<p>I found a job I REALLY want. I think I have a shot, but am not sure about one thing they are requesting. They want ‘letters of reference’ along with the resume. By the way, I have worked for many years as an independent consultant, and have been through literally dozens of interviews and have never been asked for “letters of reference”. When they ask for references, I usually give them names/titles/phone number for my references. Then they contact my references and talk to them, maybe have them fill out a form.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any idea how to go about this? Logistically, I mean? Do I ask my references to write a letter and send it directly to the person specified in the job ad? I do know the person listing the job and am thinking I may ask him to confirm that they really want “letters”, but I REALLY want to avoid a misstep here… It is kind of a hassle for my references, too. Anyone have experience with this?</p>
<p>"Do I ask my references to write a letter and send it directly to the person specified in the job ad? "
Yes, short letters of reference or recommendation.</p>
<p>Letters are pretty typical in acdemia, and they should be sent to the person/address indicated in the ad; in industry, hiring managers or HR typically prefer to talk to a real person.</p>
<p>When I ask folks to write letters of reference for me, I also provide them with an addressed/stamped envelope where the letter should be sent.</p>
<p>I don’t see the people who I am asking very often in person, so the envelope part is hard. But I think have a plan now. I am going to phone them (they have done references in the past for me, so I am not concerned that they will say no) and check to make sure they can and will do it. I will follow up with an e-mail with the job description and info on where to mail the letters, and a few bullets about the narrative I am trying to build for this employer (with some variation by reference, they have seen me in different situations, so can talk to different skills). I’ll also let them know the timeframe I am hoping they will complete it in, and ask if they can please drop me an e-mail when it is done. Then follow up if I haven’t heard from them in a few days. Thanks to everyone for the advice!</p>