Do You Have to Ask Permission Again for a Reference
How To Ask Someone to Be Your Reference (Plus Email Examples)
By Indeed Editorial Team
May 26, 2021
Cardinal takeaways:
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Always ask earlier including someone as a reference.
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Send a polite email or phone call them on the phone, offering a few details nearly the request including timelines.
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After your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details about the position.
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Follow up in a timely manner, thanking them for their reference.
At some point during your chore search, y'all may exist asked to provide a list of references. You might provide this every bit you fill up out a job awarding or later during the interview phase.
Employers rely on these references—equally well as professional background checks—to fact-bank check your resume or interview answers. For this reason, yous should be sure to include credible references who can speak positively to your qualities and experience. You should also let these people know that you lot are applying for jobs and listing them as references so they can set up. In this commodity, y'all'll larn how to choose references and how to inquire someone to exist a reference with examples.
Related: Types of References and How to Get Them
How to ask someone to be a reference
1. Choose the correct people
Yous'll desire to consider who your references will be early on in the job search process, as references can be asked for equally early as the application phase. Make a listing of people who could be potential references. Consider individuals who you believe will speak highly of your accomplishments, piece of work-ethic, graphic symbol and qualifications.
References tin can be any of the following:
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Former managers or supervisors
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Former employees
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Former coworkers
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Manufacture colleagues
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Advisors, teachers, mentors or instructors
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Connections from volunteering, professional clubs or academic groups
In general, the more recently you worked or interacted with a potential reference, the better. But y'all can make exceptions for individuals employed at the visitor you are applying to, well-respected community members or a supervisor you worked for at a by chore who particularly respected your work.
Outset your initial list with everyone y'all can think of, then 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 3 references, simply it's a practiced idea to have iv or even five in case one becomes unavailable.
Related: Character Reference Letter Sample and Tips
2. Notify your references in accelerate
Once you've decided on references, notify them immediately. You lot desire to avoid a state of affairs where your reference is contacted without knowing you lot've listed them as it tin can hinder the quality of their reference and may fifty-fifty put the opportunity at risk.
The person giving you a reference also may need to write a letter, make full out a questionnaire or speak to someone from human resources on the phone. Providing this favor is no small task. Give your potential reference plenty of time to consider the request, and be certain to thank them for their time and efforts.
3. Ask politely and be aware of how you're being received
If it'south 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 current career path. Providing your resume is an easy fashion to do this. Always give your potential reference an option to pass up by using language similar, "Would y'all experience comfortable being a reference for me?" or, "I sympathize your time is valuable, so don't hesitate to let me know if this isn't a skilful time." If they testify any hesitation, gracefully back out of the invitation and move downwards your list to the adjacent option. It'south better to preserve the relationship in the long run.
4. Provide them with helpful details
Once yous've provided your list 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 data the visitor will be requesting. Provide your references with a cursory overview of what the role is and whatsoever specific information you lot'd like them to speak to as this will brand it easier for your reference to know what to say.
Here'south an example email for how to update your references:
Subject area line: Reference asking – update
Dear [ Reference'due south proper noun ] ,
Thanks once again for beingness a reference for me. I wanted to permit you know that I've completed my interviews for the [ chore title you interviewed for ] , and Company XYZ may be contacting you before long. I've attached the job description below so y'all're enlightened of the qualities they're seeking in a candidate. Allow me know if there's any additional information I can provide y'all.
Thank y'all!
[ Your name ]
Follow up
Follow up with your reference to thank them subsequently every reference they provide. You lot can exercise so through a hand-written letter or thoughtful electronic mail. Then, if you are hired for the position, take a moment to celebrate by sending a quick email to your references to allow them know y'all've accepted a position and that you're grateful for their help on your behalf. You might consider letting your reference know that y'all're willing to return the favor if e'er needed.
Here's an example e-mail for how to give thanks your reference:
Subject line: Reference request – Thank you!
Dear [ Reference'southward proper name ] ,
I've just accustomed the [ job you interviewed for ] role at Visitor XYZ. Give thanks you so much for sending a reference on my behalf. I sincerely appreciate it. I'd exist happy to return the favor by serving equally a reference for you in the future.
Thanks again,
[ Your proper noun ]
Image description
Cheers Alphabetic character Format
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Start with a greeting.
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Share your gratitude with specific examples.
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Include any details from your conversations.
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Close with whatever additional thoughts or information.
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End with a polite closing.
*Proofread your message: Take a few minutes to review your thank you notes for whatever spelling, grammar or syntax mistakes. A message that's free of errors shows you're professional and detail-oriented.
These contacts will likely be important throughout your career. By expressing your gratitude, y'all'll exist more likely to benefit from the human relationship for years to come.
Related: What to Practise When Y'all've Received a Bad Reference
Asking for a reference e-mail example
Sometimes a phone telephone call or in-person coming together is a skillful idea for requesting a personal reference, merely you tin can also start out with an email. Below is an case email template you can easily suit, depending on the position you're applying for and the relationship you have with your potential reference:
Subject area line: Reference request for [ Your Name ]
Dear [ Recipient Proper noun ] ,
I hope you are well! [ Insert a pleasantry (e.thou. 'How is your family?' or 'It was great seeing you at the Women in Tech event last calendar month.") ]
I am currently seeking employment as a [ job title yous're applying for ] and am wondering if y'all'd be comfortable providing a reference for me. Having worked with you for several years at Visitor ABC, I believe you can provide potential employers with specific information near my skills that will improve my chances of getting the job.
Attached is my electric current resume. Delight allow me know if you need any boosted information to human action as a reference on my behalf. If now is not a good time for y'all, don't hesitate you let me know. Thanks so much for considering my request.
Cheers once again,
[ Your name ]
[ Your number ]
[ Your email ]
Related: Q&A: Should You Include References on a Resume?
Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-ask-someone-to-be-your-reference-email
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