You’ve found places to apply for an internship or career. You’ve got the requirements sitting in front of you. You thought this would be the easy part, but here instead is this gaping sentence. “In addition, please send us the names of two or three people who are willing to act as your references.”
Which people? Why? This may seem like an annoying or minor requirement, but it’s actually as much of an opportunity to shine as your resume itself. In fact, it might be more of an opportunity, because it speaks to your ability to work not only solo but with others.
Here are three basic guidelines for whom to pick:
- Pick someone you’ve worked or interacted with pretty recently, someone professional who can talk about your unique talents and abilities.
- This means you shouldn’t pick someone as a reference whose only interaction with you amounts to “good morning.” Try to choose people who are familiar both with your work and with you as a human being.
- Don’t pick someone who’s related to you. Your mom could probably write a great reference letter, but even if she’s a highly-respected professional in your field, employers will probably give her less credence exactly because of your close relationship.
If you’re thinking at this point, “Great. That rules out everyone I know!”, don’t worry. For example, if you’ve had good working relationships with even one or two of your college professors, you’ve made a good start.
Professors can tell a lot about students from the way they behave in a classroom. Have you been asking and answering questions and turning in quality work? Do you dress and act respectfully, not creating distractions? Do you and your assignments usually show up on time? Do you occasionally stop by the desk after class to continue discussion with a professor or ask a more detailed question? If the answer to most of these questions is “yes” for even one class, then that professor has enough material to write you a decent recommendation.
