the reference and the letter o'recommendation

An important part of any marketing package should be a solid reference list. I recommend at least three individuals at least two of whom are professional references. If it is difficult to settle on any one because a shaky history or whatever, you can use a personal reference. In either case be sure to communicate your professional goals to your references so they can speak intelligently should they be contacted.

I like to list references in this format...

Reference Name
Title, Employer
Phone, Email

In addition to the traditional references, it's worth the effort to try to obtain letters of recommendation. These are golden to a prospective employer in the sense that they don't have to call or email for a reference because it's right in front of them. No cheating here either. Seek honest to goodness letters of recommendation on company letterhead as it plays into the integrity of the letter. I can appreciate that this exercise can prove difficult especially if you parted a job on bad terms. In that case, look elsewhere. Even overseers at some of your volunteer activities could furnish a written recommendation letter.

Here's to some happy writing...or not.