How to get yourself a good reference

It goes without saying that in the early stage of job / scholarship search, having a good reference is important and critical. However, I realize that not many people are aware of the importance and the complexity of finding the right person to speak on your behalf. At least, not until the last minute when they are desperately trying to meet the deadline, and are stuck with someone who cannot really give you the credit that you deserve (but you have to ask them anyway because there are no one else!)

I have met lots of students or ex-students coming to me, asking me to write them a nice reference letter, simply because they took ONE of my classes, or because they thought I was friendly and easy. (P.S. nobody likes to be called easy!). Then I realize their misconception of the term "reference". Just because the requirement says that you need to have a reference from your former professor or lecturer in your former university, it is definitely not as simple as checking through the list of faculty members in your Department and choose the most good-looking one.You want your reference to highlight your strength, commitment, skills, experiences - anything that will strengthen your position as a candidate. You would not want to choose somebody who barely knows you, who would just say a few cliche statements copied from a template of reference letter.

Here are some tips to land yourself a good reference:

1. Build a good relationship with your former lecturer, supervisor, or employer. You don't need to have a personal relationship with them, but don't be a stranger as well. Even if you are not exactly a social bee, there must be someone who knows you well enough to speak for you. One of my former students says to me casually that he doesn't think he needs to remember his lecturers if he is not trying to apply for a scholarship. You definitely don't want to follow his footsteps since he is really having a hard time finding anyone who wants to be his reference. It seems that not many of his former lecturers remember him as well! *Believe me, karma does exist!*
2. Choose somebody who really knows your work, responsibilities, and achievements. For example, your academic advisor who you have consulted with the whole years you've spent in university, a faculty member that you have worked closely with, a colleague that you have done a project with, etc.
3. Have the courtesy to ask the willingness of your potential reference in person. Having someone who is willing to speak on your behalf is earned, so don't take it for granted. Ask them politely, and supply them with necessary documents or background information to help them write good things about you. Don't forget to keep them updated and thank them when you get the new job or the scholarship. The update will always be appreciated.
4. Last but not least, remember that the key of all this process is you. Make yourself presentable and memorable. Be honest, committed, and passionate in everything that you do, so that saying good things about you is inevitable. Always do your best to give others the right reason to talk about you.