Sample Reference Request Letter

A reference letter is a very important document that backs up any application for education or employment. It gives the application a much-needed boost, being a form of verification of all that has been claimed by the applicant. Choosing who will write a reference letter for you should be based on the intensity of your professional association with the person in question. The person should know you well and should be able to vouch for your experience, skill, and suitability for the position. On the other hand, in some cases potential employers request references regarding job applicants from previous employers to verify their competency for the position. Either way, a request for a reference letter has to be made and permission has to be sought for the use of such a reference in future endeavors. It is only after this permission has been granted that a reference letter is provided. Requesting a reference letter is a sensitive issue, and here we provide you with some sample reference request letters that you can use to draft one on your own.

How to Write a Reference Request Letter

As mentioned earlier, requesting a reference letter is a sensitive issue, and such a letter should be written in the most professional manner possible. There is no room for unnecessary niceties, but definitely enough to display your appreciation of the help you are requesting from the person in question. There are two samples provided below, one by an employee to the previous employer requesting a reference (that can be modified for educational purposes), and one by a potential employer to the previous employer.

Sample Request for Reference Letter - For Future Employment

Date Name of Addressee Address Line 1 Address Line 2 Sub: Request for Reference Dear Ma'am/Sir or Ms./Mr. Last Name, I am writing to you to request your reference in my search for a new position in the field of advertising, as a copywriter. I have recently updated my resume, and I believe it can be appropriately backed up with a reference from a close associate such as you. With your permission, I would like you to attest my qualifications and my experience with your organization, along with the skills I have attained in the duration I have worked there. Such a strong reference from someone I have closely worked with, will definitely give me an additional boost towards the achievement of my career goals. I assure you that you will be fully aware of when and how your reference has been used, so that you may be prepared for any follow-up calls or interactions. I seek your approval in doing so. If I can provide you with any information you may require to write the reference letter, please feel free to contact me. Also if you are aware of any job openings that you think I may be capable of availing, I would appreciate it if you provided my name and reference to them. I would also appreciate any assistance from your side in my job search. Thank you for your time and support. Sincerely, (Signature) Name Address E-Mail Contact Number

Sample Request for Reference Letter - By Potential Employer

Date Name of Addressee Address Line 1 Address Line 2 Sub: Request for Reference for Applicant Name Dear Ma'am/Sir or Ms./Mr. Last Name, We have received an application for employment from Name of Applicant, a former employee with your organization Organization Name, for the position of Job Title with our organization. While the applicant has provided a very impressive resume, we would like a letter of reference from your side that provides us details regarding her/his tenure with you, an evaluation of her/his performance, her/his range of pay, and the reason for termination or end of employment. Provision of any other information that you find relevant to the reference will also be helpful. The applicant is aware of our request for reference to you and a release form authorizing the same by the applicant has also been enclosed. It is your prerogative to allow the information you provide to be shared or kept confidential. We assure you that we will respect either request. Thank your for your time and cooperation. We appreciate your assistance in this regard. Sincerely, (Signature) Name Organization Designation Organization Address E-Mail Address Contact Number

As you can see, a reference request letter is a short professional letter that is to the point. It explicitly requests the need for a reference along with an assurance that the information of the provider will not be misused.