Hi! I had a question about references.
Is it best to ask people first before listing them as a reference?
If it's my professor, then should I ask?
But if it's my former employer, or my supervisor at my volunteer site, do I still have to ask?
From: Mary, Recent Grad, University of Hawaii
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi Mary -
It is always best to ask people first before listing them as a reference. Why? For three reasons:
It is a professional courtesy to ask before using their name.
It will give your references time to think about what they would say about you before getting the call.
If they would NOT be a positive reference, this will give them an opportunity to opt out.
You should not just ask if they are willing to be a reference, but if they are willing to be a POSITIVE reference.
You would be surprised how many people use references who do not provide a positive reference.
Make sure yours are bullet-proof.
You can greatly increase the odds of your reference being a positive one by asking for a letter of recommendation.
First of all, it will give you the written reference, so you KNOW what they will say.
Second, many companies will accept a letter of recommendation as the actual reference, so it may provide you with
an instant reference when needed.
Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.
All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.
