BUILDING JOB SKILLS BUILDS SOCIAL CAPITAL
This month, we will cover the final piece of our Career Skills and Connections framework: References. For young workers, a strong reference is proof that someone has seen their work, noticed their growth, and is willing to speak up for them. For their supervisors, giving a reference is one of the most practical ways to share social capital. It is a way to use your professional voice to help a young person take the next step.
Asking for and giving a reference is more than a nice gesture. A strong reference can open doors that a resume alone cannot because it gives information from a trusted source about the young person’s skills and accomplishments. It can also be rewarding to the supervisor to reflect on how they contributed to the young person’s professional development.
References — A Step Towards Future Opportunities
Students — Don’t Leave Your Job Without One
When you finish a job, internship, or volunteer experience, you will walk away with new skills and new connections. But there is one more thing you should take with you: a reference.
Here is why it matters. When an employer looks at your resume, they see what you say about yourself. When they hear from a supervisor who has worked with you, they learn what someone else observed about you.
So how do you get one? Here are a few steps:
- Ask before you leave. Before your job or volunteer experience ends, ask your supervisor if they would be willing to serve as a reference or write you a letter of recommendation.
- Make it easy for them. Remind them of specific projects you worked on and skills you demonstrated. The more they have to work with, the stronger the letter.
- Stay in touch. Send a short note or email after your job or volunteer experience ends, thanking them for their guidance. Connect with them on LinkedIn.
A reference is someone in your corner who can speak on your behalf when you aren’t in the room. That is one of the most valuable things you can take away from a job or volunteer experience.
Adult Allies — Continue to Make an Impact After a Student’s Work Experience
For many students, you may be the first professional supervisor they have ever had. You may be the first person outside their family or school who has observed them in a workplace setting. That puts you in a unique position.
A reference letter or a phone call on a young person’s behalf can make a real difference in their employment future.
Here is how you can be intentional about this:
- Don’t wait to be asked. Many young workers don’t know it’s appropriate to ask for a reference, or they feel uncomfortable doing so. If you have observed a student doing good work, offer. Say: “I’d be glad to serve as a reference for you when you’re ready to apply for your next job.”
- Be specific when you write. The most useful references describe what you actually observed. Instead of “she was a great worker,” try “she consistently arrived on time, asked thoughtful questions when she was unsure, and took initiative on tasks without being prompted.” Specific examples give a future employer something real to act on.
The relationships adults build with young workers can become bridges to a brighter future. A reference is one of the most direct ways to build that bridge..
What’s On Our Mind – Helping Youth Make Connections
We had the privilege of facilitating a Power Skills workshop for participants in Durham Public Schools’ Rising Stars Internship Program this month.
These talented young people engaged in meaningful discussions, workplace scenarios, team activities, and self-reflection focused on the skills that employers value most: communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, and problem-solving.
We challenged students to think beyond the paycheck and recognize that every work experience is an opportunity to build confidence, develop character, and prepare for future career success.
We look forward to seeing these Rising Stars shine in their internships and beyond.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
We would appreciate your thoughts on our initiative and welcome opportunities to collaborate. You can reach us at info@youthworkconnect.org and we look forward to staying connected.
