OCPD Password
Some portions of this site are password protected for exclusive use by WCL students and alumni. The Login ID and password are listed on the CareerLink homepage, and are accessible upon registration. Registration may take up to two business days to process.
References
WHO SHOULD SERVE AS A REFERENCE?
References are people who know you professionally or academically and who can speak knowledgeably to prospective employers about your skills, knowledge, abilities, professionalism and work experience. Law school professors and supervisors from either your workplace (past and/or present) or from an intern/externship are typically the references employers are seeking. Do not list family members or social acquaintances.
TIPS ON SELECTING REFERENCES
Put some thought into selecting references that will be able to attest to your skills and work ethic, especially as such attributes might speak to a specific employer's profile and needs-that is to say, you may have various individuals or groups of individuals who serve as references for different types of employment opportunities.
Either way, it is always advisable to select people who can speak knowledgably about your various skill sets and who are enthusiastic about doing so. Before you list anyone as a reference be sure to ask for his/her permission to be listed as your reference and fill them in on what kinds of employers you are meeting with and the skills and qualifications you feel they may be inquiring about. This will give your reference time to reflect on your work and will better prepare them for the conversation itself.
List a maximum of three references, but no fewer than two. List the most recent references first, and consider selecting a variety of academic and work-related references.
HOW TO PREPARE A REFERENCE SHEET
References should appear on a separate sheet of matching resume paper. You may use the same heading as appears on your resume. For each reference, list their name, title, organization where they are currently working, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable) and e-mail address. Consider also adding a parenthetical sentence at the bottom of each reference summarizing that individuals' relationship with you. Always take your reference sheet with you into an interview and be prepared to offer it if it is not directly asked of you.
