Career Development Center - Binghamton University

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Credentials

How to Open a File What Can Be Included in Your File? Letters of Reference How to Release a File Updating, Changing, or Transferring Material Forms Message to Law School Applicants

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Confidential or Non-Confidential Letters?

Reference Letters:
Letters can be confidential or non-confidential. You decide what type you will request. The CDC does not have a preference and your file can contain both types. While a specific number of references is not prescribed, three to six references are recommended. More letters do not necessarily make a better set of credentials.

Confidential Reference Letters:
If you wish to waive your right of access to the confidential reference letter you must use the CDC Confidential Reference Letter Form. Before soliciting the reference you must sign the waiver of right to access at the top of the form. Waiver forms are available on our website.

All reference letters must come to CDC directly from the author and must be originals with original signatures. Send letters to Career Development Center, LSG-500, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000.

Who should you ask for a reference letter?
Solicit references from people who can attest to your skills, knowledge, and/or attitude relevant to the position or program you seek. This includes supervisors of work experiences or internships, academic advisors, staff, and faculty with whom you have developed a rapport. If you have had career-related experience, an individual familiar with what you accomplished may be an excellent source for a letter of recommendation. References from volunteer or temporary jobs may also be effective.

How to ask for a reference letter
It is in your best interest to discuss your future plans with a potential reference writer. After doing so, you may wish to ask if the individual is willing to write a letter supporting your candidacy. This is critical if you are soliciting a confidential reference letter, as you will not have the ability to read the confidential letter and therefore will not know the exact content. By asking for a letter in support, you give the author the opportunity to say no if he or she feels unable to write a positive reference.

How specific should the letters be?
When asking an individual to prepare a confidential or non-confidential reference letter, indicate how it will be used and if you would like the letter to be written for a specific type of graduate/professional school, for employment, or for either purpose. CDC will not release letters specifically written for graduate or professional school to employers or vice versa.

The website of the Career Development Center at Binghamton University contains links to other websites as a convenience for its users and is not responsible for the contents of any linked site.