Page 70 - Carlson School GBCC Career Guide

Professional References
It is likely that you will be asked to provide three to four professional references to a potential employer before receiving a formal job or internship offer. This is your opportunity to
ask people who view you highly to say positive things about you. Suggestions for whom to
ask include:
• Supervisors at internships or jobs • Co-workers
• Professors
• Other faculty and staff
• Committee or club members
Provide your list of references to a company only after you have been requested to do so. Use these tips as you create your list.
• Use a separate piece of paper (separate from your resume and cover letter) with the same header as your resume.
• Ask the person in advance of providing their contact information. Share your resume, the job description(s) and anything that you think would be good to highlight about you and your skills as it relates to that opportunity.
• Include the person's full name, title, organization, phone number, and email. Include relationship to you if it is not already obvious.
• Choose people who will be able to speak favorably of you and provide specifics.
• Prepare this in advance and be prepared to provide it when asked.
A Final Note...
Sample professional references page
PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
FULL NAME
Complete Address • City/State • Phone Number • Email Address
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
1. Scott Peterson
Director, Grow Biz International 763-555-4130 scott.peterson@growbiz.com
2. Missy Elfson
Account Manager, General Mills 952-555-6451 misssy.elfson@generalmills.com
3. Matt Walsh
Assistant Vice President, Target Corporation 612-555-8898
matthew.walsh@target.com
Use the header from your resume here
The way you communicate tells a lot about your professionalism, your work ethic, and your attention to detail. All professional correspondence must be free of errors of any sort. Proofread everything that you send to an employer, and double check to make sure that you are presenting yourself in the best light. Your communication should reflect your personality and your enthusiasm. It should express your personal “brand” to an employer, and sell yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.
68 Carlson School of Management