#teensummerjobs #teenjobs #teens #jobsearch #tips #summerjobs #references

Friday’s #teensummerjobs post was about how to make sure you have all the info you need to start applying for summer jobs – catch up here.

If you’re looking for work this summer, you’re probably going to be asked to supply a few references.

A reference is someone who knows your personality, your strengths, and your weaknesses. It could be someone you worked for or worked with, your big brother/big sister mentor (or mentee), your math teacher, coach, teammates or a violin instructor...you get the idea. Basically, references are people who know YOU.

Keep your references as professional as possible, though: don’t use your next-door neighbor (unless you’ve helped them out before, maybe with babysitting or dog walking), your best friend’s mom, or your cousin’s friend’s roommate's brother’s girlfriend.

So, who should (and shouldn’t) you list as a reference?

Good References: • Teachers and tutors • Anyone who oversaw or worked with you in a volunteering program • Group members (from a school project, for example, but only if the outcome was great!) • Advisors or counselors • Former or current supervisors or coworkers

Not-So-Good References: • Family (parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) • Friends (BFFs included) • People you haven’t worked or interacted with before

Before you use someone as a reference, reach out to each one and ask if they're okay with you listing them. Once you have their permission, get their contact info (phone number and email) and make sure they are okay with being contacted. This is a great way to give them a heads up and time to think about all the glowing things to say about you.

Jobcasers who have “been there, done that” have a lot of good advice and expertise to offer about references. Check out what they’re saying: • Tim • Emily • Julie

As always, chime into the discussion! Jobcasers make the case for Jobcase.

Keep a look out for more #teensummerjobs updates throughout the month.