“Will you be my reference for this job?”
As a professor and chapter volunteer, I get asked this a lot. Sometimes, students who ask me for a reference are those students I’ve known for several years, both in and out of the classroom, and I know enough about their career aspirations that I can easily and comfortably give them a solid, positive recommendation.
Many times, however, a student will approach me for a recommendation when they have been one of 250 students in my class, sitting somewhere near the back of the lecture hall and rarely talking. In those cases, the only thing I can say about them is “They are a solid B student.”
That’s hardly the recommendation they’re looking for, and it always creates the difficult position of having to say, “I’m sorry, but I’m not the best person to recommend you.”
We all need references and recommendations. Strong, positive endorsements help us promote our personal brand and provide us with the professional support we need to succeed in reaching our goals.
But we can’t presume we can merely ask for a recommendation and expect to get a great one. Recommendations are earned through hard work, continuous achievement and respect for our colleagues. And it’s an ongoing process—the recommendation you’ll want three years from now should be considered today so you can begin earning that recommendation.
Sounds like a daunting task, doesn’t it? Don’t worry. Recommendations can easily be earned through three simple but continuous steps:
Step 1: Make a List
Start building your list of potential references today for the recommendations you might need in three to five years. Include people you’re currently working with or have worked with in the recent past. This list can include your current supervisor, co-workers, a member of your church or volunteer organization, or one of your professors. These are the people who have seen your work ethic and can talk about your dedication, hard work and results.
By creating a list today, you can begin performing to high standards and earn their respect and, ultimately, their recommendation. If your list seems pretty short (or non-existent), make a dream list of those people you admire—people who have been successful and are role-models for your goals and aspirations. Use your social networks to get connected. Once you start building these connections, talk to them about their career and start building a relationship with them so they learn more about you, your goals, and your achievements.
But building your list doesn’t automatically guarantee a positive, glowing reference. Never assume someone is willing to give your that reference until you’ve done step two:
Step 2: Prove Yourself
You earn your recommendations and endorsements every single day. Your hard work helps you achieve your goals, and when you perform to your highest standards, your potential recommender can see how your diligence earns you their reference. Work hard. Get noticed for having a dedicated, passionate approach to maintaining the highest of standards. Lead teams. Get involved on committees. Volunteer. And, yes, promote yourself and your achievements (wondering how to do this? Check out Personal Branding 301: Hello, my name is…).
Step 3: Know How to Ask
When it finally comes time to ask for that well-earned reference letter, make sure you do it right. Ask politely, and provide details related to the nature of the recommendation. Is it for a job, a promotion, graduate school acceptance, a volunteer position or something else? Provide a copy of your most recent resume and highlight some of the key attributes and reference points you’d like to have emphasized.
When you make the ask, don’t assume that they’ll necessarily say yes. If you are asking someone you respect for a reference, chances are some of your friends and colleagues are as well. You may have to go with your second or third choice for a reference if your first choice has already been taken. That’s why when you make the ask, you should give your reference plenty of lead-time. Reference letters take time to write, so provide as much advance notice as possible.
If you follow these three principles, you’ll be on the right track to earning that well-deserved recommendation.
Ric Sweeney is an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Cincinnati and a faculty fellow and Renaissance brother with the Ohio Theta Residential Learning Community. He can be reached at ric.sweeney@uc.edu.
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