31Dec

How do I get a reference? My first job interview?

4 comments so far


I’m going for my first interview. I was asked to bring a reference list. I’m thinking to ask my professors to give me a reference (I’m a recent graduate). I’m emailing them to request reference. But I dont know if I should be requesting the “reference letters”? Or should I just say “Can you be my reference”? What’s the difference between being my reference and writing me a reference letter? I have only two days left to the interview. I don’t know if I have time to ask them to write letters. Please help!

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Categories: Other - Careers & Employment

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 at 9:15 am and is filed under Other - Careers & Employment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “How do I get a reference? My first job interview?”

  1. Posted by Tris H 3rd January, 2009 at 1:04 am

    Ask them for a letter. If you cant get that get the basics. Perhaps a phone interview.

  2. Posted by David B 4th January, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    If they want a reference, then provide them with the contact information for your reference (mailing address, phone, best time to contact). There is no correct format, just a separate sheet of paper with all the information.

    If you need a reference letter, and have only a short period of time, send the person who will write your letter a sample reference letter. Or better yet, write the reference letter and have them look it over, change some stuff and sign it. That might be easier.

    Again, let your reference know if you put them down as a reference and send thank you notes to anyone who writes you a letter. Good luck on your job interview!

  3. Posted by splitonsevens 6th January, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    Some companies will prefer to make phone contact with the person(s) you list as a reference so provide a phone or email contact for each one you list. Letters are good, especially if you anticipate it will be hard to reach the person, but most often not necessary. If you’ve had any employment, list someone who is familiar with your work (even if it is not applicable to the job you now seek.) Most HR offices will only give dates, so if you can list someone who knows your general work ethic, such as a direct supervisor or esteemed co-worker, that is usually helpful.

  4. Posted by Cool Lucy 8th January, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    ask your professors to write you a recommendation letter and bring them with you. if you don’t get them back by the interview day, tell them that it’s in the works, give them the contact info of the professors, and fax it to the interviewer as soon as you receive them.

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