Here are tips on how to ask for a reference or for a written letter of recommendation, as well as sample letters that you can use as a guideline while writing your own reference request.
Who to Ask for a Reference
Who you ask for a reference will depend upon what level of your career you’re at—and also whether an employer has requested professional references from work associates, or personal references (sometimes called “character references”) from those who can attest to your integrity, attitude, and work ethic. Here are a few things to think about as you decide who the best person would be to approach.
Choose Your References Wisely
The person giving you a reference may need to write a letter, fill out a questionnaire, respond to an email, or speak to someone from a potential employer’s human resources department on the phone. If the person doesn’t know you well, it’ll show. It’s important to make sure that the individual who is recommending you for employment can give you not just a reference, but a good reference. Here are tips for choosing the best person to provide a job reference.
Always Give the Person You’re Asking an Out
Make sure to give the person an easy way to decline to provide you with a reference. A bad reference can be the difference between your getting a job offer—or not. It would be preferable to have the person decline to provide a reference, rather than write a halfhearted or negative letter. In your reference request, you can say things like, “I know end-of-the-year evaluations are due soon, so if you’re too busy to provide a reference, I completely understand,” or “It’s been five years since we worked together, so if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone about my work habits after so long, please just let me know.”
How to Ask for a Reference
Ask Nicely. Former co-workers and managers are under no obligation to serve as a reference. You are asking for a favor, so be polite and warm in your request. You can also mention why you thought the person would be an ideal reference. Give Your Reference a Heads-Up. Do not give out anyone’s name as a reference without their permission and without knowing what they are going to say about you. The individual who is giving you a reference needs to know ahead of time that they may be contacted regarding a reference for you. Once you have their permission, let your reference providers know as soon as you share their names with prospective employers.
How to Request a Written Reference Letter
Unless you work daily with a potential reference, it may be more efficient to ask them for a letter of reference in a letter or an email rather than a phone call. If there are specific forms the recommender needs to complete, you may want to send an email message asking for the recommendation, then follow up with a written letter and the forms. You can also briefly mention specific qualities and skills of yours that you would like your reference to mention. If you have any information about how the company will be reaching out to the recommender—phone, email, etc.—you can include those details as well. It’s a good idea to review sample letters asking for a reference to get ideas for your own letters. These samples, both written and email, include the best ways to phrase your request and how to ask someone to be your reference.
Sample Letter Asking for a Reference
This is a reference letter template. Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or review the examples below.
Sample Email Message Asking for a Reference
More Letter Samples Requesting a Reference
Review more examples of letters asking for a reference. May 24, 2022 John RogersOffice ManagerAcme Corporation680 Main Boulevard, Ste. 300Ocean City, CA 93650 Dear Ms. Rogers, I am reaching out to ask you to provide me with a reference for a new opportunity I am seeking with CBI Industries. Of course, I completely understand if you are unable to commit to this. Please just let me know as soon as possible. I learned a lot about the industry while working for you at Acme Corporation, and I think you would be able to provide the kind of insight into my skills that would increase my chances of landing this new position. As you know, I have recently been employed at VBN Industries, heading their research and development division. The opportunity at CBI Industries is related but would also require many of the sales and marketing techniques I developed while working for you. Thank you very much for considering my request. I have attached a copy of my updated resume and the job posting for your review. Gary Smith from Human Resources will be the contact person at CBI who will be in touch if you agree to provide the reference for me. If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter) Ashton Zimmer Dear Ms. Rogers, I am reaching out to ask you to provide me with a reference for a new opportunity I am seeking with CBI Industries. Of course, I completely understand if you are unable to commit to this. Please just let me know as soon as possible. I learned a lot about the industry while working for you at Acme Corporation, and I think you would be able to provide the kind of insight into my skills that would increase my chances of landing this new position. As you know, I have recently been employed at VBN Industries, heading their research and development division. The opportunity at CBI Industries is related but would also require many of the sales and marketing techniques I developed while working for you. Thank you very much for considering my request. I have attached a copy of my updated resume and the job posting for your review. Gary Smith from Human Resources will be the contact person at CBI who will be in touch if you agree to provide the reference for me. If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Best Regards, Ashton Zimmer(555) 234-5678ashzimm@email.com
Email Messages Requesting a Reference for a Job Examples Email Message Requesting a Recommendation from a Professor Email Reference Request Letter for an Advisor Letter Sample Asking for a Reference Request Permission to Use a Reference
Thank Your Reference Writer
When you get a new job, don’t forget to send a thank-you note to the individuals who provided you with a reference. Not only will it let them know that they have helped you, but it will also reiterate your appreciation for their assistance with the job search help.
