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If your prospective employer is asking to connect with your professional references, it's a good sign!
Before entering any interview process, a smart candidate will have 2-3 professional references that can speak (glowingly, of course) to their work ethic, work history, qualifications, integrity, and accomplishments.
Professional references can be tricky to gather, especially for someone in early career stages, someone undergoing a big career transition, or someone who may have burned a few professional bridges.
In this article, we'll walk you through all things professional references. We'll answer questions like, "Can I ask my former boss to be a professional reference?" or "Can my current coworkers be counted as professional references?"
Let's identify the best potential professional reference for you—and prepare to ask them for their permission to be contacted by your soon-to-be new boss!
What Is a Professional Reference?
A professional reference is an individual who can speak about your professional skills and abilities. Professional references are typically people you've worked with in a professional or volunteer setting.
Typically, the most compelling references are previous supervisors, former employers, or former colleagues. Anyone who acted in a supervisor role can attest to your work experience and your demeanor in a professional setting. They can also give your potential new boss peace of mind, knowing you've left previous positions on good terms.
What Is a Personal Reference or a Character Reference?
A personal reference, also known as a character reference, can also be really important to new employers. As a prospective employee, you can pick character references from a wider net. These professional references can be former coaches, professors, and (in the right circumstances) even family members.
Why You Need Professional References
In short, professional references serve as a double-check for your potential employer.
They can speak to the experience and achievements you have mentioned in your cover letter or resume. They can add color to what it was really like to work alongside you, what your strengths are like, what your weaknesses are, and anything else they might be willing to share.
Hiring managers often use professional references to "fact-check" your resume and cover letter.
Who to Use as a Professional Reference
When you're ready to create a list of professional references, there are quite a few folks you might consider contacting.
Depending on the position, the industry, and any requirements communicated in the job application, you might be able to get creative with your references.
- Former Supervisor
- Former Coworker (especially someone who can speak about your teamwork and collaborative skills)
- Mentor or Career Coach
- Former Coach
- Former Professor
- A High School or College Advisor
- A Professional Colleague in the Industry
- A Professional Colleague Who Works at the Company
While many of us would love to list our doting mother as a reference, it's more than likely that she isn't the appropriate contact. But...you never know?
The Dos and Don'ts of Professional References
As with anything in the job search or hiring process, what not to do is sometimes just as important as what you choose to do.
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DO ask the hiring manager what they will accept as a professional reference or character reference.
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DON'T rope your roommate into pretending to be your former boss.
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DO ask a trusted coworker or teammate to speak to your abilities as a coworker if you don't feel comfortable asking a former boss.
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DON'T ask a boss that you didn't get along with for a professional reference.
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DO keep periodic communication with former bosses or coworkers.
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DON'T reach out to someone out of the blue, after ten years, to ask for favors.
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DO provide a list of references with information about your relationship with them. This gives the hiring manager a few options.
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DON'T create a list of references without letting your reference know.
How to Ask for a Professional Reference [A Template]
The difference between a good reference and a great reference is in preparation. When requesting a reference, rather written or via phone call, make sure to be thoughtful and respectful. Here are steps to take to
1. Be Thoughtful About Your References
Having a good reference who can speak about your best personal traits and abilities is the most important piece of this puzzle. If you can't ask your current employer or if you had a tenuous relationship with your old boss, don't ask them "just because."
Instead, find a former colleague to serve as a reference check. Ultimately, a reference's knowledge of your career is more important than their job title.
Pro Tip: If you can't nail down a former manager for whatever reason, provide context as to why you're providing specific references. If a particular reference can speak to your communication skills, your collaboration skills, or your flexibility, add these notes next to their name and contact information.
For example:
Jane Smith, Former Colleague at ABC Company, [CONTACT INFORMATION]
Jane and I worked on a team that we grew from two people to a team of 14 experienced content creators. She can speak about my management skills and how I grew from a creator to a leader in my role at [COMPANY].
Jane and I worked on a team that we grew from two people to a team of 14 experienced content creators. She can speak about my management skills and how I grew from a creator to a leader in my role at [COMPANY].
2. Ask, Don't Tell
When asking for a reference, don't put the pressure on. Some folks will be too busy. Other folks might have a policy where they don't give references.
When requesting a reference, be gracious and flexible. Provide as much information as possible, including how much of a time commitment their reference might be.
- Will it be a five-minute phone call, or are you looking for a letter of recommendation?
- Update your potential reference as to what's been happening in your career since you last spoke.
- Describe a shared memory you have with this person and the impact they have had on your career. This can be as casual or formal as your relationship permits.
3. Keep Relationships Open
As we mentioned before, it's best to have an active relationship with your potential reference before you ask for their help.
If you're not currently in the midst of a job search, now might be the time to reconnect with colleagues, former bosses, mentors, or other professional contacts.
We want to hammer this one in! Keep your professional relationships open and nourish them every so often. This doesn't mean bombarding your former boss's inbox every week. It's as simple as checking in, sharing an article that made you think of them, or offering congratulations.
4. Offer Yourself as a Future Reference
You get what you give, right?
A great way to foster professional relationships is to offer yourself up, as well. If you're early in your career or you don't think your former boss would need a reference from you, there are other ways to create goodwill.
