References
Most employers request the names of referees on application forms, and it is common practice to include them on your CV. Usual practice is to supply details of two people, one an academic referee, the other an employment or personal one. Clearly it is important for this part of your application to be as positive as the rest of the material that you have provided so these notes are designed to draw your attention to some important factors. Before nominating someone as your referee you should, of course, seek their permission and brief them on your plans so that they are aware of the nature of your applications. Do think hard about who you nominate. Normally your academic referee will be your supervisor in the department, but it may be that another member of staff knows you better through teaching etc. or you might use the Head of your Department. Should this be the situation, do keep all parties informed so that there are no crossed lines! Students sometimes have difficulty with the second person. An employer reference is useful but more so if the employer has known you for some time, or if the employment experience is of particular relevance to the area of work to which you are applying. Do think seriously about this, for example obtaining a reference from an Australian supermarket manager may present practical difficulties. Personal referees are often family friends (not relatives) who have known you a long time, former teachers with whom you have maintained contact, other University Staff e.g. wardens who have seen you in a different environment from the academic one. Briefing your referees Academic referees are usually asked by prospective employers to comment on intellectual abilities and academic attainments. They will have a good knowledge of these from your work here. But academic and non-academic referees are also often asked to comment on personal qualities and may have limited knowledge of you in this area.
Notes for Referees and a Personal Information form are attached on the next two
sheets, which provides briefing notes for your academic referee and a form for you to fill in to provide the referee with additional information about the type of job or course you are applying for and any other points you may wish them to take into account when writing a reference. You can print out these sheets and should hand them to your prospective referee with a copy of your CV. These briefing notes and additional information may also be useful to your non-academic referee and again a CV would probably prove useful. Referee's details When listing a referee in a CV or application form, give the person's title, full contact address and, with the referee's permission, phone number and e-mail address. It may also be helpful to list their job title under their name, e.g. Head of Department.
Should you feel it would be helpful don't hesitate to contact your Careers Adviser or seek the help of the Duty Adviser in the Careers Information Room.University
of Hull
Careers Service Notes for Referees
Most employers still ask students on their application forms for the names of referees, often one academic and one employment or personal. Students are
also expected to give referees’ names in their CVs. Practice varies though on whether these references are taken up before or after interview. The enclosed sheet gives additional information on one of your students who would like to include you as a referee so that you have as full a picture as possible before writing a reference. Also the Careers Service has extensive information on both employers and occupations. Do make contact should you want further information before writing a reference. The Careers Service thought it might be helpful also for you to have a brief insight into the two types of interviews that their students might encounter and the skills that employers are seeking so that this could be borne in mind when writing references. Review Interview The more traditional approach - questions often follow in a chronological order: Your past - e.g. home, school, choices Now - e.g. course, extra-curricular activities The future - e.g. where do you want to go? The career/job applied for - e.g. why, what do you have to offer? Opportunity for questions to be asked by the interviewee Criteria Based Interview This is becoming more common and is almost always used by large employers. The typical criteria or skills for which evidence is sought, often through standardised questions, are: Team working Communication - persuasiveness - listening Organisational skills Problem solving Analytical skills Ability to withstand pressure Time management - planning - prioritising
Should you have any queries on this please don't hesitate to contact the Careers Service.Personal Information
Confidential
Name ………………………………………………………………………………….. Course ……………………………………………. ……………… Year of course
Please see my attached CV for details of my education, work experience and extra-curricular activities.
The type of job or course of further study I am looking is:
Other points I would like you to take into account are:
I agree that my referee may use any of the above information in writing references on my behalf. Signed ………………………………….. Date …………………………