- What This Article Covers
- Understanding the Importance of Job References
- Who Makes a Good Job Reference?
- How to Request a Job Reference
- Preparing Your References for Employer Contact
- How Many Job References Should You Provide?
- Maintaining Relationships with Your References
- What you need to understand about references:
- Thank You Letters
- Why you should send a thank you note
- Final Words
We may receive compensation when you click on product links from our partners. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last Updated on January 31, 2025
Graduation may be just around the corner. Or maybe you’ve already graduated and are looking for a job. Whatever the reason, you should be prepared to have everything you need for your job search.
Job search for recent college graduates is more challenging than for those with several years of experience. Any help you can get that puts your application at the top of the pile certainly helps. This post focuses on References and Thank You letters, which are key components of any
What This Article Covers
- Why Job References Matter: Discover why strong job references are essential for standing out in a competitive job market.
- Choosing the Right References: Learn to select references who can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and character.
- How to Request a Reference: Get tips on approaching potential references professionally and ensuring they are prepared to speak on your behalf.
- Preparing Your References: Find out how to provide your references with the right information so they can give a strong, relevant endorsement.
The College Grad Job Hunter, Sixth Edition offers hundreds of proven techniques that ensure you'll stand out from the crowd of recent graduates looking for their first job.
- How Many References to Provide: Understand the ideal number of references to include and how to tailor them to each
job application . - Maintaining Reference Relationships: Learn why staying in touch with references can benefit your career in the long run.
- The Role of Thank You Notes: Discover why sending a thoughtful thank-you note after an interview can increase your chances of getting hired.
- How to Write an Effective Thank You Note: Get insights into crafting a personalized thank-you letter that reinforces your interest and qualifications.
Understanding the Importance of Job References
Job references are crucial to your
Who Makes a Good Job Reference?
Choosing the right people for your job references is vital. Ideal candidates include professors,
How to Request a Job Reference
Approaching someone to be a job reference requires professionalism and tact. Explain the role you’re applying for and why you think they would be a great reference. Provide context about your skills and experiences that align with the position, making it easier for them to highlight your strengths. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. Express gratitude for their support, as their endorsement can significantly influence your career opportunities.
Want to think out of the box? Want to change your perspective on your future? Feeling ambivalent about going to college and going into debt? Then join the world of alternative thinking, risk-taking, adventure seeking, and change.
Preparing Your References for Employer Contact
Once someone agrees to be your reference, keeping them informed is essential. Share the job details you’re applying for, including the company name, role, and key responsibilities. Provide them with an updated copy of
How Many Job References Should You Provide?
The number of references you provide can depend on the
Maintaining Relationships with Your References
Building and maintaining strong relationships with your references is an ongoing process. Stay in touch with them even when you’re not actively job searching. Share updates about your career progress and express appreciation for their continued support. Keeping the lines of communication open ensures they remain willing to vouch for you in the future. A strong network of reliable references can be a valuable asset throughout your professional journey, boosting your confidence and credibility in the job market.
What you need to understand about references:
- Most, if not all, employers ask for and check references.
- Ensure you’ve asked your references if it is okay to use them as references.
- Do you know if they will say positive things about you? This is key.
- Ensure your references know when you’ve given out their names and the details of the company and position.
- Your references should preferably be former managers/supervisors or others familiar with your work.
- Keep a list of references (5 or more would be ideal). While a company generally asks for two or three references, you may want to pick and choose based on the opportunity.
- Have all of the details handy in your references. This includes the title, the company where they work, their phone number, and an
email address.
Thank You Letters
You may think thank you notes are “old school,” but they are not. While a generic thank you note is a waste of time, a targeted thank you note can make all of the difference in you getting to the next round in your interview process. What, exactly, is a “targeted thank you note”? A targeted thank you note is a note that lets the interviewer(s) know that you listened during the interview (by repeating some of what you discussed). It’s your opportunity to remind the interviewer why you are the best person for the job.
Why you should send a thank you note
- Demonstrate that you have social skills.
- It’s the opportunity to showcase a skillset (writing) important for most jobs.
- It provides an opportunity for you to express your interest in the position
- It allows you to show appreciation for being considered.
- You can use your Thank You note to add something you may have forgotten to say or ask.
- Following up with the
hiring manager keeps your name current. It’s important that you remind thehiring manager that you are interested in the job.
Final Words
Building strong professional references and effective communication throughout your
These small but powerful steps can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of securing the job you want. By investing time in these essential strategies, you demonstrate credibility, reliability, and a commitment to professional growth, helping you confidently navigate the competitive job market.
Sending a powerful thank you letter after an interview can help put you ahead other candidates interviewing for the job so you get the coveted offer. Receive step-by-step instructions on how to write custom thank you letters for every interview.
