When it comes to getting your first job, having professional references is crucial. Not only do they vouch for your skills and abilities, but they also prove to potential employers that you have experience working in a professional environment. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about professional references for your first job, including tips on how to create them and examples you can use as a guide.
Tips for Creating Professional References for Your First Job
Before we dive into the examples, here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your own professional references:
- Choose references who can speak to your skills and character
- Avoid asking family members or close friends to be references
- Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference
- Provide your references with a copy of your resume and job description
- Follow up with your references to thank them for their help
By following these tips, you can ensure that your professional references will showcase your best qualities to potential employers.
Examples of Professional References for Your First Job
Reference for Customer Service Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for a customer service position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I learned so much from your example and guidance. Specifically, I admired your ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations, as well as your talent for resolving customer complaints in a timely and efficient manner. I believe that the skills I learned under your guidance will be particularly valuable in my new role, and I would be honored if you could speak to my qualifications for the position.
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Reference for Marketing Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you doing well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for a marketing position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I was always impressed by your creativity and strategic thinking when it came to marketing campaigns. You always had a clear vision of what would resonate with our target audience and worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. I learned so much from working with you, and I believe that the skills I developed under your mentorship will make me a strong candidate for the marketing position at [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Reference for Administrative Assistant Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for an administrative assistant position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I was consistently impressed by your organizational skills and attention to detail. You always had a handle on what was going on in the office and were able to anticipate the needs of our team. I learned so much from your example, and I believe that the skills I developed under your mentorship make me a strong candidate for the administrative assistant position at [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Reference for Sales Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you doing well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for a sales position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I was always impressed by your ability to close deals and build strong relationships with clients. Your passion for sales was infectious, and I learned so much from your example. I believe that the skills I developed under your mentorship make me a strong candidate for the sales position at [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Reference for Accounting Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for an accounting position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I was always impressed by your attention to detail and thorough understanding of accounting principles. You had a way of making complex financial concepts accessible to everyone on the team, and I learned so much from your example. I believe that the skills I developed under your guidance make me a strong candidate for the accounting position at [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Reference for Human Resources Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you doing well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for a human resources position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I was consistently impressed by your ability to handle difficult situations with grace and empathy. You were always willing to listen and offer advice, and I learned so much from your example. I believe that the skills I developed under your mentorship make me a strong candidate for the human resources position at [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Reference for IT Position
Greeting: Dear [Reference Name],
First paragraph: I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for an IT position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph: During our time working together at [Previous Company], I was always impressed by your technical expertise and ability to troubleshoot complex problems. You had a way of breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms, and I learned so much from your example. I believe that the skills I developed under your mentorship make me a strong candidate for the IT position at [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing your response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a potential employer asks for references?
If a potential employer asks for references, you should provide them with the names and contact information of the people you have chosen to be your professional references. It’s always a good idea to give your references a heads up that they may be contacted so that they can be prepared to speak to your qualifications.
How many professional references should I have?
Typically, you should have three to five professional references. These should be people who can speak to your skills and abilities in a professional setting, such as former supervisors, colleagues, or clients.
What if I don’t have any professional references?
If you don’t have any professional references, consider asking a teacher or professor who knows you well, a volunteer coordinator, or a coach or mentor from a sports team or extracurricular activity. These individuals can speak to your character and work ethic, even if they haven’t worked with you in a professional setting.
What do I do if one of my references declines?
If one of your references declines to be a reference, don’t worry. Simply thank them for their time and let them know that you’ll be asking someone else. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra potential references on hand in case someone declines or is unavailable.
What if my reference is contacted but doesn’t respond?
If your reference is contacted but doesn’t respond, there’s not much you can do. It’s possible that they simply didn’t receive the message or missed the call or email. However, if you’re concerned that they’re not responding because they don’t remember you or don’t have anything positive to say, it’s a good idea to reach out to them and ask if they’re comfortable serving as your reference.
Should I include my references on my resume?
No, you should not include your references on your resume. Instead, you should create a separate document that includes the names and contact information of your professional references. This document should be provided upon request, either at the end of an interview or after you have submitted your application.
Conclusion
Having strong professional references is an important part of landing your first job. By choosing the right people to vouch for your skills and abilities, you can showcase your best qualities to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to create professional references that will help you stand out from the competition.