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Topic: whom to list as a reference?
| Author | Message |
| jaxx | Posted – 7/1/2007 6:36:25 PM | show profile I've been updating my resume today, and it occurred to me that my references are pretty weak. As a recent college graduate, I have one professor listed, and I'm trying to figure out whom to list as a work reference. Right now, I have an editor listed from my first internship, and it's been three years since I've seen him, so I feel like it's far too old. At my most recent internship, I did little more than clerical work, and it seems like she wouldn't be able to intelligently comment on my writing abilities and aspirations. The internship before that was at a magazine in India, and I've been advised against listing my editor there because of the time difference difficulties, and because many editors don't trust foreign publications. I also worked at a parenting magazine, and the editor was pretty nasty and told all of the interns that she wouldn't serve as a reference for any of us. I'm at a loss. Is it OK to list people with whom you haven't worked, as long as they know you and your work well? And is it OK to list someone if the internship didn't have me doing much writing? Any advice would be appreciated! |
| cali1296 | Posted – 7/1/2007 9:33:02 PM | show profile First, I don't think it's been too long to list your editor from your first internship, especially if you think he'll give you a good reference. I'd e-mail him to give him the heads up that you want to list him. That way if someone calls him, you'll be fresher in his mind. I have an editor I worked for 10 years ago and I still list him. We've kept in touch and he always says great stuff about me when he's called as a reference. As far as your most recent internship, I think it would be fine to list that person as well. She might not be able to comment on your writing skills, but she can give some insight as to your overall work habits. I also don't see anything wrong with listing the editor from India. It might look good just to have it on there even if the prospective employer doesn't contact him or her. And there's always e-mail, so I wouldn't worry about the time difference. Don't stress too much -- from what I can tell you have three or four people to list. That should be sufficient. Good luck! |
