customer skills.
Professor Peter W. Frink
Finance Department
Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management
Boston College, Fulton Hall
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167-3808
617-552-8698
I was a student in two of Professor
Rockwell's classes. I developed an independent course with Professor
Rockwell which examined the financial and tax considerations of
international mutual fund management.
http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/skills/letters/refer/
Interviews |
