When applying for a job, you may be asked to provide professional references – feedback about your qualifications or character from individuals who know you well. Asking someone to be a reference may seem intimidating, but you can use our tips and examples to write the perfect reference request email.
by Alyssa SchmittWondering how to get references for a job application? Use our templates for your request!
What are job references?
As part of the job application process, you tell your potential employer a lot about yourself – your skills, professional experience, and suitability for the position – but they only have your word for it. So, they will sometimes ask other people to verify your qualifications, past performance, or even your character and work ethic. This is called "providing a reference."
When you ask for employment references, the first step is deciding who could provide a strong recommendation to help you stand out from other applicants. Then, you can follow the steps below to craft a professional and polite request for a job reference.
Types of references for jobs
Depending on the company, the person you ask to provide a reference may have to fill out a standard form provided by the HR department, speak to them on the phone, or answer questions in an email.
How to ask for a reference letter
If you’d like someone to provide you with an employment reference, it is always appropriate to reach out by phone. However, we would recommend writing a pleasantly worded email, as that gives the person more space to consider and respond to your request.
Who to list as references
You do not need to give a list of references unless specifically asked during the application process. If references are required, do not give out people’s names and contact details without asking their permission first!
If you are asked for a reference, think of someone you can trust to be accurate and positive – and who knows you well and long enough to provide relevant information to your potential employer. If multiple references are required, aim to include people who can speak to different aspects of your qualifications and character. This might include:
Direct supervisors
Former coworkers
Former employees
Professional mentors or coaches
Professors (for recent graduates)
Connections from professional associations, volunteering, etc.
How do you politely ask for a reference?
Wondering how to ask someone to be a reference for you? Here are five tips for a polite and professional request:
Give context: Remind the person of your professional relationship and tell them why you are requesting a reference specifically from them.
Give information: Include a brief description of the position you are applying for and details about the timing and format of the reference.
Give an update: If it has been a year or two since you worked together, make sure to provide a short update on any new qualifications or skills. You may also wish to attach your current CV (or offer to send it).
Give them an out: Never pressure someone to serve as an employment reference. If they aren’t comfortable in the role, e.g., because they don’t actually feel they know you well enough, their reference will probably not help your application. Make sure they know it’s ok to say no.
Give appreciation: Asking for a reference means asking them to invest time and energy in your job search, so make sure to express gratitude for their help.
How to get job references: 3 key takeaways:
Consider your reference request carefully and do not pressure anyone to give you a reference.
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference.
Send a warm but polite email with a clear request and all necessary information about your qualifications, the position, and the timeline.
How to ask for a reference – Step by step
Ready to write your request for a reference? Follow these 10 steps – and if you need more information about the elements of a professional email, just click on each link for a detailed explainer.
Write a clear subject line that instantly communicates the intent of your message. We recommend including your full name and the word “reference”, e.g.,
Here is a sample request for a reference letter following the steps above:
Subject: Request for Reference: Jaden Miller
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I hope this message finds you well! It’s been almost a year since we connected at the SEO conference in Dallas, but I often think fondly of our time working together in the communications team at Horizon Marketing.
I’m reaching out to ask if you would be willing to provide a reference for me as part of a job application I’m submitting. Your leadership and insight had a significant impact on my professional development, and I believe your perspective would offer valuable context to a prospective employer.
I’m currently applying for a Communications Manager position at GreenWave Solutions, a renewable energy firm focused on sustainable technology. The role involves overseeing strategic messaging across digital platforms, managing a small team, and developing a public relations initiative.
Since leaving Horizon two years ago, I’ve taken on a role at BrightPath Media, where I’ve led several cross-functional campaigns and expanded our social media reach by over 60%. I’d be happy to share my updated resume if that would be helpful.
The hiring manager has asked for a reference by May 23, ideally via a brief phone call or written statement. With your permission, I’d like to share your name and contact information with them.
Thank you so much for considering this request. I completely understand if you're unable to provide a reference due to scheduling constraints or other commitments, and I truly appreciate your support over the years.
