Hi All,
I'm applying for a highly competitive school program. I am really excited about it because, after going through it for a year, I would have job experience and some new credentials. It would be very good for my future career. So, right now I'm typing up the application and am requesting that some folks be one of my references. I'd like to have one professor, one past employer, and one volunteer supervisor. The professor I've asked has already agreed, and I'm waiting to hear back from a few other folks right now. How long should I wait before making a new move? If I don't hear back, do I assume it's a no or do I assume they are busy and ask them again?
Thanks very much for your input!
ETA: I just need to list these folks as references and the program will contact them if they are interested in me after seeing my application. They won't need to write me a reference or recommendation, so it's fairly low pressure. Nonetheless, I don't want to put them on my application unless I've gotten permission to use them, you know?
Oh, and three weeks until the whole thing is due.
I would give a week, and ask one more time. If they don't respond then, I would interpret that as a no.
Oh, and the best of luck!! Sounds like an amazing opportunity, I hope you get in!!
Most references, unless you tell them... when you need it by, they will not get it to you the next day.
You need to tell them, "when" you need it, by.
Call them back, and let them know, when you need it by... because you have an application to turn in.
Everything is time deadlines.
References are done by:
1) Listing them down on your application, with a phone contact number.... on your resume or application. Then, the employer or program head, will call your references that you listed.
2) By having an actual reference, letter. Written by the person you chose as a reference. You then, attach this letter (keeping a copy for yourself), to your application to turn in with, the application.
3) Or both. You list your references down and their contact numbers, on your application. AND also, attach their reference letter or "letter of recommendation" to your application, then turn it all in together. Or say on your application "Letters Of Recommendation upon request."
Call your references back.
Tell them when you need their letters by. In your hand.
Or they can e-mail it to you, as an attachment.
Do not assume, it is a "no" if you have not heard back from them.
Once a person has agreed to be your reference... it can be taken as:
1) that they are simply agreeing to be your "reference." Meaning, that you will list them down on your application, and that's it. Then, the employer or organization or HR person, will be calling them.
2) Or, that they have to WRITE a "letter of recommendation" for you.
3) Unless you actually told them, that you need a Letter of Recommendation from them.... they will not write one, most likely. They are just assuming, they are a "reference" for you. That you are listing them down on your application. Not that they have to write, a recommendation letter.
Thus, you need to clarify to them... if:
1) you need a "Letter of Recommendation" or,
2) That they are merely your reference listed on your application.
If you want an actual letter of recommendation... you need to tell them, "when" you need it by. And that you need, a letter of recommendation.
Being a reference and writing a letter of recommendation, are 2 different things.
I used to work in HR.
All the best Ephie!
Follow up in a week, but I would ask several people at the same time. Don't ask only three right now... one for each category. Ask two or three people for each category if you're able to do that.
There are a couple of reasons for that. Some people are squeamish about being a reference for other people, and won't agree to it. Some people won't get back to you in time for when you need them. Sometimes you need a few references in the same category for business plus one personal reference.
My best recommendation is to have a good mix in a stand-by list of around 10 people.
I'd give 1 week, depending upon whether you actually spoke with them, or had to leave a message or an email. They could be on vacation, or just very busy, so 1 week should be sufficient time in either case.
When I was applying to the grad program I personally spoke with everyone and they agreed. Turns out the one professor was finishing up a book and zoned out. I sent an email two weeks before the application was due saying, well something like I know you are busy..date due..ya know.
Since the references wouldn't know how many were sent in I lined up a back up. I ended up with an extra reference, o well.
My point is even professors are human and forget, send out a reminder.
For my professional references I followed up in about a week. For some, the ones I worked for and/or knew me and my experience, I offered to send them a draft that they could just edit. One of my prior Executive Directors actually told me to write the letter and just send it to her :)
Don't assume a "no" until you get a "no". People get busy, people don't know how to write reference letters, etc. Just make sure you tell them what you need the letter to reference - your character, your experience, your general wonderfulness, whatever you need them to say.
Also, once you get the hard copy letter - color scan them, keep the originals in your files and send out the color copies. Also, pdf them so you can attach them in emails if need be.
Good Luck !!!
let them know there's a time issue. 'i need to get the application in by the 13th, so if you could let me know if this is acceptable to you by the 10th, i would be very appreciative.'
good luck, babe!
:) khairete
S.
