If Someone Was Your Reference Before
How To Inquire Someone to Exist Your Reference (Plus Email Examples)
By Indeed Editorial Team
May 26, 2021
Key takeaways:
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E'er inquire earlier including someone as a reference.
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Ship a polite email or call them on the phone, offering a few details near the request including timelines.
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After your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details virtually the position.
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Follow upward in a timely manner, thanking them for their reference.
At some point during your job search, you may be asked to provide a list of references. Yous might provide this as you fill out a job application or later during the interview phase.
Employers rely on these references—also as professional person groundwork checks—to fact-bank check your resume or interview answers. For this reason, yous should be certain to include credible references who can speak positively to your qualities and experience. You should also let these people know that y'all are applying for jobs and listing them every bit references then they can prepare. In this article, you'll acquire how to choose references and how to ask someone to be a reference with examples.
Related: Types of References and How to Go Them
How to ask someone to be a reference
1. Choose the right people
You'll desire to consider who your references will be early in the job search process, every bit references can be asked for as early as the awarding phase. Brand a list of people who could be potential references. Consider individuals who you lot believe will speak highly of your accomplishments, piece of work-ethic, character and qualifications.
References tin be whatsoever of the following:
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Former managers or supervisors
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Sometime employees
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Quondam 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 improve. But you can make exceptions for individuals employed at the visitor you are applying to, well-respected community members or a supervisor you lot worked for at a past task who especially respected your work.
Start your initial list with everyone you can think of, then narrow information technology downward based on your priorities, the nature of the relationship, and the position yous're applying for. Typically, companies ask for no more than than three references, but it'south a good idea to accept 4 or even five in case one becomes unavailable.
Related: Grapheme Reference Alphabetic character Sample and Tips
2. Notify your references in advance
In one case you've decided on references, notify them immediately. Y'all want to avoid a situation where your reference is contacted without knowing you lot've listed them as it tin can hinder the quality of their reference and may even put the opportunity at risk.
The person giving y'all a reference also may demand to write a letter, fill out a questionnaire or speak to someone from human resources on the phone. Providing this favor is no small task. Give your potential reference enough of time to consider the asking, and be sure to thank them for their time and efforts.
3. Inquire politely and exist aware of how you're beingness 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 piece of cake mode to do this. Always give your potential reference an selection to pass up past using language like, "Would yous feel comfortable being a reference for me?" or, "I understand your time is valuable, so don't hesitate to let me know if this isn't a expert time." If they show any hesitation, gracefully dorsum out of the invitation and move down your list to the next option. It's better to preserve the relationship in the long run.
4. Provide them with helpful details
Once you've provided your list of references to your potential employer, send a quick e-mail to permit each reference know which company volition 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 information you'd like them to speak to as this will arrive easier for your reference to know what to say.
Here'due south an example electronic mail for how to update your references:
Field of study line: Reference request – update
Beloved [ Reference's name ] ,
Cheers again for being a reference for me. I wanted to let you know that I've completed my interviews for the [ task title y'all interviewed for ] , and Visitor XYZ may exist contacting y'all presently. I've attached the chore clarification below so you're aware of the qualities they're seeking in a candidate. Let me know if there'southward whatsoever additional information I can provide you.
Give thanks you!
[ Your name ]
Follow upwards
Follow up with your reference to give thanks them subsequently every reference they provide. You can do so through a manus-written letter or thoughtful email. Then, if you are hired for the position, accept a moment to celebrate past sending a quick electronic mail to your references to let them know you've accepted a position and that you're grateful for their help on your behalf. You might consider letting your reference know that you're willing to return the favor if e'er needed.
Here'south an case email for how to thank your reference:
Subject line: Reference request – Cheers!
Dear [ Reference's name ] ,
I've merely accepted the [ job you interviewed for ] role at Visitor XYZ. Thanks and then much for sending a reference on my behalf. I sincerely capeesh it. I'd exist happy to return the favor by serving equally a reference for you lot in the time to come.
Thanks once more,
[ Your name ]
Paradigm clarification
Thank you Letter Format
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Get-go with a greeting.
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Share your gratitude with specific examples.
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Include whatever details from your conversations.
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Shut with any additional thoughts or information.
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End with a polite closing.
*Proofread your bulletin: Take a few minutes to review your give thanks you notes for any spelling, grammar or syntax mistakes. A bulletin that'south gratis of errors shows you're professional and detail-oriented.
These contacts will likely be of import throughout your career. Past expressing your gratitude, you'll be more likely to benefit from the relationship for years to come.
Related: What to Do When Y'all've Received a Bad Reference
Asking for a reference e-mail example
Sometimes a phone call or in-person coming together is a good idea for requesting a personal reference, but you can also starting time out with an email. Below is an example e-mail template yous tin easily adapt, depending on the position you're applying for and the relationship you take with your potential reference:
Subject field line: Reference request for [ Your Name ]
Love [ Recipient Name ] ,
I hope y'all are well! [ Insert a pleasantry (east.grand. 'How is your family?' or 'Information technology was great seeing y'all at the Women in Tech event last month.") ]
I am currently seeking employment as a [ job championship you lot're applying for ] and am wondering if you'd be comfy providing a reference for me. Having worked with you for several years at Company ABC, I believe you lot tin can provide potential employers with specific information about my skills that volition improve my chances of getting the job.
Attached is my current resume. Please let me know if you need any additional data to human activity as a reference on my behalf. If now is non a skillful time for y'all, don't hesitate you let me know. Give thanks yous so much for because my request.
Thank you once again,
[ Your proper 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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