References & Recommenders: A Primer

References

Generally speaking, job seekers should have at least three references whose information they can pass along to potential employers who wish to verify academic ability, experience, and/or character.

Talk with your references before you give out their information to a) make sure they arecomfortable providing you with a reference; b) ascertain how beneficial their referral may bewith a particular employer; c) ask your reference how they prefer to be contacted for the reference; d) provide each reference a copy of your resume.

Appropriate references include law school professors, previous employers, and contacts within the legal profession. Developing your ties within bar associations, community organizations, and alumni networks will help you broaden your list of potential references.

Unless instructed otherwise by your reference, provide employers with the following information for each reference: name, title, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. Copy the header from your resume, paste it on a new page, and list the information for your references. Print this document on high quality paper that matches your resume and take copies along with you to any interviews you have scheduled.

Letters of Recommendation

If an employer requests a letter of recommendation, approach your references to ask them if they are willing to write a letter to the employer recommending you for the position. Provide them with all the pertinent information including name of employer, type of position, and mailing address. Some recommenders feel that these letters should remain confidential and will prefer to send them directly to the employer. If this is the case, let the employer know that your letters of recommendation will arrive separately from your other materials. If the recommender comfortable is not concerned with confidentiality, you can submit the letter with your other materials.

Carla DeVelder 
Notre Dame Law School