References and Letters of Recommendation

References are a list of 3-5 people who can speak to your experience, preferably people who have supervised or overseen your work. Letters of recommendation are typically one page in length and written by someone who can speak to your work and knows you well.

• Before listing someone as a reference or as a letter writer, ask permission.
• Do NOT use "References Available Upon Request" on your résumé. It is expected that you will have a list of references and a reference document ready to go.
• Be aware of deadlines and inform your letter writers and references to give them as much notice as possible.

If you need assistance, Career Development is here to help you. Call (507-933-7575), use Handshake, or stop in to schedule an appointment or drop in during the academic year to meet with a Peer Career Advisor. 

Gustavus Resources

• References and Letters of Recommendation Booklet
• AAMC Letter Writing Guideline Brochure
• Health Professions Letter of Recommendation Online Request Form
• Fellowships Office Information on Letters of Recommendation
• Psychological Science Department Reference Letters Information
• Letter of Recommendation Document created as an outline of sorts for the information you'll want to send to your recommenders. It will automatically prompt you to make a copy of the document, so you can write on it and make it your own that only you can see. 
• Purdue OWL: Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Updated 7/27/22 JV