Building a resume is crucial for your future success.
Oftentimes, 20-somethings focus on expanding our work experience, skills and education, but key references are just as important.
Make sure to spend time developing references at work, school and throughout your personal life.
They may just give you the reference you need to land your dream job. Here are some relationships to focus on developing:Former and current bosses: No one can vouch for your work ethic and capabilities like your former or current boss. To develop this reference, spend your time at work constantly impressing them. Be pleasant, punctual and keep a smile on your face. If you see something that needs to be done, do it. This will show you have initiative and a great work ethic. Also, take the time to get to know your boss. Feeling intimidated shouldn’t keep you from getting to develop a relationship.
Professors: They aren’t just there to help you in the present; professors can also help you in the future. They know how you work with others and how you handle assignments. In order to cultivate this relationship, speak with your professors outside of the classroom. Ask them for professional advice—you might be surprised by how much they are willing to help you. After all, professors want to know their students succeeded in the real world.
Mentors: It’s always nice to know a person is looking out for you. They might not always have a traditional role or title, but you can learn a great deal from them nonetheless.
A mentor might be a graduate student or a co-worker. Find someone who has been in the industry you are trying to break into and learn from him or her. Form a relationship that will lead to expanding your job horizons and a contact on your resume.Volunteer Coordinators: If you have current or previous experience with volunteer projects, the organizers can be wonderful resources. They know you have initiative and can work under stressful situations selflessly. When you are participating in your volunteer project, give it your all; those involved will notice. Volunteering also makes you look well-rounded to employers. Check out our article on the importance of volunteering here.
Advisers: Whether it’s your academic, sorority, club or resident adviser, it is a good idea to expand these relationships into a useful recommendation. Advisers know about your work ethic and how you interact with others on multiple levels. Every adviser role is different, so include the one that best reflects the position you are seeking.
They often fall to the bottom of our resumes, but key references definitely are not last in importance. Remember that wherever you go, you are potentially networking and developing relationships for your future. Show these references you are a person who deserves to be recommended.
Feature Photo via Levo League