Ready to apply to the Peace Corps? Let’s talk references

Serving abroad for two plus years is a big commitment. It’s worth the effort to make sure you’ve included all required information in the application so the process goes as smoothly as possible. As you prepare your application, be diligent with your list of references. A hastily submitted reference list will result in additional work and delayed processing.

What types of references does the Peace Corps require?

Peace Corps expects three references to be submitted in your application. At least one reference must be professional, preferably a current or former work or volunteer supervisor. If you do not have an available current or former work or volunteer supervisor, you may provide a reference that can speak to your professional experience (for example, a former or current co-worker or an advisor for club leadership, internship, research, or teaching assistant activities). The other two references can include mentors, professors, academic counselors, other supervisors, co-workers, or close friends. If a close friend is listed as a reference, this person should know you well and for an extended amount of time. Only one of the three references should be in the “close friend” category. A family member cannot be listed as a reference, regardless of the relation.

All references will be asked to complete a brief online form. Be sure references identify their “reference type,” as each reference receives a unique form according to their type. Note that the supervisory reference should leave a brief narrative in the space provided after their overall rating.

5 steps to ensure the references process goes smoothly:

1. Connect with all three references to ensure they are willing and able to serve as a reference for you
2. Confirm their correct contact information, including their email address and telephone number
3. Tell them to check any folders where emails may go and/or add peacecorps.gov to their approved senders list
4. Inform them that the reference form will only take 5-10 minutes to complete
5. Thank them for helping you on your journey to becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer

What if I need to change one of my references?

If you need to change a reference, repeat steps 1-5 above. Then email your placement officer with the new reference’s name, title, type of reference, email address, and phone number. Once this information is received, the placement officer will send out a new reference request.

What if a reference is unable to complete the form on time?

Once sent, reference forms are only active for 5 business days. As your references submit their forms and they are uploaded into your application portal, you will receive an email notification. To keep the ball rolling on the application process, remind your reference if you notice you are missing a reference from them.

If a reference does not submit their reference form within 5 days, your placement officer may email you and ask for a new reference. They may also send a reminder to the reference on file. Placement officers may send more than one reminder to your references to ensure a timely response.

Your references allow placement officers to understand who you are and what skills you can bring to your overseas service as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The more proactive you are in this process, the easier it is for your placement officer to conditionally invite you to serve. Remember: your placement officer cannot invite you without your references on file.