Warm regards,
Jaden Miller
jaden.miller@xyz.com
(555) 123-4567
www.linkedin.com/jadenmiller
Following up on your reference request email
Once someone has agreed to serve as your reference, you should make a point of keeping in touch with them during your job application process. Most importantly, be sure to send them a big thank you right away! After that, keep them informed about the outcome of your job search – whether it’s successful or not.
If you don’t get a reply to your reference request, wait one week and then send a follow-up email to make sure that they got your message. However, be sure to remain polite and not pressure them to provide a reference. If your second email also remains unanswered, unfortunately you will have to take that as a no.
3 reference letter request email templates
Here are three email templates for requesting a reference that you can copy and adapt to your specific situation:
Asking for a reference from a professor
Subject: Request for Reference: [Your Full Name]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I hope you are doing well! I’m writing to reconnect and ask if you would be willing to provide a reference for me as I begin applying for [a job/an internship/graduate programs/etc.].
I greatly valued your guidance during my time at [University Name], particularly in your course on [Course Name], which really helped shape my academic and professional interests. Since graduating in [Month, Year], I’ve been [brief update on your professional/academic progress—e.g., working part-time, pursuing certifications, volunteering, etc.]. I am currently applying for a position as a [Job Title] at [Company/Organization Name], which involves [brief description of responsibilities]. I believe this role aligns closely with the skills and knowledge I developed in your class.
With your permission, I’d like to include your name and contact information on my list of references in my application. The employer is requesting [reference format: e.g., a short letter, a phone call, or a completed questionnaire], and the HR department would contact you by [date] with further information and instructions.
Thank you so much for considering my request. If you’re unable to provide a reference due to other demands on your time, I completely understand and would still like to thank you for your valuable support during my studies.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your email signature]
Request for reference letter from employer
Subject: Request for Reference: [Your Full Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to ask if you’d be willing to provide a reference for me as I explore a new career opportunity.
I greatly valued the time we worked together at [Company Name] – particularly your mentorship during my role as [Your Former Title]. Your guidance was instrumental in shaping my approach to [specific skill or responsibility], and I believe your perspective would provide meaningful context to a potential employer.
I’m currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [New Company Name]. The role involves [brief description of the role’s key responsibilities], and it aligns closely with the work I did under your leadership.
Since moving on from [Company Name], I’ve continued to build on my experience in [your field or area of expertise], most recently as [Your Current Title] at [Current Employer Name], where I’ve been [brief update, e.g., leading projects, managing teams, achieving specific outcomes]. I’d be happy to send along my updated resume if helpful.
The hiring team has asked for references to be submitted by [Date], ideally as a [brief phone call, email, or letter – adjust based on what’s requested]. With your permission, I’d like to list your name and contact information.
Thank you very much for considering this request – I truly appreciate your support. Of course, I completely understand if your schedule doesn’t allow it at this time.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your email signature]
Email for reference from a former coworker
Subject: Need a reference – if you’re up for it!
Hi [First Name],
I hope you’ve been doing well! I was thinking about our time at [Company Name] recently – especially [reference to shared project or challenge] – and it reminded me how much I appreciated working with you!
I’m currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [New Company Name], and I wanted to ask if you’d be open to being a reference for me. Since we worked so closely on [specific projects or responsibilities], I think you’d be able to speak to my skills in [specific area, e.g., project management, cross-team collaboration, etc.] better than anyone else.
The role I’m applying for involves [brief description of role], and it feels like a natural next step from what I was doing at [Former Company Name]. Since moving on, I’ve been [quick professional update]; I’ve attached my CV if you’d like all the details.
They’re collecting references by [Date], and it would be a [quick phone call, an email, etc. – adjust based on what’s requested]. If you’re okay with it, I’d also like to include your name and contact info in my application materials.
No pressure, by the way – I completely understand if you’re too busy or not comfortable. Either way, I really appreciate the great teamwork we had and hope we can get together for coffee next time you’re in town.
Thanks so much,
[Your Name]
[Your email signature]
If you’d like more pointers for your job application, check out our deep dives:
