How to Ask for PA Job References

A strong job reference can make all the difference in landing your dream job. As a PA, your references play a vital role in showcasing your clinical skills, professionalism, and dedication to the field.

We will delve into obtaining and preparing your job references to provide strong recommendations.

I. The significance of job references

a) Job References provide evidence of your Skills & Character

When considering job references, employers often seek feedback from individuals who have directly worked with you and can vouch for your skills and character. This includes attending physicians, preceptors, and colleagues who have witnessed your performance in a clinical setting. By presenting strong references, you can bolster your credibility and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

It is important to note that job references not only validate your qualifications but also provide reassurance to employers regarding your fit within their practice or organization. Through the perspectives of your references, employers can gain a clearer understanding of how you have contributed to patient care, collaborated with healthcare teams, and demonstrated your commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services.

Employers typically call job references after the interview process, especially when trying to decide between the top 2-3 candidates to pick.

b) How many references should I have?

When selecting references, be mindful of the number of references required by the prospective employer. Tailor your choices based on the specific job posting and consider including a variety of references that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of your capabilities as a PA.

Select 2-4 references. Having more references ensures that if one reference cannot be reached, the employer can reach out to other references.

c) What types of references will the employer request?

• Phone or Video Call References (most common): In some cases, employers may prefer to conduct reference checks through a phone or video call. The reference and the employer connect directly to discuss the candidate's qualifications, work performance, and suitability for the position. This method allows for real-time conversation and the opportunity to ask follow-up questions.

• Reference Questionnaires: Employers may provide reference questionnaires or forms to references, which are completed by the reference and submitted directly to the employer. These questionnaires typically consist of specific questions about the candidate's skills, strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, and other relevant factors. This format allows for standardized responses and easy comparison among candidates.

• Reference Letters (less common): A reference letter is a written document in which the reference provides a detailed assessment of the candidate's qualifications, skills, and character. It typically includes information about the reference's relationship with the candidate, their observations, and their recommendation. Reference letters are usually requested in advance and submitted along with the job application.

II. Selecting the Right References

When selecting references, be mindful of the number of references required by the prospective employer. Tailor your choices based on the specific job posting and consider including a variety of references that collectively paint a comprehensive picture of your capabilities as a PA.

a) Supervising Physicians

Supervising physicians have firsthand experience working with PAs and can provide valuable insights into your clinical abilities, decision-making skills, and overall performance. Consider approaching attending physicians who have worked closely with you and can attest to your competence, adaptability, and collaborative nature as a PA.

b) Clinical Preceptors

Second year of PA school is where you complete clinical rotations in different areas of medicine, with a PA or MD clinical preceptor. Feedback can carry significant weight in the eyes of prospective employers. Reach out to preceptors who can speak to your clinical proficiency, patient interaction skills, and ability to work independently within a healthcare team.

• Consider the Specialty of the Job references you include: For example, if you are applying to Family Medicine PA job, it may be strategic to include references of preceptors from Family Medicine, Geriatrics, Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine and/or Internal Medicine. If you are applying to a Surgical PA position, including references from your surgical rotations who can speak to your skills and abilities in a surgical setting may be advantageous.

c) Colleagues

Colleagues who have collaborated with you in a clinical setting can provide valuable job references. They have witnessed your work ethic, teamwork abilities, and communication skills firsthand. Colleagues can offer insights into your interpersonal dynamics, adaptability to different work environments, and professionalism. Choose individuals who can articulate your contributions to patient care, your dedication to continuous learning, and your ability to contribute positively to the healthcare team.

d) PA Professor/Instructors

PA professors or instructors can certainly be effective references, but there are a few reasons why supervising physicians or clinical preceptors may be perceived as more impactful references:

• Direct observation: Supervising physicians and clinical preceptors have the advantage of directly observing your performance in a clinical setting. They can provide firsthand accounts of your skills, clinical judgment, and ability to work within a healthcare team. Their testimonies carry weight as they have witnessed your abilities in action.

• Long-term interaction: PA professors or instructors often have limited interaction with individual students, especially in larger class sizes. In contrast, supervising physicians and clinical preceptors work closely with PA students during clinical rotations or internships for an extended period. This longer duration allows them to gain a deeper understanding of your abilities, growth, and potential as a PA.

• Clinical competence assessment: Supervising physicians and clinical preceptors are often responsible for evaluating your clinical competencies during your rotations. Their evaluations provide objective feedback on your performance, which can be valuable to prospective employers seeking an accurate assessment of your skills and abilities.

However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of a reference ultimately depends on the context and the specific requirements of the job application. PA professors or instructors who have had substantial interaction with you, have witnessed your growth and dedication, and can speak to your abilities, can still provide valuable references. The key is to select references who can provide the most relevant and comprehensive assessment of your skills and suitability for the position you are applying for.

III. Asking for the PA Job References

a) Contact your Potential References

When reaching out to your potential references, it's important to approach them with professionalism and respect:

• Reach out via email, phone or in person: Select a method of communication that aligns with your reference's preferences, such as email, phone call, or in-person conversation. Ensure your chosen method allows for a thoughtful and detailed discussion.

• Craft a polite and concise message: Begin by expressing your appreciation for their time and consideration. Clearly state the purpose of your message and politely request their support as a job reference. Mention the specific PA job posting you're applying for to provide context and relevance.

• Request their consent and positive recommendation: Clearly express your gratitude for their support and ask for their consent to be a reference. Emphasize your desire for a positive recommendation, highlighting specific aspects of your performance or skills that you would like them to focus on.

