Prospective employers check references before hiring. Review the tips below on how to deal with these requests. References can tip the balance and are beneficial when positive. An average recommendation does not help and may hinder your chances.
- Current Student: Ask a colleague or supervisor from a prior internship or research experience. A current or former professor or Dean with whom you worked closely may provide a strong reference. Don’t go for “name brand” references who don’t know you well, it’s better to ask someone who will speak glowingly and in detail about your work.
- Experienced Graduate: Ask constituents who know your work. This can be tricky if your search is confidential from your current employer, so you can also consider asking former colleagues who have left that employer or someone at your current organization whom you trust. You may also consider clients or customers who know you well. The key is for the recommender to speak in detail about your work, the type of colleague you were, and your work ethic.
How to Ask:
- Prepare the recommender well in advance of any reference call.
- Send them an email explaining the position, and follow up with a phone call.
- Explain your reasons for seeking a new job and describe the new job/role.
- Provide them with the name of the individual will be calling and, if possible, a bio.
- Email them a copy of your current resume, the job description, and any helpful information to give you a strong reference.
- Remind the person of projects you worked on together or parts of your work history you would like them to highlight.
- Always follow up and thank your references. If you get the job, tell all those who served as references.
Letters of Recommendation
Employers typically ask for a list of professional references. It is rare for an employer to ask for a confidential letter of recommendation, but it may happen.
If a recommender asks you to provide a draft of your recommendation, provide the recommender with this sample draft from the National Association of Colleges & Employers. You may also ethically provide a list of bullet points you would like the letter to address and/or a factual narrative of key achievements. Explain that you are unable to write a draft that provides the kind of judgment and comparative evaluation that only the recommender can provide and that helps make for a strong recommendation.
Background Checks and Drug Tests
Before starting a new job, you may undergo a background check and drug test. Background checks include criminal background searches and sexual offender registry checks. If, for any reason, there is an issue from your past, address it head-on with the Human Resources professional at your potential new employer rather than letting them discover it on their own.
Other References
Not all references are “official.” Potential new employers will often do their research, including your LinkedIn profile, your social media (make sure it’s “cleaned up”), and connecting to contacts who may know your previous employer.
Dossier/Credential Management Service
Consider using an online credential service, which allows you to store and manage a confidential portfolio of important documents such as letters of recommendation, your resume or CV, and writing samples. At your request, the credential service will forward documents to graduate schools or employers as required by your job application. Check out the following options:
- Dossier: A free document collection service offered by Interfolio. Setting up the account is free, and there is a small annual subscription fee once you send materials (Dossier Deliver).
- PrivateFolio is a dossier collection service. By clicking the link to their site from this page, Yale students receive a free one-year account (or a discount on longer account options) when they register.
Note: Students and alums are responsible for the purchase and management of their dossier accounts. Current Yale College students, for whom a dossier service fee may provide a financial hardship, may submit a funding request through SafetyNet or apply for the Professional Development Reimbursement Program for Yale College Juniors & Seniors.
