Daylight Savings is Sunday at 2am!

Turn the clock 1 hour ahead on Sunday at 2am!

Or, do it before you go to bed.

Or, when you wake up.

your choice

And what about a list of references, then?

A list of references is a document separate from your resume, and having good references can be the clincher to getting that new job.

WHO CAN YOU ASK?
You usually give it to the hiring manager after your interviewed for the position. The people listed should be professional associates that can positively comment on your qualities as an employee. It's perfectly acceptable to use references other than your employer too. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references. If you volunteer, consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.

ASK FOR PERMISSION FIRST?
Before including a reference on your list, make sure that you have requested permission to use that person as a reference. Be sure to include full contact information for each of references.

HOW DO YOU LIST THE REFERENCE?
Full contact information should be:

Name
Working Title
Employer
Business Address
City, State Zip
Phone
Cell Phone
Email
Relationship to each other:
Years known each other:

HOW MIGHT IT BE USED?
On the average, employers check three references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It's important to know your references, to select the right people, and to get their permission to use them. You need responsive people that can confirm that you worked there, your title, your reason for leaving, and other details. I've even asked previous referees: "Will you be able to provide a strong recommendation for me?" If they respond with an enthusiastic "YES!", then I know I asked the right person.

MAXIMIZE THE REFERENCE
It's also very important to have a good idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. I've even followed up with my referees after the interview. I've told them how my interview went, what I think the potential employer is looking for, and remind them of projects I accomplished under his/her supervision that demonstrate that I would be an excellent potential hire.

What's in a letter of recommendation?

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, your reference might ask you upon what you want them to comment.

Here's a few quick ideas about what they could address:

• What is your work/professional relationship? (supervisor, co-worker, committee co-member, peer volunteer, teacher, student)
• In total, how long have you known each other?
• How long were you in the position (if applicable)?
• What professional achievements/contributions did you make to the organization or the project?
• How would they evaluate your work with respect to your: quality, productivity, coordination/cooperation, dependability, and public affairs skills

Here's an elaboration of those characteristics, per the UC San Diego performance appraisal guidelines:

• Quality - Accurate and complete command and use of information, materials, equipment, and techniques required for the job
• Productivity - Efficiently plans and organizes for timely completion of assigned work, adhering to appropriate priorities and exhibiting self-starting ability and resourcefulness
• Coordination/Cooperation - Maintains positive relations and clear, consistent and timely communications with staff. Willing to help others accomplish tasks
• Dependability - Punctual and regular attendance. Meets deadlines without close supervision.
• Public Affairs Skills - Consistent, pleasant and courteous treatment of clients; provides clear and helpful information

HOW TO ASK FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Try to avoid asking, "Could you write a letter of reference for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to write about.

Rather, ask "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?" or "Do you feel you could give me a good reference?" That way, your reference writer has an easy "out" if they are not comfortable writing a letter and you can be assured that those who say "yes" will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter.

Offer to provide an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference writer has current information to work with.

D

Modification: Professional Portfolio

Woo hoo! I am so *excited*.

I have heard from a number of you who are working on your professional portfolios.

...which has prompted a change/modification to one of the basic elements we'd like you to include: flexibility about the letters of reference.

You have a choice: you can submit letters of recommendation and/or a list of at least 5 references.
d