After You Ask Quick Question-Boss Worksite Reflection

Name: _______________________________

1-8A

References

After You Ask

Say thank you.

Follow-up with a word of thanks or send a written thank

you note.

Let your references know the outcome.

If you didn’t receive the job, still take time to reconnect.

It’s the polite thing to do, plus your reference may be

able to help your job search!

Prepare to ask again.

If you want to use the same reference for another op-

portunity down the line, know that you’ll need to ask for

permission once again. Just because someone said

yes once, doesn’t mean that they are forever on your

reference list. Never list a reference’s name on your job

application without asking first.

Choose at least 3 people to put on your list of pro-

fessional references.

Always bring a few copies of your list to interviews, in

case you’re asked to provide them. Promptly let the

people on your list know when a hiring manager asks

for your references, so they know to expect a call or an

email.

POINTS EARNED On time Late

Journal

Date turned in:

Scenario 5

Weeks late (points off):

Question 5

Final Score:

Reflection 3

Admin 2

Quick Question-Boss

Are there any job references that hold more weight than

others? What are they and why?

Name: _________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Worksite Reflection

What was something that happened at work this week?

(an event, a problem, an interaction, a success, etc.)

__________________________________________________

Administrative Questions

Is your phone number the same? YES NO

Do you have active phone service? YES NO

Is everything at work satisfactory? YES NO

Are you getting enough hours? YES NO

If you selected NO, explain:

Name: _______________________________

1-8A

References

Finding References

When you’re applying for jobs, employers usually

want you to provide a list of professional references.

After your interview, your references could be a key

to whether you receive a job offer from a business.

For every new job opportunity, you should make sure

your list of references fits. Think about your relation-

ship with each person. How closely and how recently

did you work with them? How will they explain your

qualities to your potential job? All these details play a

role in who goes on your list. You need to select peo-

ple who will discuss your strengths. References

should not be family members. Your references

could make or break your chances of landing a job,

so make sure you select the best people to speak on

your behalf.

Before You Ask

Make a list of candidates. Include people who fall

in the following categories: work, character, and vol-

unteer. Most employers want work-related refer-

ences, but you can include other types if they are not

specified. Make sure that everyone on your list

knows you well and has recent experience with you.

Determine who is the best fit. Some of your refer-

ences may have more knowledge about the skills

you would like to highlight than others. Ask yourself

who would best represent you for this particular job.

Think like an employer!

When You Ask

Be professional.

Whether you are asking in person or by email, keep

your conversation short and upbeat. Simply mention

that you are searching for a new job and would appre-

ciate it if they would be a reference for you. Include the

name of the company and the job title.

Tell them all the good things.

Share why you chose this particular person as a refer-

ence. Flattery can take you far! Mention how much

you’ve learned from this person and why they would

make a great reference for you.

Phrase it right.

Most importantly, always ask your request in a way

that allows the reference to refuse gracefully—for ex-

ample, “Would you be comfortable serving as a refer-

ence in my upcoming job hunt?” or “Do you have time

in the next few weeks to serve as my reference?”

Be proactive.

Make sure that your reference knows when to expect

the call and, if possible, who will be calling. Many peo-

ple do not answer calls from phone numbers they don’t

recognize; however, if they are waiting for reference

call on a particular day, they will be more likely to an-

swer the call.

Be thorough.

If you need a written recommendation, in addition to

the job details, include complete contact information

and the deadline. If the letter must be mailed, provide

an addressed and stamped envelope.

Be gracious.

No matter the response, be polite. If your reference

declines, be understanding and move forward. You

would not want to list someone who declines your re-

quest to be a reference.

DID YOU KNOW?

SkillSurvey found that reference check-

ing is the 2nd most-used candidate

screening method. 86% of companies

check references before making offers.

Journal

Write a list of at least 3 people who you could use for

references? What is your relationship to them? Why

would they recommend you?

__________________________________________________

Worksite Scenario

Fred wants a job. His CTAE teacher taught him how to

apply. His reference list is the final step, but he has nev-

er worked and doesn’t have professional references. He

decides to use his mom and his sister. Is this a good

idea? Why? Who would you tell Fred to use? Why?

__________________________________________________