Getting References

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

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

How to Ask for a Recommendation
When you are job searching, solid recommendations are more important than ever since employers are very cautious about hiring in this tight market. Here's how to ask for a recommendation for employment.

How to Ask for a Reference
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
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.

Tips for Negotiating a Positive Reference
Tips and advice for how to negotiate a positive reference when you are leaving a job.

References - Will They or Won't They?
Will prospective employers check your references, if so, what can they say?

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

Sample Email Request for a Reference
Sample email message asking for a reference.

Email Reference Request Letter
Sample reference request letter to ask for a reference via email.

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

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

Sample Reference Request Letter
Sample letter asking for a reference.

Character and Personal Reference Letters
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.