Cover Letters & References
Cover Letters & References
Two important— and often overlooked—components of the job search tool kit are cover letters and references. These videos shares tips on how to write a great cover letter and how to prepare your references.
Your cover letter should included the highlights from your resume/portfolio. So if you haven't watched the video on how to make a resume, start there.
Finally, preparing your references is another important way to "prove" your skills. Your references should ideally line up with the experiences you highlighted on your resume.
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Cover Letters give you the opportunity to:
Highlights the key skills you have that are relevant to the opportunity
Shows a bit of your passion and personality
Demonstrates your writing skills
Explains your interest in and/or connection to the position
PRO TIPS: If your background is not a clear match for the position a cover letter allows you to:
Highlights how the skills and interests you do have can benefit the company
Demonstrates how the classes you are currently taking add to your skills and confirm your interests
Your references should reflect your experiences.
Take a look at your resume and match your professional and academic experiences with professional (work manager/boss) or your academic (professor) references.
References
You will be asked to provide the employer:
Information on how to contact your references
Please Note: You need only to provide the employer your references when they ask you.
The employer will:
Contact your reference either by email or by phone
Ask questions about your qualifications for the position
Reference Letters
You may be asked to provide the employer either:
Information on how to contact your references
OR
Actual letters of recommendation
The employer will either:
Contact your reference either by email or by phone and ask them to submit a letter of recommendation
OR
Read the letters submitted for evidence about your qualifications for the position.
You must ask for permission BEFORE you list someone as a reference.
Who Should You Ask For A Reference or Reference Letters
Start by asking anyone who has supervised you at work on in a classroom to be a reference. This may include:
Boss at work
Professor
Club Advisor
Pro Tip: Use personal references only as a last resort.
Reference/Reference Letter Checklist
Provide them with your contact information. (email and phone)
Let them know what you are requesting.
Remind them how they know you. If asking faculty remember they are probably providing references for many students. You may include:
Your Major/Minor
What class you took with them and what semester and year
A picture of yourself if you have one (LinkedIn Profile)
Let them know why you have chosen them as a reference.
(let them know the skills they know about you that are relevant to the position you are applying for)
Provide them with the official description the position/opportunity that you are applying for.
Give them a copy of your resume.
Ask if they have any reservations about providing a reference for you. (If so, you may want to ask someone else)
Ask them for the phone number and email address they prefer to be contacted at.
For Reference Letters you will also need to include:
The due date of the letter of the recommendation
Depending on what you are applying for you may also need to:
Provide your references a copy of the letter(s), essay(s), or personal statement(s) that you are using for the application
Tell them your transfer and/or career goals
Tell them the criteria of the award/opportunity (usually provided on the application)
PRO TIPS:
Try to provide two-three weeks lead time for your references. This will also allow you time to find alternate references if the person you ask says no.)
Check in on your references prior to the Letters of Recommendation due date. Sometimes people get busy and forget. A gentle reminder never hurts.)
Have a backup reference. Sometimes your letters of recommendation writers falls through. It happens, so plan ahead.
IF THEY SAY YES:
References
Let them know WHEN and BY WHOM they may be contacted to be sure they are available at the appropriate time.
Reference Letters
Tell them HOW and BY WHEN to submit the letter of recommendation (this will be provided to you by the prospective employer).
Sample Reference Sheet
Keep the look of your reference list consistent with your resume. That is, use the same paper, typeface and heading format.
List three references in the order in which you want them to be contacted.
You will typically include the person's:
Name
Title
Employer
Phone number
Email
Pro Tips
Only provide the references when the employer requests them.
Bring copies of your reference list or letters to an interview (along with extra copies of your resume.)
First Last Name
310.555.1212 l Los Angeles, CA l First&LastName@gmail.com
LIST OF REFERENCES
Dr. Susan Brown
Professor
Department of Communications
Santa Monica College
(310) 434-8002
Brown_susan@smc.edu
Dr. Margaret Jones
Associate Professor
Department of Computer Science
Santa Monica College
(310) 434-8062
Jones_margaret@smc.edu
Victoria Mason
Store Manager
Macy’s Department Store
(424) 608-1923
Mason_victoria@macy’s.com