Asking for a Reference

Who and how to ask for a letter of recommendation and what you can do to help your reference writer.

Information on who to ask for a reference for employment, including employer references, professional references, and personal references.

Information on how to ask for a reference for employment, including the best way to ask someone to be a reference for you, how to make sure the references you get are good, plus sample reference request letters and email messages asking for a reference.

How to ask for a referral including where to find connections who can refer for you a job, who to ask for a referral, tips for asking for referrals, and sample referral letters.

Will prospective employers check your references, if so, what can they say?

When you ask for reference, how you write your reference letter or email message request is important. These samples, both written and email, include the best ways to phrase your request and how to request permission to use someone as a reference.

Reference letter sample requesting permission to use a reference and asking for job search help.

Sample email message asking for a reference.

Sample reference request letter to ask for a reference via email.

Email message example asking a former colleague or manager to provide a reference for you.

Example of a letter requesting a reference from a mentor or an advisor.

Sample letter asking for a reference.

Looking for your first job? Concerned about the references your employer might give you? Consider using a character reference (personal reference) in addition to or as an alternative to employment reference letters.