Learn how to ask for a reference letter with our step-by-step guide and tips, and review a few examples of reference letter requests to help
How To Ask for a Reference Letter (With Tips and Examples)
Written by Indeed Editorial Team
Updated 13 February 2025
As you apply for jobs, a potential employer may ask you to provide a reference letter. This is a letter from a trusted individual you have a personal or professional relationship with, such as a former supervisor, professor or colleague, that attests to your personal abilities and character. Understanding how to request a reference letter can help appear more attractive to recruiters during the job-seeking process. In this article, we discuss how to ask for a reference letter, answer some common questions about requesting a reference letter and provide examples of requests.
How to ask for a reference letter
Follow these steps to request a reference letter:
1. Consider your options
Create a list of potential options to ask to be your reference. Begin by thinking of people you have a professional relationship with whom may be able to speak positively about your work ethic and skills. While you can select someone you have a personal relationship with, this is often more acceptable when you're beginning your career and it's often better to choose someone you know professionally. Some examples of people you may ask to be your reference include:
Adviser
Coach
Colleague
Former employer
Mentor
Professor
Supervisor
Teacher
As you review your list, it's important to choose someone with whom you have a good relationship. If you're asking a former supervisor or colleague, it's important you left the previous job on good terms, especially with that person. Also, try to choose an individual you recently worked with or spoke with to improve your chances of them remembering you.
2. Draft a letter or email
Prepare a letter or email asking your reference to write a letter on your behalf. Provide them with information about the job you're applying for and consider sharing the job posting so they have a good understanding of the requirements and duties for the job. Also, include your most recent resume to ensure they remember your strengths and qualifications. Consider highlighting specific experiences, skills or qualifications you have that align with the position so the reference knows to include them in the letter.
3. Thank them
Thank your references for agreeing to assist you and completing the letter. This is important to demonstrate your gratitude and maintain your positive relationship, especially in case you may need to use them as a reference again in the future. Consider calling them, mailing a thank-you card, emailing them or meeting with them in person to express your thanks.
4. Share your progress
Continue to update your reference about the progress of your job search. If you received a job offer, thank them and emphasise how their letter helped you secure the position. If you didn't receive an offer, it's still important to thank them and ask if they would be willing to speak on your behalf again in the future.
How do you politely ask for a letter of reference?
It's important to be polite when you request a reference letter. Use these tips to help you ensure you ask for a letter politely:
Be nice. Use polite, sincere language that expresses you know that you're asking them to do a favour for you.
Ask early. Provide your reference with enough time to write the letter for you without rushing or adjusting their schedule too much.
Share why you picked them. Tell them why you think they are the best person to write the reference for you, and think about adding what your relationship means to you.
Allow them to say no. Ensure the person knows you understand if they want to decline your request for any reason, such as not having time to write the letter or not feeling comfortable doing so.
Offer to do the same for them. Consider offering to be a reference for them if they need one in the future, showing your confidence in their abilities and willingness to write on their behalf.
How do you ask for a reference via email?
Approach asking for a reference via email similar to how you would request a reference through a letter. Review your records to find the person's preferred email address. Create a subject line that includes your name and the purpose of your email, and open your email with a professional greeting.Begin the body of your email by explaining why you're contacting them, and immediately offer them the ability to decline your request. Include a paragraph outlining what you learned when working with them, and add some information about your current position and why you hope to receive the new job. Add a conclusion thanking them for their time and consideration, and provide them with instructions on how to submit the reference letter. Finish the email with a professional farewell statement, your name and your phone number.
Is it rude to ask for a letter of reference?
In general, it's not rude to ask for a reference letter. However, it's important for you to ask the right person in a professional manner. Only select people you have a good relationship with and be sure to ask someone who can truly attest to your work ethic. Provide the person with plenty of information about the request and avoid pressuring them to agree to write a letter for you.
How do you ask a former employer for a reference?
If you want to ask a former employer for a reference, it's important to first think about the terms on which you left the company. If you left the company on good terms, someone at the organisation may be more willing to provide you with your reference letter. Try to select your former direct supervisor or manager as your reference because they may be best able to speak about your abilities. If your manager is no longer at the company but you still have a relationship with them, consider contacting them to write about your time working together.Some companies have policies about who may act as a reference for you from the company. For example, some companies may only allow human resources managers to provide references or restrict references beyond confirming your employment. If you're concerned about the policy of your former employer, start by contacting the human resources manager for assistance.
Example reference letter requests
Use these examples as a guide when drafting a letter or email to as someone for a reference letter:
Example letter
Here's an example of a letter requesting a reference letter:
Dear Mr Hui,
I hope you're doing well since we last spoke. I'm writing to you today because I'm applying for a position as a marketing director at Red Mountain Marketing Agency. I've included a copy of the job description and my most recent resume for you to review, and it would be an honour if you wrote on my behalf. However, I know you are a busy man and I completely understand if you are unable to write a letter at this time.
I valued our time together at Pearl Marketing Group. You were instrumental to my growth as a marketing professional earlier in my career, and having you as a mentor helped me develop both my marketing skills and leadership abilities. I've used what you taught me as a senior marketing professional at Orchid Digital Marketing, and I believe I'm prepared to lead a marketing department of my own.
Thank you for your time, and I sincerely appreciate you considering my request. Simon Chow is the human resources contact at Red Mountain Marketing Agency, and he will be in contact with you if you agree to provide a reference. Again, I understand if you are unable to be my reference for any reason.
If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Abigail Wong 5555 5555
Example email
Here's an example of an email requesting a reference letter:
Subject: Reference request for Marcus Li
Dear Ms Choi,
I hope you're well since we last spoke. I'm currently pursuing a new opportunity at West Hill School as a teacher. I'm contacting you today in hopes that you will write a reference letter on my behalf. I understand if you are unable to accommodate this request and I look forward to hearing your answer as soon as possible.
It was a pleasure working under your leadership at East Ridge School. I valued how you empowered teachers to take risks in the classroom and enabled us to support our students in any way possible. Since I left your school, I've enjoyed teaching at Spring School, but I believe teaching younger students suits my skills better. Additionally, the new teaching position would allow me to lead all the teachers of my grade level, helping me develop skills that may help me work towards my goal of being a principal in the future.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I sincerely appreciate your time, and your opinion means a great deal to me. It would be an honour if you wrote a letter on my behalf, but I do understand if you're unable to do so. If you agree to be my reference, Rebecca Kwan will be the human resources manager in contact with you from West Hill School.
I've attached my most recent resume and a copy of the job description for you to review. Please let me know if you have any questions for me.
Best,
Marcus Li 5555 5555
