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December 07, 2006
References: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who should I ask to be a reference? Your references should be people who know you and know your work. Many legal employers like to hear from professors so take advantage of opportunities to participate in class and talk with your professors outside of class.
2) Can I list a past employer? Absolutely – as long as this person knows you and knows your work. A supervisor who regularly reviewed your work trumps the head of your department that barely remembers you.
3) My reference asked for a form – is there a form he/she can fill out? The short answer is no. Legal employers who ask for letters of recommendation want to hear from someone who knows you and your work and understands the type of position you are applying for. The more specific and descriptive the letter is regarding you and your work the better.
4) Do I have to ask my reference for a letter of recommendation? Not unless the position you are applying for specifically requests one. Otherwise, written letters of recommendation are rarely required. Most employers will ask you for references. When an employer requests that you supply them with references they are simply asking for a list of names with the contact information for the individuals that you list. Always be sure to include your name and contact information on the top of your reference list (like on your resume) in case your reference list is ever separated from your resume in an employer’s office. For a sample reference list, see the Resume Section of the CSO Guide on Blackboard.
5) How do I ask someone to be a reference or for a letter of recommendation? Can I send him/her an email? If the person is on campus or is someone with whom you currently work, drop by their office with an updated copy of your resume to make your request. For those references that you can't just drop in on, consider contacting them by phone and email. If it is someone you haven't been in touch with since you started law school, they will be interested in catching up via phone. You can then follow-up via email with a copy of your resume and a thank you note. Keep in mind that if your prior experience with a potential reference is vastly different from the tasks you will be performing in the legal field, it is important to spend some time talking about the job(s) you are applying for and the types of assignments you will be working on.
Have additional questions about references and letters of recommendation? Stop by the CSO to chat with a counselor!
Posted by kcc17 at December 7, 2006 03:24 PM