Ask for a Reference from an Employer

As a job-seeker, one of your most important assets is a solid letter of recommendation from a former employer. Securing a great reference doesn't need to be stressful. As long as you ask the right people in the right way, you can control the writing process and get the reference you need to find the job of your dreams!

Steps

Sample Reference Request Letters

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Asking The Right People

  1. Decide who to ask for a reference. The most important thing is to ask people who will have good things to say about you. A luke-warm reference can be damaging, so make sure you have a good idea of what a potential reference would say about your background and performance before you ask.
  2. Organize a minimum of three references. On average, employers check three references for each candidate, so it helps to have at least that many at your disposal. Don't worry if you don't have that many former employers. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisers and customers can all make good referees.

Making Your Request

  1. Make your request indirectly. Ask for a reference using an indirect method, such as email. This avoids putting your potential referee on the spot and allows them the opportunity to politely decline.
  2. Give them an out. Ask "Do you feel you know me well enough to write me a reference?" rather than just "Could you write me a reference?" Again, this gives your potential referee an opportunity to decline if they do not feel comfortable writing you a reference. If the referee declines don't be angry, be thankful. Remember, the aim is to get a good reference. If it's not glowing, you don't want it.
  3. Highlight their qualifications. When reaching out for a reference, explain why it is that you chose them to vouch for you in your next professional endeavor. Explain why you value that person's professional opinion and why you believe they are uniquely qualified to assess and communicate your skills and accomplishments.
  4. Be Polite. Always thank your potential referee for taking the time to read your email. Offer to make yourself available should they have any further questions.

Getting The Reference You Want

  1. Provide any relevant information. Provide your referee with an up-to-date resume and the job description of your new position. This makes their job much easier and will help them speak directly to your relevant skills and abilities.
  2. Be directive. Don't be afraid to give your referees some direction. Ask one referee to talk about your leadership skills, another to emphasize your ability to work on short deadlines, etc.
  3. Provide a template. Providing your referee with a set of bullet points, an outline, or even a fully-fledged draft is a highly effective approach to getting a great reference. Providing a template of what you would like your reference to say not only makes your referee's job easier, but also ensures that you have some control over what's included in the letter.
    • The goal is not to put words into your former employer's mouth, it's simply to do some of the work for them. They will most likely be extremely grateful to you for saving them so much time!
    • Don't worry about coming across as boastful or full of yourself. Often people will be even more generous than you will when talking about your skills or contribution to an organization. So don't be afraid to brag a little.

Warnings

  • When you're about to start hunting for a job again, it's polite to notify your references that they may be contacted. Keep them in the loop. Did you get the job? Get into the program? When you do, write another thank you note.
  • Be sure to check that your references are still valid every so often. People move on, and their contact details may not stay the same. Inaccurate contact details in your own references wastes people's time and does not create a favorable impression in a potential employer's mind.

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Sources

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