How to Build Your Academic References

Many students when entering university don’t think about whether or not they’ll need a reference for the future. You may feel shy or unmotivated to want to take the initiative, but academic reference can play an important part for your future. Academic references can not only be used for Graduate or Professional school, but may also may be required by many employers. Here are some tips that can help you start talking to your professors to get a reference.

Class Participation:

It may seem like a small thing, but raising your hand in class to answer questions can go a long way. Especially if you are in a class of hundreds it’s easy to forget who you are, but by actively participating you are not only showing initiative but interest in the course. By doing this a professor will be more able to recognize you when you’re attending their office hours for help or even asking them for a reference.       

Ask Questions if You Need Help:

Many students do not realize the importance of actually attending a professors office hours. If you need help on an assignment, report or exam coming up; try approaching your professor for help. It will not only assist you if you were struggling to understand a certain concept or need clarity, but it will also allow the professor to become familiar with you. I know personally, many professors are really friendly and helpful in person and may even provide hints or advice you didn’t receive in class.

Network, Get to Know Them:

If you are taking a course that you find really interested in discuss with the professor about it. Many professors are very open to talking to students to get their perspective on the course but to also explain their current or past research. You not only will learn more about a topic you are interested in, but you will allow the professor to become familiar with you. Also if some research or TA opportunities may come up in the future as well which a professor may be more likely to tell you about it they know you.

How to Ask for a Reference?

When the time comes you can approach your professor for a reference be polite and direct. Tell them that it’s for a specific job or for graduate/professional school. Also let them know if they’ll need to write a reference letter or provide any sort of written statement. By giving them advance notice your reference is more likely to say yes, and will provide you with a strong referral. Make sure you give them any required documents (i.e. Resume, Cover Letter, Transcript etc.)

I hope these tips can help you in getting an academic reference. Here’s a tip sheet from our website you may find helpful:

- What is a Reference?

All the Best!

-           James Rebello

Post Interview Tips

 

After an interview I know many students can feel lost in regards to what steps they should take next. How long should they expect for a call back? Should they provide a thank you note to the employer? Well here are some tips below to ensure you can improve your skills after an interview.

How Long Should I Wait?

Typically majority of employers may call you back within 1-2 weeks of the interview date. However, time periods can vary, for example some government employers may take months to get back to individuals. However, you shouldn’t just sit around waiting for their call; be proactive in your job search. Keep on searching for jobs even though you may be 99% sure you’ll get hired it’s always smart to have a backup plan. Also right after the interview consider reviewing what you felt you did good on and what you can improve on for next time. If the job may not pan out then you can at least be well prepared for your next interview.

Say Thanks:

A simple thank you can go a long way, especially with an employer. By writing a thank you letter you are not only being courteous but also showing initiative and motivation for wanting the job. You may also want to include a few points of information about the interview that you found interesting. For example, if it was for a research position and explain why you are interested in working there in relation to the job position you applied for. By reinstating this point in your thank you note the interviewer will then be able to be remember you more easily when they consider potential candidates for the job

Accept Rejection and Stay Positive:

In the end you may not get the job, and that is okay if you don’t. Look back and review your skills and qualifications and see if you need to build upon them. Try and seek out more relevant work or volunteer experience so you would be better suited for the position. Think about the interview as a whole and critically analyze what you excelled in or improved on as stated above. If you are finding that you need a mock interview to help prepare you can book an hour long appointment with a Career Counselor at the AA&CC. By being more prepped you’ll find you not only feel more confident but are able to anticipate and properly answer any questions an employer might have. Finally stay motivated on your job search, don’t give up because you will eventually land the job that you want.

I hope these tips can help you in your future job search. Here’s a tip sheet from our website you may find helpful

         -          How to prepare for the interview 

Good luck on the Job Hunt!

          -          James Rebello