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Carnegie Mellon Heinz School Policy Management Information Technology
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Developing References 

An important component of your job hunt is good references. While that may seem obvious, some students neglect to follow the steps necessary to obtain them. When asked for references, they may reel off the names of professors or former employers without considering the importance of what they are being asked to provide. Observe the following guidelines and the reference check will never undo all the work you have done in your job search.

  • OBTAIN PERMISSION – Never give the name of someone whose permission you do not have!
  • KNOW WHAT THE REFERENCE WILL SAY ABOUT YOU – It is perfectly acceptable to ask a potential reference if he/she can give you a strong recommendation. If he/she cannot, he/she will tell you so and you are free to find someone who can recommend you highly. Identify people who are enthusiastic and easy to talk to since most reference checking is done by phone.
  • PROVIDE YOUR REFERENCES WITH ADEQUATE INFORMATION – Whenever possible, give your references a description of the job for which you are applying. If a complete job description is not available, tell you references the kind of positions for which you are applying and using their name. If asking for a written reference, give the person adequate time to prepare a letter, do not ask the day before you need it.
  • REMIND YOUR REFERENCES OCCASIONALLY – someone may give you permission to use his name, and not intend it as a perpetual bequest. Periodically ask your references if it is still all right to use their names. This is especially true when using former professors as references. As memorable as you are, you may fade in professorial recollection. You do not want a potential employer to hear: “…well, I think I remember her.”
  • TAILOR YOUR REFERENCES TO THE JOB SOUGHT – Develop separate lists of references for each type of position you are seeking. A systems professor may be best in one instance, and an accounting professor in another. Your reference lists should not be static.
  • MAKE SURE YOUR REFERENCES ARE PROFESSIONAL ONES – References should be supervisors or faculty members who know you in a profession context. (Some organization, especially governments, will ask you for personal references, in addition to your professional ones. So make sure you do have a friendly next-door neighbor, just in case.)
  • PREPARE A LIST OF REFERENCES – Using a style and paper to match your resume; prepare a list of references that includes: name, position title, business address, business phone number. Having contacted your references and prepared you list of references; you will be in a position to respond immediately to an employer’s request for references.
  • TIMING AND FOLLOW-UP – Do not offer your list of references until asked. It may change as you proceed through the interview process. Remember to thank your references after each call and try to get feedback. When you get a job, inform your references and thank them again for their assistance.