Asking someone to be a reference can feel awkward. But with a thoughtful and strategic approach, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a strong recommendation and landing your dream job or opportunity. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you make a positive and professional impression.
Before You Ask: Laying the Groundwork
Before you even consider asking someone to be a reference, take these crucial steps:
1. Choose Your References Wisely:
- Consider their knowledge of you: Select individuals who know you well and can speak to your skills and accomplishments relevant to the position you're applying for. This might include former supervisors, professors, mentors, or colleagues.
- Strong relationship: Choose people who like and respect you, and who you have a positive and professional relationship with. A lukewarm recommendation is worse than no recommendation.
- Relevance to the role: Ensure your references can speak to the specific skills and experience required for the job or program.
- Check in: Briefly reach out informally (email or phone call) to gauge their availability and willingness to act as a reference before formally requesting. This shows respect for their time.
2. Prepare Your Materials:
- Resume and cover letter: Have updated and polished versions of both ready to share. This allows your references to refresh their memory about your accomplishments and qualifications.
- Job description: Provide the job description or program requirements. This helps your references tailor their recommendation to the specific needs of the opportunity.
- Contact information: Provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address, in case the recipient needs to get in touch with you.
How to Ask: The Perfect Approach
Now that you've laid the groundwork, here’s how to ask for a reference:
1. Personal and Professional Approach:
- Personal touch: Start with a personal connection. Remind them of your shared experiences and highlight their positive impact on you.
- Professional tone: Maintain a professional tone while expressing your appreciation.
- Direct and clear: Clearly state your request for a letter of recommendation or to act as a reference. Avoid ambiguity.
2. The Email Approach (Recommended):
Subject: Reference Request - [Your Name] - [Job Title/Program]
Dear [Reference's Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Job Title/Program] at [Company/University]. I've attached my resume and cover letter for your review, along with the job description. [Optional: Briefly mention a specific project or accomplishment where this reference played a role.]
Your support and guidance during [mention a specific event or time period] were invaluable to me, and I believe your insights into my skills and work ethic would be incredibly helpful to my application. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you're able to support me in this way. If not, I completely understand.
Thank you for considering my request. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
3. The In-Person Approach:
If you prefer an in-person approach, follow a similar structure. Express your appreciation for their past support and directly ask for their help. Be prepared to answer questions and provide the necessary materials.
After You Ask: Maintaining Communication
After sending your request, follow up:
- Follow-up email: Send a follow-up email a week before the deadline to ensure they've had enough time to complete the reference.
- Express gratitude: Express your sincere gratitude, regardless of their response. A simple "thank you" goes a long way.
- Provide necessary information promptly: If they ask any questions, respond promptly and provide them with all the necessary information.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of obtaining strong recommendations that significantly enhance your application. Remember, asking for a reference is a professional request, and approaching it with respect and consideration will yield the best results.