• Share details of the PA job posting: Provide your references with a copy or summary of the job posting, including key responsibilities, qualifications, and any specific skills or attributes the employer is seeking. This will help your references tailor their recommendations to align with the position.

Subject: Request for Job Reference - [Your Name]

Email:
Dear [Reference's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am excited to share with you that I am currently pursuing new career opportunities as a physician assistant.

I am specifically applying for a physician assistant position at [Hospital/Practice Name]. I believe that your reference would greatly enhance my chances of securing this opportunity.

I would be grateful if we could connect via email, phone, or in-person to discuss this further. Please let me know your preferred method of communication, and I will gladly accommodate your preference.

I want to express my gratitude for your consideration and support. Your reference means a great deal to me, and I am confident that it will positively impact my job applications. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing this opportunity further.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Contact Information]

b) Follow-up with More Information about the Job Posting

Once your potential references have agreed to provide a job reference, it's essential to provide them with the necessary information to effectively support your application. This can be done via email.

Consider the following points:

Share your updated resume: Supply your references with an updated version of your resume or CV. This document should highlight your education, certifications, clinical experience, and any notable achievements or professional affiliations.

• Provide brief summary of your time together: When requesting job references from individuals who may need a reminder of your time together, such as supervising physicians or clinical preceptors, it can be helpful to provide specific details to jog their memory:

• Specify the time frame during which you worked together

• Outline your roles and responsibilities

• Mention notable achievements (e.g. positive feedback, improving clinic efficiency, quality improvement or research projects)

• For instance, if you had in-depth conversations about patient management, treatment plans, or professional growth, recalling those moments can help your reference recall your contributions and dedication.

The goal is to equip your references with the information they need to provide a strong and accurate representation of your abilities and accomplishments as a PA.

By providing supporting materials and highlighting key points, you ensure that their recommendations are tailored to the specific job you are applying for.

Subject:
Request for Job Reference - [Your Full Name] - Supporting Materials Attached

Email:
Dear [Reference's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I want to express my sincere appreciation for agreeing to provide a job reference for me. Your support means a great deal to me as I pursue new opportunities in my career as a physician assistant.

I have attached my updated resume/CV for your reference as well as the original PA Job posting

Additionally, I wanted to provide a brief summary of our time together to help jog your memory:

• We worked together from [start date] to [end date]

• During our time together my roles and responsibilities included [insert specific tasks and duties]

• During my time with you, I [insert notable achievements and milestones].

I hope these details serve as a helpful reminder of our shared experiences and provide context for the reference you will provide on my behalf.

Once again, thank you for your support and willingness to provide a reference. I truly appreciate your time and efforts in helping me pursue new opportunities in my career. I am confident that your insights and recommendations will positively impact my job applications.

Should you require any additional information or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to provide further details or clarification as needed.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an important part of my professional journey.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

IV. Providing Job References to the Employer

When listing job references on a resume, it is important to present the information in a clear and professional manner.

Typically references are listed as “Available Upon Request” on a resume. Once employers request references, you can send them a separate document.

• Header/Contact Information: This includes listing your name, contact information, and a title

• Contact information: Include the full name, professional title, current job title, and contact information (email address and phone number) of each reference. It is important to obtain their permission before listing their contact information on your resume.

• Professional relationship: Indicate the nature of your professional relationship with each reference. For example, mention if they were your direct supervisor, preceptor, colleague, or attending physician.

• Hospital, Practice Name or Organizastion: Provide the name of the organization or institution where your reference is currently employed. This adds credibility to their position and can help potential employers verify their professional background.

REFERENCES

Reference Name #1
Professional Title
Current Job Title
Organization or Institution
Email: reference@email.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890

Reference Name #2
Professional Title
Current Job Title
Organization or Institution
Email: reference@email.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890

Reference Name #3
Professional Title
Current Job Title
Organization or Institution
Email: reference@email.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890

IV. Follow-up and Express Gratitude

a) Thank your references

After your potential references have agreed to support you, take a moment to express your sincere appreciation for their time and willingness to vouch for your qualifications.

A simple message or note thanking them for their support can go a long way in fostering a positive and collaborative relationship.

b) Provide updates on the progress of your job application

Keep your references informed about the progress of your job application. Update them on important milestones, such as interviews or job offers, and let them know how their support has contributed to your journey.

c) Express gratitude for support.

Once you have secured a job or reached a definitive conclusion to your job search, make sure to extend your gratitude to your references. Thank them for their valuable recommendations, their belief in your abilities, and the impact their support has had on your career.

Subject:
Thank You for Your Support and Application Update

Email:
Dear [Reference's Name],

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the support and job reference you provided during my recent job application. Your belief in my abilities and willingness to vouch for my qualifications meant a great deal to me.

I wanted to provide you with an update on the application process. I am thrilled to share that I have progressed to the next stage and have recently had an interview with [Hospital/Practice Name]. The interview went well, and I had the opportunity to showcase my skills and experiences as a physician assistant. I owe a significant part of this progress to your valuable recommendation.

I cannot thank you enough for the confidence and support you have shown throughout this journey. Your reference has undoubtedly played a crucial role in opening doors and creating opportunities for me. Your firsthand knowledge of my abilities and dedication has resonated with potential employers.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your feedback and insights are always appreciated.

Thank you once again for your invaluable support.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Final notes

The process of asking for job references requires careful consideration and professionalism. By selecting the right references, providing them with supporting information, and expressing gratitude throughout the process, you can maximize your chances of securing a desirable PA position.

Your references play a crucial role in highlighting your strengths and suitability for the job, so approach this aspect of the job application process with care and confidence.