Name recognition is less important than credible knowledge of you. Once you have decided on an individual whom you would like to have serve as a reference, ask him or her in person. If the person agrees to serve as a reference for you, take some time to discuss your career plans together. Giving your reference a copy of your r sum will help to clarify your objectives and skills and make it easier for her or him to respond with specific examples. If possible, it is also helpful for a reference to have a copy of the description of the job for which you are applying.
Many individuals keep, copy, and distribute their own letters of reference to employers.
This method can be the most direct and least complicated. If you decide to handle your letters of reference on your own, be sure to keep them in a safe place, be careful not to misplace them, and keep accurate records of when and to whom they were sent. A credential file consists of letters of recommendation, and in the case of a teacher, it likely includes copies of student teaching evaluations. The photocopying and mailing of your credential file is a service that the Career Center offers to students and alums as a convenience. The Career Center will keep your letters of reference on file and will send them out to employers at your written request.