Reference Request Form Career  Services • 218.477.2131 114 Comstock Memorial Union, 1104 7th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN 56563 e-mail: careers@mnstate.edu • http://www.mnstate.edu/career

Web page note: This form is inactive; it is posted here for you to print out, complete, and give to your reference writer for her or his records.

Candidate Information Sheet

NOTE TO CANDIDATE:
Letters of reference (also referred to as recommendations) assist employers and graduate schools in making their candidate selections.

Please follow these steps in obtaining references:
1. Carefully select reference writers who know you well enough to give specific examples of your relevant skills, training, experience, work style or character traits.
2. Ask the individuals you select if they are willing to serve as a reference for you and if they say yes, provide this completed form for their use. You also may want to provide a copy of your resume.
3. Insert the individual's name on the Authorization To Provide Reference Form that is at the bottom of the page.  Sign your name and date the authorization. Inform the writer of the reference that the signed authorization should be retained for future reference.

CANDIDATE: Please complete the following:

Name___________________________________________________Dragon ID #  ____________________

Degree(s): □ B.A. □ B.S. □ Other_________________________________________________________________

Major(s):________________________________________Minor(s):____________________________________

Certifications:________________________________________________________________________________

1. In what capacity does this reference writer know you (classroom instructor, advisor, internship supervisor, current or former employers, university or community organization, other)? List all that apply. Include relevant dates.

2. Career Goal: What job(s) are you seeking or for what program are you applying to graduate school?

3. What are the key skills, knowledge/training, experience, work style or character traits that you have that potential employers or schools may be seeking?

4. Please list employment, internships, volunteer work, related projects, extracurricular, leadership or group activities or other experiences that may be used as evidence to support your capabilities. (Attach a resume or an additional page to ensure that you provide adequate information to highlight your strengths.)

5. Significant accomplishments (from items in #4 above that you have not included or that are not on your resume).

Please have all letters of reference returned to you.  Provide a stamped envelope, addressed as indicated, as a courtesy to references who are off-campus.

REFERENCE WRITER: Please retain this authorization for your records 

Reference Writer Information

Dear Reference Writer:

Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of reference for the student/alumnus/alumna who has provided the above authorization for you to serve as a reference on the reverse side of this page. Please retain the authorization in your file.

It is our hope that you will be able to write an objective and meaningful reference to support this candidate. If you feel that you cannot write positively in behalf of the candidate, please discuss this with them and feel free to deny their request for a reference. Please note that according to Minnesota Statutes, all references written after August 1, 1974 may be reviewed by the candidate upon request.

In an effort to assist you in writing as positive and relevant a reference as possible, we have encouraged the candidate to complete the back of this sheet highlighting some of her or his significant accomplishments and experiences (they also may choose to attach a resume). Listed below are some suggested guidelines that may be of help to you as you write the letter.

GUIDELINES FOR REFERENCE WRITERS

• Do not give out information about the candidate without the candidate's written consent. The authorization statement above should be signed by the candidate.

• Address the letter "To Whom It May Concern" or title it "Reference for (Candidate's Name Here)."

• Be sure to use the correct spelling of the candidate's name and do not use a courtesy title that denotes marital status..

• Know the purpose of the letter. Will it be used to apply for a variety of opportunities or for a specific type of opportunity (graduate school, internship or employment only). Target your letter accordingly.

• Use specific examples, based on your professional experience with and/or observation of the candidate, to support what you are relating about him or her.

• Convey factual information (rather than subjective judgments) on how the candidate has performed in your class, on the job, in an internship or an organization, etc. Be able to document all of the information you release.

• If you express an opinion, clearly identify it as an opinion and explain the circumstances upon which you base the opinion.

• Be positive, honest and objective.

• Do not include information that might indicate the individual's race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, creed, age, disability, sex (unless by the individual's name it is obvious), sexual orientation, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

• Keep a copy of the letter of reference for your file along with this authorization.

Forward references to the student.