With any luck, the job hunter's terrific resume and carefully crafted cover letters have sparked an interest from an employer. The next step of the process is to obtain some third-party references. These can be phone references, people who are willing to be contacted by prospective employers to answer questions about you, or glowing letters of recommendation.

The strongest references come from previous employers who can vouch for your integrity, knowledge and enthusiasm toward your work. Other sources could be supervisors for whom you've freelanced, interned or volunteered. Teachers, guidance counselors, leaders of organizations or clubs or other people familiar with your work might also be able to provide you with helpful letters. Personal references from friends and neighbors should only be used in cases in which the employer might need a character reference, such as for positions in child care or law enforcement.

The easiest way to obtain a recommendation is to ask your supervisor or manager, explaining what type of position you plan to apply for. To speed the process along, you might consider providing a draft, both on paper and electronically (via e-mail or on a disk), and ask your reference to review your draft, edit it as desired and return the final copy to you on company letterhead. Be sure to make copies of all letters of recommendations you receive. You don't want to send out originals because it's unlikely they'll be returned to you. Most importantly, send a thank-you note to the person who wrote your letter.

A typical letter or recommendation identifies how the reference knows you, in what capacity and for how long. It states who is being recommended (namely you) and for what type of position and should also list your top skills and work habits. Letters of recommendation also usually mention that the reference can be contacted for additional information.

The best time to present letters or recommendation depends on the prospective employer. Some job hunters choose to include extremely positive letters with their resume and cover letter. To assess how they're faring in the job hunt, others wait to present the letters only when they're requested.

Another useful tool in your job hunting arsenal is the portfolio. Although artists and architects have traditionally used portfolios in their work search, it is now common for other professionals as well to use them as a means of differentiating themselves from other applicants. A portfolio may contain work samples, performance reviews, awards, positive letters from clients or coworkers, and any publicity you might have received for your work.

Most likely, you'll have to wait until an interview to present your portfolio. Walk the interviewer through the materials, briefly explaining each item but also allowing him quiet time to review each item. Let him set the pace of your presentation, speeding up the process if you see his interest waning. You'll have to observe the interviewer's body language to gauge his impression of your materials. If you sense keen interest, you can offer to leave behind photocopies (made in advance) of some of the portfolio's key components for the interviewer to read at his leisure.