Sample Letters and Email Messages Asking for a Reference

If you're applying for a job, it's likely that you will need a reference. It's a good idea to get references lined up before you start a job search. This way, you'll have a list of people who can recommend you ready to share with prospective employers. You can ask for a reference with a phone call or through a written email or a hard-copy letter, but either way, you'll want to write your request carefully. 

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.

• 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.