REFERENCE LETTERS FOR JOBS (see next page for graduate programs)
 Provide a copy of your resume.
 Provide a copy of your transcript(s).
 Complete the table and three questions below. Just delete the examples and type in your own information.
 For letters that need to be mailed, provide addresses on peel-off labels.
 Provide any additional forms … fill in my information on the form
Scott Plunkett, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Psychology | California State University Northridge | 18111 Nordhoff Street | Northridge, CA 91330-8255
(818) 677-7480 | scott.plunkett@csun.edu
Position Title
Child Placement
Coordinator
School Counselor
School Counselor
Address
Jane Smith, MSW
Director
Youth & Family Services
Northridge, CA 91330
Jane Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent
ABC Senior High School
Los Angeles, CA 90000
Deadline
Delivery
Additional Comments
12/01/07
Mail to
organization
11/15/07
I will pick
letter up
Requires 2 years of teaching experience. I was a high school math teacher
for 3 years in a Los Angeles public school.
Not applicable
11/15/07
I will pick
letter up
I would like 5 signed generic letters for school counseling positions
Requires the candidate to be fluent in Spanish, which I am.
Wants a person with experience working with adolescents. I was a high
school math teacher for 3 years in a Los Angeles public school.
When did we first meet, and in what capacity?
I came to you for advising in September 2007, and/or I was in your FCS 432 class in Fall 2007
What class(es) did you take with me, what semester, and what grade(s) did you receive?
Course
Term
Grade
Course
Term
Grade
Course
Term
Grade
FCS 340
Spring 2007
A-
FCS 432
Fall 2007
B+
FCS 495
Fall 2007
A
Course
Term
Grade
Is there any other information you want me to know?
I volunteered with the CSUN Helpline. I worked on your research project for 2 semesters. I speak Fluent Armenian and Farsi.
Course
Term
Grade
REFERENCE LETTERS FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS
 Provide a copy of your resume.
 Provide a copy of your transcript(s) OR degree progress report.
 Provide a copy of statement of purpose (if applicable)
 Complete the table and three questions below. Just delete the examples and type in your own information.
 For letters that need to be mailed, provide addresses on peel-off labels and envelopes.
 Provide any additional forms … fill in my information
Scott Plunkett, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Psychology | California State University Northridge | 18111 Nordhoff Street | Northridge, CA 91330-8255
(818) 677-7480 | scott.plunkett@csun.edu
University
Program
Degree
Other
Forms?
Masters
No
California State University Northridge
Marriage and Family Therapy
University of California Los Angeles
Clinical Psychology
Ph.D.
Yes
Alliant International University
Clinical Psychology
PsyD
No
Address
Selection Committee
18111 Nordhoff Street
Educational Psychology & Counseling
Northridge, CA 91330
Jane Smith, Ph.D.
Director of Psychology
100 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90000
Deadline
Delivery
12/01/07
Mail to
School
11/15/07
I will
pick up
1/21/08
online
When did we first meet, and in what capacity?
I came to you for advising in September 2007, and/or I was in your FCS 432 class in Fall 2007
What class(es) did you take with me, what semester, and what grade(s) did you receive?
Course
Term
Grade
Course
Term
Grade
Course
Term
Grade
FCS 340
Spring 2007
A-
FCS 432
Fall 2007
B+
FCS 495
Fall 2007
A
Course
Term
Grade
Is there any other information you want me to know?
I volunteered with the CSUN Helpline. I worked on your research project for 2 semesters. I speak Fluent Armenian and Farsi.
Course
Term
Grade
REFERENCES
WHY REFERENCES ARE IMPORTANT
 References confirm and reinforce your personal and professional strengths.
 Referrals give instant credibility because people do not want to attach their name to a bad candidate.
 References are particularly important if you were terminated from your most recent position.
 References can’t get you a job (or into a graduate program), but poorly chosen references can cost you a job (or graduate
program) if not properly groomed.
What someone says about
you has a much greater
impact than what you say
about yourself.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING REFERENCES
 Make sure references have a different surname than you.
 Always seek permission from references before listing them on an application, reference list, or resume.
 Reassure the references you will not abuse the use of their names.
 Make sure an employer is interested in you before you give him/her your references’ contact information. If references are called too many times they can
become apathetic, less enthusiastic, and annoyed.
 Make sure your references work where they can receive calls during business hours and can privately tell about you.
 Give your references a copy of your resume for their personal file.
 Send a letter expressing appreciation for being a reference that includes a one-page summary that concentrates on your positive character traits, job-related
skills, accomplishments, and reasons for leaving positions (if applicable).
 Tell the reference the types of positions (or graduate programs) you are seeking and ask for referrals.
 Advise references any time you give out their names. Tell the references who will be calling, the nature of the position, your qualifications, any special areas
of employer interest or concern. This allows the references to tailor their recommendation toward the specific job position.
 Ask the references to notify you when they are contacted.
 Advise and thank all references when you accept a new position
REFERENCE LETTERS
 I believe it is the responsibility of faculty members to be available to write letters for students.
 However, I also believe it is their responsibility to be honest when composing the letter. So, if you received a good grade in the class, but you came in late
every class, then expect the letter to represent both characteristics.
 If you know you will be requesting a reference letter from specific faculty members, then you should stop by their offices so they can get to know you better.
This will allow them to customize their letters with information beyond your class performance.
 You should always give your references at least two weeks to prepare a letter for you.
 Tell your references the deadline when you need the letters. Personally, I would tell them the letters are due earlier than they really are.
 Remember that writing the letter for you is not as important to them as it is to you. Hence, you need to make the process as easy as possible for your
references. You should give them the following: Resume, Transcript, type of position/graduate program you are applying, what semester you had the faculty
member for class and what grade you received, any other relevant information (e.g., helped with research, with grading, advising).
REFERENCE LETTER(S) FROM ME
 Once I write a letter for you, I will keep the letter on my computer for future reference. Also, I will customize the letter to each organization or graduate
program.
 I will also write a more generic letter (if requested) for your career portfolio or if you are including reference letters in a shotgun approach (i.e., mailing out
lots of cover letters, resumes, and reference letters to prospective employers).
 I require the form on the following pages to be filled out before I will write your letters.