How to Ask Someone if You Know Them

1. Finding a Job
2. How To Ask Someone to Be Your Reference (Plus E-mail Examples)

How To Enquire Someone to Be Your Reference (Plus E-mail Examples)

By Indeed Editorial Squad

May 26, 2021

Key takeaways:

• Always ask before including someone every bit a reference.

• Ship a polite electronic mail or call them on the phone, offering a few details well-nigh the request including timelines.

• After your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details about the position.

• Follow upward in a timely manner, thanking them for their reference.

 

At some point during your job search, y'all may exist asked to provide a listing of references. You might provide this as you lot make full out a job application or later during the interview phase.

Employers rely on these references—too equally professional groundwork checks—to fact-cheque your resume or interview answers. For this reason, you should be sure to include credible references who can speak positively to your qualities and experience. Y'all should also let these people know that yous are applying for jobs and listing them as references and then they can prepare. In this article, y'all'll learn how to choose references and how to ask someone to exist a reference with examples.

Related: Types of References and How to Become Them

How to ask someone to be a reference

1. Choose the correct people

You'll want to consider who your references will be early on on in the job search process, as references tin can be asked for every bit early on as the application phase. Make a list of people who could be potential references. Consider individuals who you believe will speak highly of your accomplishments, work-ethic, grapheme and qualifications.

References can exist whatever of the following:

• One-time managers or supervisors

• Erstwhile employees

• One-time coworkers

• Industry colleagues

• Advisors, teachers, mentors or instructors

• Connections from volunteering, professional clubs or academic groups

In general, the more than recently you worked or interacted with a potential reference, the amend. But you lot can brand exceptions for individuals employed at the company you are applying to, well-respected community members or a supervisor you worked for at a past job who specially respected your work.

Start your initial list with everyone you can retrieve of, so narrow it down based on your priorities, the nature of the relationship, and the position you're applying for. Typically, companies inquire for no more than 3 references, but information technology's a good idea to have four or fifty-fifty five in case i becomes unavailable.

Related: Character Reference Letter Sample and Tips

two. Notify your references in accelerate

Once you've decided on references, notify them immediately. You want to avoid a situation where your reference is contacted without knowing you lot've listed them as it can hinder the quality of their reference and may fifty-fifty put the opportunity at gamble.

The person giving you a reference also may demand to write a letter of the alphabet, fill out a questionnaire or speak to someone from human resource on the telephone. Providing this favor is no small task. Give your potential reference plenty of time to consider the request, and be sure to thank them for their time and efforts.

three. Enquire politely and be aware of how yous're existence received

If information technology'south been awhile since yous've communicated with a potential reference, connect the dots betwixt the past and the present, including what you worked on together and where yous are in your electric current career path. Providing your resume is an easy way to do this. E'er requite your potential reference an option to decline by using language similar, "Would you experience comfy being a reference for me?" or, "I understand your time is valuable, and then don't hesitate to let me know if this isn't a practiced time." If they show any hesitation, gracefully back out of the invitation and motility down your list to the side by side option. Information technology's better to preserve the human relationship in the long run.

4. Provide them with helpful details

Once you've provided your listing of references to your potential employer, send a quick email to let each reference know which company will be reaching out and, if you know the details, what information the visitor volition exist requesting. Provide your references with a brief overview of what the part is and whatever specific information you lot'd like them to speak to every bit this will make it easier for your reference to know what to say.

Here's an example email for how to update your references:

Subject line: Reference request – update

Love [ Reference's proper name ] ,

Thanks once again for being a reference for me. I wanted to let you know that I've completed my interviews for the [ job title you lot interviewed for ] , and Company XYZ may be contacting you shortly. I've attached the chore description below so you lot're aware of the qualities they're seeking in a candidate. Allow me know if there's any additional information I can provide you.

Thanks!
[ Your name ]

Follow upward

Follow up with your reference to thank them after every reference they provide. You tin do so through a hand-written letter or thoughtful email. Then, if y'all are hired for the position, accept a moment to celebrate by sending a quick e-mail to your references to let them know you've accustomed a position and that you're grateful for their assist on your behalf. You lot might consider letting your reference know that you're willing to render the favor if ever needed.

Here's an example e-mail for how to thank your reference:

Subject area line: Reference request – Cheers!

Dear [ Reference'south name ] ,

I've just accustomed the [ job you interviewed for ] role at Company XYZ. Thanks and so much for sending a reference on my behalf. I sincerely appreciate it. I'd be happy to return the favor by serving every bit a reference for you lot in the hereafter.

Thanks again,
[ Your name ]

Prototype description

Thank you Alphabetic character Format

1. Start with a greeting.

2. Share your gratitude with specific examples.

3. Include any details from your conversations.

4. Close with whatsoever boosted thoughts or information.

5. Stop with a polite closing.

*Proofread your bulletin: Accept a few minutes to review your thank y'all notes for any spelling, grammar or syntax mistakes. A bulletin that's costless of errors shows you're professional and detail-oriented.

These contacts will likely be of import throughout your career. By expressing your gratitude, you'll exist more than probable to benefit from the relationship for years to come.

Related: What to Exercise When Yous've Received a Bad Reference

Asking for a reference email example

Sometimes a phone telephone call or in-person meeting is a good idea for requesting a personal reference, only you can also outset out with an electronic mail. Beneath is an example email template yous can easily adapt, depending on the position yous're applying for and the relationship you lot have with your potential reference:

Field of study line: Reference asking for [ Your Proper noun ]

Honey [ Recipient Proper noun ] ,

I hope y'all are well! [ Insert a pleasantry (eastward.g. 'How is your family?' or 'It was bully seeing you at the Women in Tech event terminal calendar month.") ]

I am currently seeking employment as a [ chore championship you're applying for ] and am wondering if you'd exist comfortable providing a reference for me. Having worked with you for several years at Company ABC, I believe you tin can provide potential employers with specific information about my skills that volition meliorate my chances of getting the chore.

Attached is my current resume. Please let me know if you demand any additional information to act as a reference on my behalf. If now is not a proficient time for you, don't hesitate you let me know. Thanks so much for because my asking.

Thank you again,
[ Your proper name ]
[ Your number ]
[ Your email ]

Related: Q&A: Should You lot Include References on a Resume?

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Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-ask-someone-to-be-your-reference-email

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