For Graduate Students: Creating an Effective CV
References
How to List References
Provide the:
- Name
- Title
- University Affiliation
- Address
- Telephone/Fax Number/Email
of 3 (or more) individuals who can commenton your fit with the institution where you are applying.
Choose References who ...
- Know you and your work well
- Have high external visibility
- Can speak well on your behalf from various perspectives
- Can comment on your unique experiences, strengths, and any weaknesses (with an ameliorating explanation).
Reference Etiquette
- Ask permission before submitting referees’ names.
- Whenever you provide reference information to an institution, advise your referees that they may be getting a request and keep them up-to-date on your professional activities.
- Tell your referees what topics they need to discuss so they can tailor their letters to the specific positions.
- If the ad requests reference letters immediately, provide enough information to your referees, and tactfully follow up to be sure the letters have been mailed in time.
- See an example of one MIT faculty member's advice about how to request letters of recommendation.
- Also see tips on how to request recommendations, by Steven Strang, Director of the Writing and Communication Center.
Last updated on Tuesday, November 15, 05 at 09:12:36 AM EST.
