Applying for a job online (Borders) -- references?

Question

I'm applying to work for Borders, and the application says to have references ready. I'm not 100% sure what that means. I know what a reference is, but how many should I have (I'm applying for bookseller or inventory team), who should I ask (professors and old guidance counselors?), and what should they be? Are they just names and contact information, or are they actual letters of recommendation?

Answer 1

Usually when people ask for References, they want the name of the reference and their contact information (phone number, usually). I'd list them on a piece of paper that has your name and your contact information on it as well. Professors and former employers are good choices, as well as co-workers if you don't have the contact info for all your references. You should ask permission of your references, to make sure it's ok to use them (and to warn them that they could be contacted by Borders, and that they should quickly return the call!).

Not too many places of employment expect you to provide letters of recommendations, but you could call Borders and ask them if that's what they want as well.

Good luck!