TAKEWAYS
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Always ask the reference’s permission before sharing their name with a company.
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Reach out to a potential reference by email or phone. Share a few details, including when you will be applying, and when they can expect to be contacted.
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If your contact agrees to be a reference, share the job description and your resume, and remind them of any work experiences or skills they might want to highlight.
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Follow up to thank them for being a reference and to share any updates on your search and offer status.
Professional references are those who can speak knowledgeably about your strengths in action. References provide valuable perspective about how you accomplish your work and what it is like to supervise you or be on a team with you. They may also verify your work experience (including company, job title, and dates of employment) for your potential employer.
Whenever possible, we recommend doing the work of engaging your references at the start of your job search, so you are prepared when a company asks for them.
STEP 1: Ask Your References for Permission
Start by preparing a list of potential references who can speak to your professional or academic experience, including previous supervisors and colleagues whenever possible. Select three contacts who are familiar with your most relevant experience and skills and will be able to make a strong case for you in the role and reach out to them. **Do not use the reference’s name without permission, as they may choose to decline to give a reference, creating an awkward situation for all.**
WHO TO ASK
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Supervisors: The most important references are those that come from previous supervisors with whom you have worked closely. This is where you should focus your energy when it comes to securing professional references for your job search.
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Colleagues: A colleagues’ insights are less valuable to an employer than a supervisors’ insights, but they can still provide information about the value you brought to the team, and how you engaged with them. Be sure to choose colleagues who can provide a thoughtful assessment and represent you well.
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Faculty: If you have worked closely with a faculty member in a discipline related to the job, have performed well in their classes/projects, and they are very familiar with your academic ability and potential, then this faculty member might be an appropriate option for a professional reference.
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Program Office: If you have taken on a significant leadership role or teaching assistant position in your academic program, an advisor from your program office could be an appropriate reference but be sure to check with them first.
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To Confirm Graduation Dates – Sloan Educational Services (SES): If you need someone to confirm your attendance and/or graduation dates, the Sloan Educational Services can provide this service.
WHO NOT TO ASK
Classmates, friends, and relatives are not appropriate references. They cannot provide detailed insight into your work performance that an employer is seeking in a professional reference. If you have questions about whether a professional reference is appropriate, reach out to your career advisor or career coach.
CDO Advisors: While your career advisor or career coach can be a great resource to help you identify appropriate professional references, the CDO does not provide professional references on behalf of students.
WHAT IF THEY SAY NO?
There are many valid reasons why a potential reference might decline a request to be a reference, including not having the time or not being familiar enough with you or the industry or job to make a strong case for you. If an individual does not feel confident serving as a reference for you, it is best to move on to someone who is enthusiastic about supporting your application.
STEP 2: Prepare Your Reference for Success
Put yourself in your reference’s shoes: what information would help YOU give a good reference?
INFORMATION TO PROVIDE
You can help your reference by providing the job description, your resume, and a brief paragraph to help remind them of the skills and strengths they may have observed you using when you worked with them that are relevant to this new role. Note that if you share a link to the job posting, the link might become inactive if the position is removed, so you may also wish to include a brief summary of the job description in your message to them or copy the job description from the website.
Example:
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“Dear [Reference], Thank you for being a reference for me for the Financial Analyst position at XYZ Company. Below is a brief description of the role and the key experiences that make me a strong candidate. Job Description: My Qualifications: I really appreciate your support. Thank you, |
STEP 3: Follow Up With Your Reference
Anyone who offers to be a reference is invested in your success. Be sure to let them know the outcome so they are prepared to move on with you to the next opportunity or to celebrate your success.
WHAT TO SAY
Follow up with your reference to express your gratitude and update them on whether you got/accepted the job or not. Here are a couple of examples of what that follow-up might look like.
Example: You ultimately received and accepted the job offer
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“Dear [Reference], Thank you for being a reference for me when I applied to the Financial Analyst position at XYZ Company. I appreciate your willingness to support me in this stage of the job search. I’m excited to share that I was offered the position and will start this summer. Best regards, |
Example: You did not receive the job offer
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“Dear [Reference], Thank you for being a reference for me when I applied to the Financial Analyst position at XYZ Company. While I did not move into the final round of interviews, it was a great experience and I appreciate your support. I will keep you posted on my search and appreciate your willingness to be a reference again for my next opportunity. Best regards, |
