Career Advice — Recommendation Letters

Dec 1, 2017 | Blog, Student Success

You will often be asked to provide professional letters of recommendation or a list of people to be contacted in the future by the prospective employer.  These individuals should be able to testify to your skills, achievements, character, and more.

Key Tips

  • Does the organization want letters of recommendation or a list of reference names to contact?
  • Know how many letters of recommendation or reference names are requested.
  • Update your references on the status of your employment search regularly.
  • Keep references current (update every three-five years).

Choosing Your References

References should include people able to provide valuable input into your abilities based on the position for which you are applying.  Customize your list based on their relationship to you and what they might share to advance your chances of landing your desired opportunity.

  • Past and present supervisors who can speak to your professional abilities, work, internship, or volunteer experiences.
  • Faculty members/professors (supervising teacher for student teachers) who can speak to your academic abilities and class involvement.
  • Mentors and coaches.
  • Do NOT use people who know you only in a social setting, such as family or friends.
  • If multiple references are needed, select people based on their ability to showcase your different experiences.

Information to Provide to References

  • Examples of information you would like highlighted (i.e. projects or strengths they have seen you display which are relevant for the position).
  • Copy of the advertisement, including the name of the organization, position title, and position description.
  • Current résumé.
  • Person the letter should be addressed to and how to submit the reference letter (scanned online, mailed, etc.).
  • Deadline for submission. Allow your reference plenty of time for the reference to write the letter by deadline (three-four weeks is suggested).
  • If a list of reference names has been requested, include contact information. (This list is typically included as part of an application or as an additional sheet to the cover letter and résumé.)

More Tips

1) Ask for the letter at least two weeks out AND send gentle reminders

2) Prepare a list of three items you’d like the writer to elaborate on – almost customizing the recommendation letter for the specific scholarship/internship/admittance

3) ALWAYS always ask for a hard copy of the letter. Yes, have them send it “signed and sealed,” but it’s a good idea to know what they wrote about you.

Recent Blog Posts

American Indian College Fund Publishes Eighth Volume of The Tribal College and University Research Journal:

American Indian College Fund Publishes Eighth Volume of The Tribal College and University Research Journal:

The American Indian College Fund, with generous funding from the Henry Luce Foundation, published volume 8 of the Tribal College and University Research Journal. This one-of-a-kind publication was first launched in 2016 and supports tribal college and university (TCU) faculty in disseminating their academic work to Indigenous communities and the wider research community.

Defy the Storm: American Indian College Fund’s New PSA Addresses Challenges Indigenous Students and Communities Face with Funding Cuts

Defy the Storm: American Indian College Fund’s New PSA Addresses Challenges Indigenous Students and Communities Face with Funding Cuts

A “storm” of activity is coming from Washington in the form of funding cuts and executive orders, upending the lives of Native American communities and students; jeopardizing access to the funding, education and opportunity that helped create progress for decades to ensure the success of tribal nations, communities, and people.

If You Want to Protect Children, You Cannot Defend Mascots

If You Want to Protect Children, You Cannot Defend Mascots

Numerous studies, including ones conducted by the federal government, illustrate the harm of racist mascots, especially on youth. Team names and logos should be chosen to instill pride without dehumanizing people, ensuring the safety and prosperity of our children and the future of our communities.