Reference checks are commonly conducted as part of the application process for jobs or other positions and opportunities, (such as leadership roles, organization memberships, scholarships, awards, graduate school admissions) to further your professional career. A Professional Reference is an individual who can attest to your academic achievements, career-readiness competencies, and/or workplace ethics. It is important to identify individuals with whom you have a good rapport and who can provide the best information that supports your qualifications. When developing a pool of potential references, you may consider using a current or previous supervisor, employer, customer, professor, advisor and/or colleague. Once you have identified the potential references, contact them to request their permission to be used as a professional reference. 

Reference lists are requested in various ways which may be verbal, written or via an application portal/platform.  It is good practice to maintain an up-to-date list of three to five professional references with accurate contact information. When you are actively applying for employment (or other professional-related opportunities), be sure to communicate with your references so that they can expect a “reference check” call or email. 

REQUEST PERMISSION FROM REFERENCES

Hi [ Recipient's name],

I hope all is well for you personally and professionally. I am contacting you to ask if you would be willing to provide a reference on my behalf.

I enjoyed working with you and have valued your support and guidance throughout my career. I have applied for a position at [insert job title and organization to which you are applying]. THe post represents and incredible opportunity and I am excited about the challenge.

I have attached a copy of my resume [or CV] with this email as a reminder of my skills and experience. If you would like to arrange a time for us to talk through this, I am more than willing to do so as it is important to me to have your support.

Please let me know if you are willing to be a reference. I need to submit my application on [date] and would appreciate if I can include you as a reference. The deadline for applications is [date].

Thank you for considering! I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Hi [Recipient's name],

I hope you are doing well!

I am reaching out because I have been interviewing for a [position name] role at [company], and I would love to list your name as a reference, if you are willing. I thought of you because we've [ways in which you have worked together], and you could speak to my [key skills and abilities needed in the new position.]

I have attached my current resume and the position description for your reference. I know the hiring team is particularly looking for someone who [very short description of key elements of the role], so specifically, I am hoping you can talk about:

  • [1 - 2 skills, abilities, or talents that are key to the position]
  • [Specific project you worked on that is relevant to the role]
  • Key differentiator between you and others based on contact's experience with you]

Please let me know if you would be willing to serve as a reference and if so, your preferred contact info and any other details you need from my end. I believe the [call, email] will come from [hiring manager or recruiter's name] at [company] around [time period].

Of course, if you are not comfortable serving as a professional reference, I completely understand. Thank you in advance for your time.

All the best,

[Your name]