professional references tips

Professional References Tips:

 Make sure that people know you’re using them as a professional reference. It doesn’t look good when a person on your reference list has no idea you were using them as a reference.

 Don’t assume that someone you’re on good terms with is going to be a GOOD reference. Ask first if they would be able to provide you with a GOOD reference. There is a huge difference between just “being a reference” for someone and being a good reference. You want to make sure people will say positive things about you.

 Use as many supervisors as possible from past jobs. Even if most or all of your job experience is not in libraries, potential employers will want to know what kind of employee you were. Supervisors are in the best position to provide this information.

 So, the kinds of people who should be on your list of references, in order of importance.
o Supervisors, even if it was a non-library job. Supervisors for your assistantship are good, too
o Co-workers
o Librarians whom you worked with, but who didn’t necessarily supervise you. (i.e. if you had an assistantship in some department of a library)
o Library school faculty whom you’ve worked closely with. Comments like “I had Jane in my Cataloging class and she was a thoughtful, diligent student” are good to have in a pinch, but do not say much about you as an employee.

 Avoid using fellow library school students as references, if at all possible. It’s better to use professional references from non-library jobs instead.

 Don’t use anyone with whom you’ve had disagreements or ongoing interpersonal conflicts, unless you have patched things up with the person and are now on excellent terms with them. If you aren’t sure where you stand with a possible reference, ask them. (See above.)

 Make sure your professional reference’s basic information is correct. *(Exact job title, and the correct address, phone number, & e-mail.) Don’t make the search committee have to hunt for the correct information!

 It’s OK to provide one more reference more than the job announcement calls for.

 Keep in touch with your references a couple of times per year to let them know what you’ve been doing. Thank them profusely after they’ve been contacted by a potential employer. Put them on your Christmas card list. Keeping in touch with them can include:

o Give them examples of professional development experiences, projects you’ve taken on, etc.
o Let them know what kinds of jobs you’re applying for.
o Send them an updated copy of your resume before you begin sending it out to employers.

 Don’t send your list of references along with the resume and cover letter unless asked. It’s perfectly OK to have a section at the end of your resume that says “References provided upon request.”


Compiled by Mark Shores
Assistant Director/Regional Campus Librarian
Miami UniversityHamilton
Hamilton, OH