References

Employers and graduate schools may request professional references to gain a better perspective of your candidacy. Build a relationship before requesting a letter. Individuals are more likely to write a letter (and a better letter) for someone they know!

  • For professors, attend their classes and office hours or join their research labs.
  • Share your career goals during the conversations!
  • Employers can also be good sources for letters.

Asking for a Reference

Tips and wording examples for landing the best references for a job, graduate school, post-grad fellowships, etc. 

Reference Example

Take this with you to an interview or submit as a pdf during the application process, if requested. 

 

Protect Your Image

According to a recent survey, 92 percent of employers conduct background screening on applicants.