When you are seeking employment, the type of references you will need varies depending on the employer. You may need a reference from a former employer, a list of references the employer can contact, personal references, professional references, a formal recommendation letter, or a referral.
Here's information on the various types of references, how to request a reference and how to provide references upon request.
Employment References
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Reference Lists
Copyright Alison Doyle
When you provide a list of references to an employer, you should include your name at the top of the page. Then list your references, including name, job title, company, and contact information, with a space between each reference. Here's more on creating a list of references.
Reference Requests
Copyright Alison Doyle
When you ask for reference, how you write your reference letter or email message request is important. You will want to give the person you're asking an out, in case they aren't comfortable giving you a positive recommendation. It's important to make sure that the individual who is recommending you for employment can give you not just a reference, but a good reference. Here's how to request references, plus letters and emails for different types of reference requests.
LinkedIn Recommendations
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Referrals
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Professional References
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When you're job searching, seeking a promotion, growing your career, or expanding your business it is important to have professional references who can vouch for your abilities. Here's information on who to ask to provide a professional reference, how to ask for a reference, and sample reference letters and lists.
Personal References
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A personal reference, also known as a character reference, is a reference provided by an individual who knows you and can vouch for your character and abilities. Neighbors and acquaintances may be willing to write a reference for you. Business acquaintances, teachers, professors or academic advisors, volunteer leaders, coaches, can all provide a personal reference.
Recommendation Letter Samples
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Revivew letter of recommendation samples and templates, including recommendation letters for employment, academic letters of recommendation and character / personal letters of recommendation. There are a variety of recommendation samples including examples of written and email letters of recommendations.
Reference Letter Examples
Copyright Ryan Fox
Whether you are writing a reference or requesting references, it's always helpful to look as examples of different types of reference letters. Here are sample reference checks, character, reference and recommendation letters, sample recommendation letters, using references, background checks and related resources.
