Rock your references! 

During the hiring process, an employer will most likely ask you for at least 2-3 references they can contact to verify your employment history and testify to your strengths, skills and fit for the position you are being considered for. Choosing your references doesn’t have to be rocket science, but there is a bit of planning and strategy involved. Consider the following before providing anyone’s name and contact information to a prospective employer: 

• Consider your best advocates. Unless you are a former intern or volunteer with the Faculty of Arts, AWE staff cannot be your references. Instead, consider people who can attest to the quality of your work and skill sets like elders, coaches, instructors, supervisors, managers and religious leaders, etc.

• Consider the requirements of the job. Does the position require a strong writer? An instructor may be able to attest to your writing skills. What about a strong team player? A supervisor or coach could probably speak to that! Tailor your references like you tailor your work search documents to get the strongest possible references!

• Seek permission first. As a professional courtesy, you should always ask before using somebody as a reference. The advance notice will provide the time needed to consider your request, prepare for a call/email from the employer and plan their talking points. Bonus points if you send them a copy of the job posting in advance so they can tailor their message to address certain skills and qualifications required for the position!

• Seek permission each time. Even though someone may have agreed to be your reference once, they do not necessarily agree to be your reference every time. It is strongly recommended that you reach out to them each time a potential employer requests your references so they are never surprised when they are contacted. 

By following these guidelines, your references will feel fully prepared, your prospective employer will obtain the information they need to make their hiring decisions quickly and efficiently and you will be seen as a professional and well-organized applicant! If you have questions about references, please reach out to your Work Experience Coordinator.