Hey You! Be My Reference?!

In the season of summer job hunting, grad school applications and an end of the term coming up, there seem to be a lot of reasons to ask for a reference. The question is, how do you do it? Here is a list of dos and don'ts when it comes to asking for a reference letter, in any situation!

DO:

• Ask for a reference in good time.
• Don't just ask for a reference, ask for a good reference.
• Be ready to provide your referee with any pertinent information for them to use to write the reference.
• Send a thank-you letter following the receipt of the reference.

DON'T:

• Just ask for a reference, ask to meet with the potential referee about the possibility of them being a good reference for you.
• Ask any less than two weeks before the reference is due.
• Send out a mass email to all of the possible references.
• Use someone who hasn't seen your work in the area that is listed on the application.
• Assume that the reference will say yes.
• Take offence if the reference says no.

Hope this stuff helps and as always, feel free to drop by the Career Resource Centre Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm until exams begin!

Good luck!

Brittany
Sr. Career Assistant