Got References?

Your cover letter and resume are not the only things employers consider for employment.  At some point during your job search; you’ll be asked to provide references. This is typical from an employer who is interested in you as a potential hire. It is important to be prepared with a list of references from employers who can attest to the skills and qualifications that you have for the job that you are applying for.

Your references should be people that are familiar with your work ethics, personality and skills.

I know you’re probably wondering who you should ask for as a reference-- well that’s simple! You can ask former bosses (supervisors, managers), co-workers, vendors and colleagues; they all make great professional references. If you are just starting out in the workforce or haven’t worked in a while, you can request a character reference from your professors or a religious affiliation member who is familiar with your skills and attributes.

A wise lawyer once commented “Never ask a question you don’t know the answer to”.  So then, do not use someone for a reference unless you’ve gotten permission first. It may help to have them send you a draft letter, or use LinkedIn as a resource for collecting references.

Sometimes employers request about three or four references. Your references should be listed on a separate sheet from your resume and should match the font and format of your resume. Include the names and complete contact information of each reference, including job title, employer, address and telephone numbers.

Submit references only when the employer requests them.  It is no longer appropriate to indicate on your resume “References available upon request”.

Your references are doing you a favor that can help you land your next job; be sure to send a thank you note. The more you keep in contact with them, the more likely they are to remember you favorably.

The next time you’re interviewing and an employer asks “Do you have any references?” you can give them a BIG smile and reply, “Yes, I have references.”

Written by:   Jenny Baguidy

They Did What?

   (Some Famous  People and their NOT-so-famous First Jobs!)

We have all heard stories about how people got started in their careers; some working their way up from the mailroom, while others getting a bit luckier and landing the dream job after only a few attempts.  While that sounds wonderful…how often does that really happen?   Let’s lighten our load for a moment, remove the serious "must get a job” thought process and enjoy a look at how some of our favorite personalities got started!

While Orlando Bloom began his entrance into the world of work at a skeet-shooting range as a Clay Pigeon Trapper…Gwen Stefani mopped floors at a Dairy Queen.  Who knew?   And Brad Pitt?  Imagine Brad dressed as a Giant Chicken to promote a local restaurant…while the mega-millionaire Warren Buffett worked in his grandfather’s grocery  store before he moved on to the big time of hanging clothes at J.C. Penney!    

Donald Trump was busy going door-to-door collecting rent for his father (who owned several buildings) while little Michael Dell washed dishes at a Chinese restaurant.    Perhaps selling bras is not exciting to many of us, but it is the first job Madeleine Albright landed!   And Colin Powell?  Colin worked at a baby furniture store in the Bronx and learned Yiddish in order to communicate with his customers…Simon Cowell was a mail boy at EMI records and Jennifer Aniston was both a telemarketer and a waitress.

Suze Orman bussed tables and washed dishes…Harry Truman sold hats….Rush Limbaugh shined shoes and JLo was a Legal Assistant!     Whenever the job boards get you down…picture Brad in his chicken suit and Suze Orman with her dish towel!!!!

Your first real job is just that...your first job.  Attitude is everything.  Our hats off to you! (Truman would be proud!!)

Contributing Editor - Amy Soricelli



Brought to you by, Amy

Welcome to the First Edition of Career Space!!

This Blog is for you—the Berkeley student, graduate and alumni.  This "Space" is where the staff of the Career Services Department will post information centered on you and your career goals. 

We will post about the many tips and 'clues to success' you will need for the search process and coach you in the interview process.  We will address a whole myriad of issues on how to get to where you want to be.

At Career Space you can ask us questions, share your ideas, your concerns - as well as offer tips for your fellow students, alumni and Job Seekers! 

Bloggers will be your Career Counselors, with the occasional Guest Blogger, so check in weekly to track your favorites!

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Find out about career fairs and events!

Discover resources for finding your perfect job!

Enjoy this edition and don’t forget to “Like Us”!

-Madeline Dielmann

Director, Business Development