How To Make People Feel Good When Asking For A Reference Template

How To Ask Someone to Be Your Reference (Plus E-mail Examples)

By Indeed Editorial Team

May 26, 2021

Central takeaways:

E'er inquire before including someone equally a reference.
Send a polite email or call them on the phone, offering a few details about the request including timelines.
Afterward your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details near the position.
Follow up in a timely manner, thanking them for their reference.

At some bespeak during your task search, you may be asked to provide a list of references. You might provide this as you fill out a job application or later during the interview phase.

Employers rely on these references—every bit well as professional background checks—to fact-bank check your resume or interview answers. For this reason, yous should exist sure to include apparent references who can speak positively to your qualities and experience. Yous should likewise let these people know that y'all are applying for jobs and listing them as references so they can prepare. In this article, you lot'll learn how to choose references and how to ask someone to be a reference with examples.

Related: Types of References and How to Get Them

How to ask someone to be a reference

i. Choose the correct people

You'll want to consider who your references volition be early on on in the job search process, as references tin exist asked for as early equally the awarding phase. Brand a list of people who could exist potential references. Consider individuals who you believe will speak highly of your accomplishments, work-ethic, graphic symbol and qualifications.

References tin can be whatever of the following:

Former managers or supervisors
Former employees
Former coworkers
Industry colleagues
Advisors, teachers, mentors or instructors
Connections from volunteering, professional clubs or bookish groups

In general, the more recently you worked or interacted with a potential reference, the better. But you can make exceptions for individuals employed at the company yous are applying to, well-respected community members or a supervisor you worked for at a past job who especially respected your piece of work.

Beginning your initial listing with everyone you can call up of, so narrow it down based on your priorities, the nature of the relationship, and the position you're applying for. Typically, companies ask for no more than than 3 references, just it'southward a good idea to have four or even five in example i becomes unavailable.

Related: Character Reference Letter Sample and Tips

two. Notify your references in advance

In one case you lot've decided on references, notify them immediately. Yous want to avert a situation where your reference is contacted without knowing you've listed them as it can hinder the quality of their reference and may even put the opportunity at risk.

The person giving yous a reference as well may need to write a letter of the alphabet, fill out a questionnaire or speak to someone from human resources on the telephone. Providing this favor is no small chore. Give your potential reference plenty of time to consider the asking, and be sure to give thanks them for their time and efforts.

iii. Ask politely and be aware of how you're being received

If it's been awhile since you've communicated with a potential reference, connect the dots between the past and the present, including what you worked on together and where you are in your electric current career path. Providing your resume is an easy mode to do this. Always give your potential reference an option to refuse by using language similar, "Would you feel comfortable being a reference for me?" or, "I sympathise your time is valuable, so don't hesitate to let me know if this isn't a proficient time." If they bear witness whatsoever hesitation, gracefully dorsum out of the invitation and motility down your list to the next pick. It'due south better to preserve the relationship in the long run.

4. Provide them with helpful details

In one case you've provided your listing of references to your potential employer, send a quick email to let each reference know which company will exist reaching out and, if you know the details, what information the company will be requesting. Provide your references with a brief overview of what the role is and any specific data y'all'd similar them to speak to as this will make it easier for your reference to know what to say.

Here's an example email for how to update your references:

Subject line: Reference request – update

Dear [ Reference'south name ] ,

Thank y'all again for being a reference for me. I wanted to allow yous know that I've completed my interviews for the [ job championship y'all interviewed for ] , and Company XYZ may be contacting you soon. I've attached the job description below and then you're aware of the qualities they're seeking in a candidate. Let me know if there's any additional data I can provide you.

Thank yous!
[ Your name ]

Follow up

Follow upward with your reference to thank them after every reference they provide. You tin can do so through a hand-written letter or thoughtful email. Then, if y'all are hired for the position, take a moment to gloat by sending a quick electronic mail to your references to allow them know you've accepted a position and that you're grateful for their assist on your behalf. Y'all might consider letting your reference know that you lot're willing to return the favor if ever needed.

Hither'south an example email for how to give thanks your reference:

Subject line: Reference asking – Thank you lot!

Dear [ Reference's proper name ] ,

I've just accepted the [ task you interviewed for ] role at Company XYZ. Thank you so much for sending a reference on my behalf. I sincerely appreciate it. I'd be happy to return the favor by serving as a reference for you in the time to come.

Thank you once more,
[ Your name ]

Thank You Letter Format

Image clarification

Cheers Letter Format

Start with a greeting.
Share your gratitude with specific examples.
Include whatsoever details from your conversations.
Shut with any additional thoughts or information.
End with a polite closing.

*Proofread your bulletin: Take a few minutes to review your give thanks you notes for whatsoever spelling, grammar or syntax mistakes. A message that's free of errors shows you're professional and item-oriented.

These contacts will probable be important throughout your career. By expressing your gratitude, you'll be more than probable to benefit from the relationship for years to come.

Related: What to Do When You've Received a Bad Reference

Asking for a reference electronic mail example

Sometimes a telephone phone call or in-person meeting is a good idea for requesting a personal reference, but yous tin too start out with an email. Beneath is an example e-mail template y'all can easily suit, depending on the position you're applying for and the relationship you have with your potential reference:

Bailiwick line: Reference request for [ Your Name ]

Dearest [ Recipient Name ] ,

I hope yous are well! [ Insert a pleasantry (e.g. 'How is your family?' or 'Information technology was great seeing you at the Women in Tech event last month.") ]

I am currently seeking employment as a [ task title you lot're applying for ] and am wondering if you'd be comfortable providing a reference for me. Having worked with you for several years at Company ABC, I believe you tin can provide potential employers with specific information well-nigh my skills that will improve my chances of getting the job.

Attached is my current resume. Please permit me know if y'all need any additional information to deed every bit a reference on my behalf. If at present is not a practiced time for yous, don't hesitate you let me know. Thank you so much for considering my request.

Cheers again,
[ Your name ]
[ Your number ]
[ Your email ]

Related: Q&A: Should Yous Include References on a Resume?