How Do You Write A Professional Reference Email?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Request with advanced notice. Life is hectic. …
  2. Use a professional email format. …
  3. Introduce the situation. …
  4. Provide the reason you’re choosing them. …
  5. Provide all information they may need. …
  6. Say thank you. …
  7. Follow up.

How do you write a professional reference?

  1. Include soft and hard skills in your recommendation. …
  2. Provide specific examples. …
  3. Highlight skills that match those listed on the job description. …
  4. Ask for their resume. …
  5. Try to provide a neutral or positive review, but don’t lie.

What is an example of a professional reference?

Good examples of professional references include:

College professors, coaches or other advisors

(especially if you’re a recent college graduate or don’t have a lengthy work history) Former employer (the person who hired and paid you)

What do you say in a reference email?

Hi [name],

I hope all is well

! How have things been with you and [the person’s company, organization, or personal interest]? I’m reaching out because I’ve been interviewing for a [position name] role at [company], and I’d love to list your name as a reference, if you’re willing.

How do you start an email with a reference?


Use a clear subject line

: In an email message requesting a reference, your subject line should be informative and straightforward. Typically, including your name and a phrase like “Reference Request” is best.

Who can I list as a professional reference?

  • Recent Bosses. …
  • Coworkers. …
  • Professors. …
  • Friends… But Only if They’re a Professional Reference. …
  • Group Members. …
  • Any Place You’ve Volunteered. …
  • The Person You Babysat for or Whose Lawn You Mowed Every Summer. …
  • High School Teacher or Coach.

Do employers actually call references?


Employers typically contact references toward the end of the hiring process

. … Employers could ask for references at any point in the hiring process. It’s usually helpful to prepare a list of references when you first start looking for jobs so you can offer it whenever the employer asks.

Do employers call all three references?

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two.

Occasionally the final three or four

. Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that’s inconsiderate of the reference.

What do you say in a personal reference?

  1. Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate. …
  2. Include long you’ve known the candidate. …
  3. Add positive personal qualities with specific examples. …
  4. Close with a statement of recommendation. …
  5. Offer your contact information.

What should I put as a weakness for a reference?

The best weaknesses for a reference to point out are

those the applicant has already begun to correct

. These types of weaknesses could include a lack of training in a specific skill or a low score on a professional test.

How do I contact a reference by email?

  1. Ask for contact information. …
  2. Write a draft. …
  3. Send the email. …
  4. Provide details about the candidate. …
  5. Make specific requests. …
  6. Pay attention to the length. …
  7. Maintain ethics.

What are examples of references?

  • Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (year). Book title. Location: Publisher.
  • Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (year). Book title. Retrieved from http://www.xxxxxx.
  • Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (year). Book title. …
  • Editor, A. A. (Ed.). (year). …
  • Editor, A. A., & Editor B. B. (Eds.). (year).

What should a reference to a coworker say?

  • Review the important information. …
  • Introduce yourself and explain your professional relationship. …
  • Include specific examples of your coworker’s accomplishments. …
  • Explain what your coworker will add to the new company or university. …
  • Include contact information.

What if I have no professional references?

If you do not have any professional references,

offer to provide twice as many personal references if you can

. A personal reference can be from someone who knows you, but has never worked with you in a professional environment. For example, they could be a friend, a classmate, a teammate, a coach, a teacher, etc.

Can a friend be a professional reference?

Most of the time, it’s best to leave your friends off your list of references. However, there are two occasions when using a friend as your reference can be acceptable: They’re currently employed at the business to which you’re applying. They were your supervisor.

What should I put for reference title?

  • Former Employer as a professional reference. A previous employer can provide the best insight into your work ethic. …
  • Colleague. …
  • Teacher. …
  • Advisor. …
  • Supervisor.
Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.