By writing a LinkedIn recommendation, you could help a former boss flaunt their leadership prowess.
5. Follow-Up + Say Thank You
It goes without saying that thank-yous are always in order, especially when asking for a professional favor.
Reference Request Examples
Once you've decided who to add to your list of impressive professional references, it's time to reach out and request their help. Never add a reference without notifying them first.
How to Ask Your Former Boss for a Reference
Dear [Former Boss's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to you with great respect and appreciation. I loved the time we spent working together at [Company Name], and I consider that time to be foundational to my career.
I have recently applied for a new job opportunity with [Target Company]. The position aligns perfectly with my career goals and aspirations, and I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role. As part of their application process, they require references from previous employers who can provide insights into my qualifications and character.
Considering the impact you have had on my professional development during my time at [Company Name], I believe you would be an ideal reference for this position. Your firsthand knowledge of my work ethic, skills, and achievements would provide valuable insight to [Target Company] and give them a comprehensive understanding of my capabilities.
If you are willing and available to act as a reference for me, I would greatly appreciate your support. I understand that providing a reference may require some of your time, and I assure you that I will consider your schedule throughout this process.
If you agree to be a reference, I kindly request that you share your preferred contact information, including your email address and phone number, so that I can provide it to [Target Company] along with my application.
Thank you for considering my request, and thank you, once again, for the guidance and support you provided me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to you with great respect and appreciation. I loved the time we spent working together at [Company Name], and I consider that time to be foundational to my career.
I have recently applied for a new job opportunity with [Target Company]. The position aligns perfectly with my career goals and aspirations, and I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role. As part of their application process, they require references from previous employers who can provide insights into my qualifications and character.
Considering the impact you have had on my professional development during my time at [Company Name], I believe you would be an ideal reference for this position. Your firsthand knowledge of my work ethic, skills, and achievements would provide valuable insight to [Target Company] and give them a comprehensive understanding of my capabilities.
If you are willing and available to act as a reference for me, I would greatly appreciate your support. I understand that providing a reference may require some of your time, and I assure you that I will consider your schedule throughout this process.
If you agree to be a reference, I kindly request that you share your preferred contact information, including your email address and phone number, so that I can provide it to [Target Company] along with my application.
Thank you for considering my request, and thank you, once again, for the guidance and support you provided me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Ask a Former Coworker for a Reference
Dear [Former Coworker's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to you as I am in the process of applying for a new job opportunity, and I am in need of a reference from a former coworker. Given our past working relationship, I believe you would be able to provide valuable insights into my qualifications and character.
The position I am applying for aligns perfectly with my career goals, and I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate. It would mean a lot to me if you could act as a reference and vouch for my abilities.
If you agree to be a reference, kindly provide me with your preferred contact information, including your email address and phone number, so that I can pass it along to the hiring company. I truly appreciate your support, and I will ensure to respect your time throughout the process.
Thank you for considering my request. Your recommendation will make a significant difference in my application. I will keep you informed of any updates regarding the job application.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to you as I am in the process of applying for a new job opportunity, and I am in need of a reference from a former coworker. Given our past working relationship, I believe you would be able to provide valuable insights into my qualifications and character.
The position I am applying for aligns perfectly with my career goals, and I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate. It would mean a lot to me if you could act as a reference and vouch for my abilities.
If you agree to be a reference, kindly provide me with your preferred contact information, including your email address and phone number, so that I can pass it along to the hiring company. I truly appreciate your support, and I will ensure to respect your time throughout the process.
Thank you for considering my request. Your recommendation will make a significant difference in my application. I will keep you informed of any updates regarding the job application.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
How to Ask Your Mentor for a Reference
Dear [Mentor's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you because I am applying for a new job opportunity, and I am in need of a reference from a trusted professional. As my career mentor, your guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth, and I believe your recommendation would greatly strengthen my application.
The position I am applying for perfectly aligns with my career aspirations, and I am excited about the opportunity it presents. If you would be willing to provide a reference on my behalf, I would greatly appreciate it. Your firsthand knowledge of my skills, work ethic, and character would be invaluable to the hiring company.
Please let me know if you are available and willing to act as a reference. If so, kindly provide me with your preferred contact information, including your email address and phone number. I understand that your time is valuable, and I will ensure to be considerate of your schedule throughout the process.
Thank you for your ongoing mentorship and support. Your recommendation will undoubtedly make a positive impact on my job application. I will keep you updated on the progress of my application.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you because I am applying for a new job opportunity, and I am in need of a reference from a trusted professional. As my career mentor, your guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth, and I believe your recommendation would greatly strengthen my application.
The position I am applying for perfectly aligns with my career aspirations, and I am excited about the opportunity it presents. If you would be willing to provide a reference on my behalf, I would greatly appreciate it. Your firsthand knowledge of my skills, work ethic, and character would be invaluable to the hiring company.
Please let me know if you are available and willing to act as a reference. If so, kindly provide me with your preferred contact information, including your email address and phone number. I understand that your time is valuable, and I will ensure to be considerate of your schedule throughout the process.
Thank you for your ongoing mentorship and support. Your recommendation will undoubtedly make a positive impact on my job application. I will keep you updated on the progress of my application.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
