How to ask for References and Letters of Recommendation

By Collins Onyango

 
Are looking for a job? Or graduating soon? Asking for references can be a daunting task. When you apply for a job, internship, or other professional experience, you most often will need references, recommendation letters, or both

A letter of recommendation is a written statement supporting your application for a specific internship program, fellowship, or graduate school.  It differs from a reference in that it is always written and is addressed to a specific program.  Many organizations that require a letter of recommendation will provide you a form that will include a confidentiality waiver.

With the increased competition for new graduate nursing positions, it may be wise for any student to keep common etiquette and professional standards in perspective during their years in college.

References and letters of recommendation form essential parts of any application process. Typically, references will be requested for most employment opportunities, while letters of recommendation will be needed for academic pursuits such as graduate or professional school.

Who to Ask

• Majority of your referees should be academics themselves, ideally in the field of interest to you if you are applying for admission to an academic program, academic position, or scholarship/grant award.
• It very important to have a good idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. It's perfectly acceptable to use references other than your employer.
• It’s important not to assume an individual will write a letter of recommendation for you. Choose individuals who can provide positive feedback regarding your teaching abilities and your experience with students.

Choosing your References

• Three letters of recommendation are standard for most teaching positions. However, asking more than three individuals will allow you to choose those you feel are the strongest or most appropriate for the position/district
• They should be persons you have built a strong relationship with you. It is also beneficial to include a professional reference that can speak to your abilities in a work environment. This could be a past supervisor or boss.
• Preferred references: cooperating teacher, principal, student teaching supervisor, another teacher, professor, adviser, or supervisor from a student related experience.
• Least preferred references: Individuals associated with non-teaching related experiences

Preparing your References

• Plan ahead so you have your list of references and/or letters of recommendation ready as you begin applying for teaching positions.
• Once your reference has agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you, arrange to meet in person. This will allow you to provide additional information about yourself. It will also ensure your reference writes about areas you think they can best demonstrate.
• File your folders together if applying for a graduate or professional program. Each referee should be briefed with information about each of the programs you area applying for. Then you submit the letters along with a copy of your resume before deadlines
• If you will be using the letter for a job or internship, provide the referee with your resume, the job description, and some information regarding your interest in the position and organization. In addition to references, you may be required to provide contact information of your supervisor. However, prospective employers should get your permission before contacting your current supervisor to avoid jeopardise your current position.
• Give your potential references plenty of time to write a strong recommendation

Maintaining relationships with references

Lastly, remember to send each of your letter referees a thank you note after the submission process. During your job search, take the time to thank your references and provide them with updates about your search.

• Contact your references each time you give their name to an employer. This will help them be prepared and provide a solid recommendation for you.
• You will also need to inform them when you have news to share about the position or admissions process. Serious recommender's always love to hear feedback from you. Updating them also strengthens your future professional network
• Stay in contact with references over time. View reference cultivation as a career-long process and always be aware of who might be a good reference for you in the future

Read more

1. Advice for new grads: How to get great references from faculty
2. Hiring nurses share how to ask for, receive letters of recommendation
3. How to get great recommendation letters
4. How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation