November 1998 Career Tip

What's the Best Way to Handle References?

by Robbie Miller Kaplan

Many job applicants are unsure of how and when to use references. You will need approximately three professional references when offered a position. Professional references are colleagues, supervisors, clients, or teachers - anyone that can comment on your ability to perform in work or scholastic settings. Friends and relatives are not appropriate references. If you have lots of options for references, choose the ones that can comment on the type of position you are seeking. Get permission from these individuals before using them for references. It is helpful to tell them what types of positions you are seeking and forward them a copy of your recent resume so they can comment appropriately on your performance.

I don't recommend that you include references with your resume because employers can pre-screen you by calling your references prior to meeting you. You should only use your references for positions of interest because you don't want to abuse your references with too many phone calls.

Type your references on a piece of letterhead and include their names, job titles, organizations, and phone numbers. Be prepared to take these on your job interviews.

Should letters of recommendation substitute for a list references? Letters of recommendation can be appropriate when your experience was from a different state or country and the individuals would be hard to reach. Most employers prefer speaking personally with references. Employers know that some employers ask employees to write their own letters of recommendation.