WEBVTT

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A good rule of thumb is to
choose references from three

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aspects of your life.

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Professional references,
former or current co-workers

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or employers.

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Educational references, former
or current teachers or

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professors who will attest to
how quickly you learn and how

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diligent you are or
were as a student.

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And, personal references,
friends or colleagues

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who have known you
through good times and bad.

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They will be able to tell
the interviewer what a

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conscientious friend you are.

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Before volunteering your
references' names to

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the employer, be especially
sure to ask for permission.

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By asking permission,
you will show your

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respect for them
and their busy schedules.

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Although most of the time
they will be happy to help

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you in your career search,
some previous employers or

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professors may not
wish to help you.

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Respect their wishes:
a reluctant reference is

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worse than no
reference at all!

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Do not be surprised if the
potential employer contacts

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people other than those you
have listed as your references.

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Before you send or give a
reference page to a potential

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employer, give each
reference a copy of your

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resume and cover letter that
you sent to that employer.

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Also, supply each reference
with a copy of the description

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of the position for which you
are applying and a list of the

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specific features in your
background that you would like

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for him or her to mention
to the employer.

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The easier it is for the
reference to help you,

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the more likely that he
or she will help you.

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Remember to periodically
update your references on how

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your job search is going.

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And to send a letter of
thanks to each reference.