Free reference request letter

About this document

A reference request asks someone — usually a former manager — to vouch for you, and asks properly: what you're applying for, why them, and an easy way to say yes or no. Asking well is most of getting a good reference.

When to use it

• An application wants references and you'd rather have commitments than assumptions.
• You're leaving a job and want the reference lined up while goodwill is fresh.
• Years have passed, and the ask needs context to jog memory.

Getting it right

• Ask before you list them anywhere — a surprised reference is a lukewarm one.
• Describe the role you're chasing; it lets them aim what they say.
• Offer the exit ramp ("no problem at all if you'd rather not") — it costs nothing and produces more honest yeses.

It's a request, not the reference itself — what they say, and whether a former employer's policy allows more than dates and titles, is up to them.

Part of Leave a job — the whole situation, connected.

Common questions

How many references should I line up?

Whatever the application asks for, plus one spare — someone will be on vacation exactly when the recruiter calls.

No reply — do I send it again?

One follow-up after about a week is fine. After that, take the silence as an answer and ask someone else.

Should I attach a resume?

A current one helps them speak to what you've done since you worked together — mention it in the note and send it alongside.