Who to Put as a Personal Reference: Choosing the Right People to Recommend You
Choosing personal references can be tricky. These individuals are vouching for your character and personality, offering a perspective beyond your resume and professional experience. Selecting the right people is crucial for a successful application, whether it's for a job, a scholarship, or even graduate school. This guide will help you identify ideal candidates and prepare them effectively.
What Qualities Should a Personal Reference Possess?
Before diving into specific individuals, consider the qualities that make a strong personal reference:
- Knowledge of you: The reference should know you well enough to speak to your character, work ethic, and personality. This goes beyond simply knowing your name; they need to have observed you in various situations.
- Credibility: The reference should be someone whose opinion carries weight. This doesn't necessarily mean a high-profile individual, but someone respected and trustworthy within their own community or field.
- Positive perspective: While honesty is important, the reference should be able to speak positively about your strengths and capabilities. They should be able to provide concrete examples to support their claims.
- Availability and responsiveness: They need to be readily available to provide a reference and respond promptly to inquiries from the recipient.
Who Are Good Candidates for Personal References?
Here are some excellent options to consider as personal references:
- Professors: If you've excelled in a college course, a professor who knows your academic abilities and work ethic can be a strong reference. Ensure you maintain contact and remind them of your positive contributions to their class.
- Previous supervisors (in non-professional settings): If you've held leadership roles in volunteer organizations, clubs, or community groups, a supervisor from these roles can vouch for your skills and dedication.
- Mentors: A mentor who has guided you personally or professionally can provide valuable insight into your character and growth.
- Long-term friends: Someone who has known you for many years and can attest to your personal integrity and reliability can be a helpful reference, particularly if the position requires strong interpersonal skills. However, choose carefully; the friend needs to be able to offer insightful commentary beyond simple anecdotal evidence.
- Religious leaders: If you have a strong relationship with a religious leader who can speak to your character and values, this could be a suitable option, depending on the context of the application.
Who Should You Avoid as Personal References?
Certain individuals might not be ideal choices, including:
- Relatives: While family members know you well, their objectivity might be questioned. Unless they have a professional relationship with you that demonstrates your skills, it's best to avoid using them as references.
- Casual acquaintances: Someone you've only met briefly may not be able to offer substantial insights into your character or abilities.
- People you haven't contacted in a long time: It's crucial to reconnect with potential references before requesting a letter. This gives them time to refresh their memory and allows you to prepare them for what the recipient might ask.
- People who might give a lukewarm or negative recommendation: Be realistic about the perspective someone might offer. It's better to choose someone who can genuinely speak highly of you than risk a less-than-favorable recommendation.
How to Ask Someone to Be a Personal Reference
When asking someone to be a reference, provide them with:
- Your resume or CV: This gives them the context they need to answer questions effectively.
- The application or job description: This allows them to tailor their recommendation to the specific requirements.
- A deadline for the reference: This ensures they can submit the reference on time.
- Your contact information: This enables easy communication if they have any questions.
- Information about the person or organization requesting the reference: This helps them understand the context of their recommendation.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose personal references who effectively represent your abilities and character, significantly improving your chances of success. Remember, it’s not just about who you ask, but how you ask them. Show appreciation for their time and support, and your efforts will be greatly rewarded.
