I'm currently navigating the job application process for my dream position in the archives at my alma mater, where I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in December and am now pursuing my Master's. I've interned at the archives, so I have good relationships with the staff, but I'm facing a dilemma regarding references. Two people I typically use for references are directly involved in the hiring process: the head archivist and the person who is leaving the position. I'm unsure if it's appropriate to ask the departing archivist for a recommendation, given that they are moving on to a bigger opportunity. I don't want to ask the head archivist for a reference since they are the one making the hiring decision. I considered asking a former professor who has a personal friendship with the archivist, but I'm worried it might come off as trying to leverage that connection. However, this professor knows my work well and has even collaborated with the archivist in the past. Alternatively, I could ask another professor in a semi-related field who is less connected to the archivist but might not provide as detailed a reference. I've already reached out to a professor from my graduate program who is familiar with my skills in this area. Ideally, I'd like to ask the departing archivist, the semi-related professor, and my graduate professor to be my recommenders. To sum up my concerns: Is it appropriate to ask someone leaving a position for a reference if the parting was amicable? And would it reflect poorly if one of my references is a personal friend of the person hiring, even if they can provide a strong recommendation? I'm eager to make the best impression as I transition into non-retail roles.
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