Email Asking for Reference | 35 Examples

Need A Sample Email Asking for A Reference?

A professional reference is a testimonial from someone who knows you well and can speak to your professional skills and character. Letting a former employer, a mentor or a colleague know you are applying for a new job and asking for a reference can be nerve-wracking, but there are some sample emails to make this easier:

Sample Email Asking for Reference | 35 Email Templates

1. I am reaching out to see if you would be able to provide a reference for my upcoming position with [company name]. I know that it has been some time since we worked together, but I thought you might be willing to help.
2. I am very interested in the position. I’m a [type of job] with extensive experience in [skill set]. If you have time to review my resume and give me a reference, that would be great.
3. Please let me know if it’s possible to provide you with a reference for my job search. I would appreciate any feedback on my work or recommendations that would help me in finding a new opportunity.
4. I am currently applying for a job, and I was wondering if you could give me a reference. It would be greatly appreciated!
5. Hope you are having a great week. I am writing to ask for a reference for a job that I am applying for. Your expertise in the field will be extremely valuable in this process and it would be greatly appreciated if you were willing to support me in this regard.
6. I am writing to ask if you’d consider serving as a reference for me in my next job search. I’ve been working at [company] for the last three years and would appreciate it if you could share information about the role and your overall experience with me during this time.
7. I’ve been working with [company] for over 6 months. I’m writing to ask for some references from my supervisors who know me well. Please let me know if you can help!
8. You’ve been a great friend, mentor and reference for me over the years. I want to ask you if you can be my referee again.
9. Hey there, It has been a real pleasure working with you this past [months] and I hope that we will be able to continue doing business together in the future. I was wondering if I could ask you to be my reference? I applied for a job recently and they asked for some references to speak to  regarding my work ethic and availability. I would really appreciate you help with this. Thank you very much!
10. I’m looking to use your name as a reference for my next position. I am applying for [job title] at [company name]. I put down the job description below that should give you more information about it. Thank you in advance.
11. I am writing to ask you for a reference to help me secure a new job. I have recently been offered a position at [company]. I would be grateful if you could provide a concise recommendation of my work experience, skills and personality.
12. I am applying for a position at [company name] which I have seen and is perfect for my skills and experience. I understand that you know the company, so I would appreciate it if you could give me a reference. Thank you.
13. I hope you are doing well and that you are looking forward to seeing me in the office. I would like to ask you for a reference, but since it has been some time since the last time we spoke, perhaps you might wish to hear more about what type of career I have been working on lately. I have attached my CV and the job description. I appreciate your support. Many thanks,
14. I’m writing to ask if it would be possible to let me to use your name as a reference. I’ve worked with you in the [position] role and have enjoyed my time here. In particular, I have carried out a number if tasks [give them specific examples]. Your reference would mean alot to me. Thank you.
15. I would be greatly obliged if you could please write me a letter of recommendation for [school] to help me get accepted. It would mean so much to me as I’d love to further my studies and continue growing in this field.
16. Hi [name], I’m writing to see if you’d be willing to provide a reference for me. I’d like to add a testimonial as part of my profile on the product/service I sell. This is a real example of what I am trying to achieve: [link].
17. I hope this email finds you well! I have just been offered a new job opportunity, and I was wondering if you would consider writing my reference.
18. I am writing to request a reference for [position] at [company]. I am applying for a position with [company] and could use your help.
19. I am writing to ask you to provide a reference for [name] at [company name]. As you may know, I am interviewing with [company name] and they have asked me to provide a list of references. If you could send a recommendation in the next week it would be extremely helpful.
20. I am in the process of applying for a job and am looking for a reference from you. Please let me know if you are willing to be my reference when I apply for the job.
21. I’m writing about my job search and I hope you can help me by giving some insight into my work ethic and experience.
    I’m applying for a job with [company] and I’d like to ask you for a professional reference. You can see my resume at [link]. I appreciate anything you can say about me.
22. As I begin to think about the next step in my career, it would be extremely helpful if you could write me a recommendation letter. Your recommendation will help me gain admission to a highly-ranked MBA program.
23. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to provide a professional reference for me within the next few days or weeks. I have enjoyed working with you over the past [months] and believe that my work ethic and skills will be of great benefit during the upcoming recruitment process. Please let me know whether or not you could provide such a reference and if there’s any specific information I should include with this request. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
24. I am seeking your help in securing a reference for a position at [company]. I would appreciate it if you could provide a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I would like to work for your company because [explain why you love the company and specifically any thought leadership or achievements that make you a good fit here].
25. I am writing to see if you would consider providing a professional reference to support my application for a position. I have attached my resume and other documentation.
26. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to use your professional experience with [company name] to help me with a job application. Your help is appreciated.
27. I am reaching out to you to ask if you could serve as a professional reference for me. I would be grateful for any feedback on my work ethic, competitiveness and willingness to learn new skills. I have attached my resume for your reference.
28. I hope this email finds you well. I am looking for a professional reference for my LinkedIn profile, and am wondering if I can ask for your help. Thanks in advance.
29. I have decided to take my career in a new direction, and I seek advice on how to approach employers to re-enter their market. For this purpose, I would like to request a professional reference from you. Thank you!
30. Dear [name], You have been a professional mentor to me for the past two years and I have always valued your encouragement, insight and advice. As I decide where to continue my career, please consider providing me with a letter of reference if asked. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,[your name]
31. I’m writing to you because [insert a job or something you did and your name], I was wondering if you would be willing to be my professional reference for [insert job or position here]. We worked together for [insert time of time you worked together] and I found our work relationship to be very collaborative and fairly strong. If it’s not too much trouble, please let me know if you can do this for me. Regards,
32. I’m in the process of deciding whether to accept a new job and would love for you to give me your opinion about me as an employee. Can I ask you for your time in providing a reference for this role?
33. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a professional reference. I am applying for a job, and would like someone to tell my potential employer about my skills and qualifications for the position – like yourself! Let me know if need any further information. Thank you,
34. I am writing to you today in an attempt to find a professional reference. I have been working in the [your occupation] industry for the last x years, at several companies and I hope that you, as an experienced professional with whom I have worked, would be willing to help me out on this quest.
35. I have been applying for jobs and would like to include references on my resume. Would you be willing to provide a reference for me? I’ve worked with you on projects at the University of [School] and am hoping you will consider me as someone who could work well with others and has great communication skills. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you.
36. I am writing to request a professional reference and would like to know if you are available to write a recommendation. This is a manager position so it is an especially important opportunity for me, and I would really appreciate your support.

If you found this list useful, make sure to check out 47 Emails | How To Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation Via Email Sample(Opens in a new browser tab)