Employers rely on references to fact-check a number of points. This includes the information on your CV, the experience you talked about during the interview and to check that you’re a good employee.
For these reasons, it’s extremely important that you provide a reliable and credible reference. The number of references you’ll be expected to provide depends on the employer’s preferences. However, it’s always good to have at least two.
Having a good reference can increase your chances of securing the job. Therefore, it’s essential that you know who to ask for a reference and how to ask them.
Who can you ask for a reference?
Generally, your reference should be from your most recent employer and it should come from your manager, supervisor or HR department.
Sometimes you may be required to provide more than one reference; in this case, you should provide one from your latest employer and the others from your previous employers. You could also use a reference from your school, college or university if you’re new to the world of work.
Make a list of potential people you can ask for a reference, keeping in mind who can describe your character, skills and experience the best, while not selling you short.
After you’ve made a list of your potential referees, you need to ask them for permission. It’s never a good idea to list someone as a reference if you haven’t asked them; especially if you’re still working there.
You don’t want your reference to be put on the spot and lost for words when they’re approached. They should be aware that you’re looking for a new job, or that your new employer will be in touch with them, so they can prepare a good reference for you.
How to ask for a reference
How you approach your potential referee depends on your working relationship with them. For example, if you’re going to ask your manager who you speak to everyday and you work closely with, then there’s no harm speaking to them face-to-face.
Usually, this will take place after you’ve handed your notice in. However, in some instances you may choose to tell them that you’re looking for a new job and hence need a reference.
In this case, it’s probably wise to ask them in private rather than in front of the whole team. Pick the right moment – perhaps catching them after a team meeting for a private 15-minute chat.
If you’re not as close with your manager, or maybe they’re based at a different office, then you can email them instead.
As a form of etiquette, it may be a good idea to call them first to let them know you’re looking for a job, rather than jumping straight in with a request for a reference.
Then, after a couple of days, drop them an email to confirm. Just but make sure the tone is polite and courteous. Here is an example of what you might say if you were asking for a reference while job hunting:
Dear Name
As you are aware I am in the process of seeking a new position as a [Job Title] and hope that you will provide a reference for me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at [Company Name] and I appreciate the support I have received from yourself and my colleagues. Having worked with you for x months / x years, I believe you are the best person to provide a reference to my future employers.
Please let me know if there is any additional information that you need to act as a reference.
Thank you for your time.
Kindest Regards,
[Your Name]
Below, we’ve provided another example of what you might say if you were asking for a reference from a current/previous employer after you’ve accepted the job:
Dear Name
I’ve recently secured a new position as a [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As part of the hiring process, they have asked me to provide a reference from each of my previous employers over the past x years.
I wanted to run this past you and see if you were happy for me to provide them with your contact details? They would then in contact over the next few weeks to ask for your feedback.
I really appreciate your help with this.
Kindest Regards,
[Your Name]
How to follow-up
If you feel comfortable doing so, it’s worth following the email up with a phone call to let reiterate how much you’ve enjoyed working at the company or that you appreciate their help. You could also state that a reference from them would mean a lot to you.
Remember; always ask your referees how they would prefer your potential new employer to contact them.
Some people may prefer to speak over the phone, while others will want to liaise over email. Therefore, don’t give out their contact details without checking what they’re happy with sharing.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, a good reference is essential when securing a new job. So, always approach potential references in a polite and professional matter.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a reference. Show them that you value their support and there’s no doubt that they’ll be able to help you out.
Need advice on how to ace the interview? Read our interview tips for 2018.
About the author: Haleema Khokhar (or Kimi to friends) is a journalism graduate working as a Freelance Content Writer. Check out her website, give it a follow on Twitter and say hello on her personal Twitter.
