Finding a Reference: * Think about your favorite teacher or professor — did you have any memorable (positive) conversations with a teacher, or did you have a professor’s class you excelled in? * Who have you volunteered with? This could be a peer or a mentor: a soccer coached you assisted, a political fundraising supervisor, a food bank volunteer peer etc. * Consider what coaches or role models you have performed under: a music director, a club leader, sports coach, church pastor etc. * Have you worked closely with a co-worker, who may attest to your value in a work capacity? * Have you done work for a friend or family member (even if it was not for money)? Asking for the Reference: * Don’t be afraid to re-establish a relationship or connection with someone you knew a long time ago — social media might be a good first step. * Facebook messenger may be best, if you know the person is on there; if they are a professional, they likely have an email you could use * Remind them who you are and in what context you knew them * “Hi Mrs. Jones, this is Evan Douglas. I was your student in drama class 3 years ago, and we put on the Neverland play under your supervision.” * Ask if you can meet with them or speak with them on the phone; or if the connection is recent and you are confident of their knowledge of you, ask them to be a reference. * “I really enjoyed being in your class, and hope that you can be a reference for me. If you prefer, we can first meet or chat on the phone.” * Tell the person about the job you are applying for, and discuss any experiences you had with them to refresh their memory. * “I’m applying for a job at the local theatre, in stage direction. For Neverland, I assisted with stage design and setup.” * End with a tone of thanks * “I really appreciate if you are able to be a reference for me. Thank you!”