English
​
Answer:

All of these

Make It Easy

Tell your potential reference what job you are applying for and how your skills and experience match. Include a resume to refresh their memory!

easy GIF

Did you know?

Job postings are eventually taken down from the company website. Print a PDF of the webpage to share with your references and keep a copy for your personal records. Having a copy of the job posting will also come in handy when you prepare for an interview!

Best Practices

  • Be polite when asking for a reference.

  • Give the person a way to say no if needed.

  • Send a thank you note.

please and thank you season 4 GIF

How To Ask

When requesting a reference greet the person and ask how they are doing, then provide a brief update on your skills and experience.

End your request by asking if they would be comfortable serving as a reference.

Confirm your reference's contact information (phone and email) so that the hiring manager has no issues getting in touch with them.

Cat Kitty GIF by Kraken Images

Sample Email Request

Byte Author Uploaded Image

Consider This Scenario

Steven's former supervisor, Greg, receives a call: "Steven listed you as a reference," the caller says.

Greg is taken by surprise because he wasn't aware he was listed as a reference.

When he asks for more information, the caller refuses, citing privacy laws, and hangs up without receiving the recommendation.

awkward andy samberg GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Quiz

What could Steven do differently to effectively secure a reference in the future?

Answer:

Ask for the reference before applying

Take Action

What are you waiting for?

Hopefully, your professional reference helps you land that dream job!

Did you know?

It's generally okay to use the same references for multiple applications - just keep your references' contact info updated!
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Congrats, you just found a posting for your dream job!

But the application asks for three professional references who can highlight your skills... The Big Bang Theory Reaction GIF No need to hyperventilate: read on to find out who you should ask!

Ask The Right People

  • Make a list of people who will likely give you a positive review.

  • Reach out to potential references before you apply for the job and give them enough time to respond.

  • Contact your references in order of preference until you secure enough for the job application.

    Writing Write Down GIF

Did you know?

Potential employers will sometimes ask simply for your references' contact information, but they may also ask for a reference letter. Be sure to check the job posting!

Who NOT To Ask For A Reference

Do not ask for a reference from:

  • Family

  • Friends

  • Anyone who fired you

  • Anyone not expecting a call

Max Greenfield The Neighborhood GIF by CBS

Quiz

Which of the following could you ask for a reference?

Make It Easy

Tell your potential reference what job you are applying for and how your skills and experience match. Include a resume to refresh their memory!

easy GIF

Did you know?

Job postings are eventually taken down from the company website. Print a PDF of the webpage to share with your references and keep a copy for your personal records. Having a copy of the job posting will also come in handy when you prepare for an interview!

Subscribe for more quick bites of learning delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime. No spam. 🙂

Best Practices

  • Be polite when asking for a reference.

  • Give the person a way to say no if needed.

  • Send a thank you note.

please and thank you season 4 GIF

How To Ask

When requesting a reference greet the person and ask how they are doing, then provide a brief update on your skills and experience.

End your request by asking if they would be comfortable serving as a reference.

Confirm your reference's contact information (phone and email) so that the hiring manager has no issues getting in touch with them.

Cat Kitty GIF by Kraken Images

Sample Email Request

Byte Author Uploaded Image

Consider This Scenario

Steven's former supervisor, Greg, receives a call: "Steven listed you as a reference," the caller says.

Greg is taken by surprise because he wasn't aware he was listed as a reference.

When he asks for more information, the caller refuses, citing privacy laws, and hangs up without receiving the recommendation.

awkward andy samberg GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Quiz

What could Steven do differently to effectively secure a reference in the future?

Take Action

What are you waiting for?

Hopefully, your professional reference helps you land that dream job!

Did you know?

It's generally okay to use the same references for multiple applications - just keep your references' contact info updated!
License:

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​

Make It Easy

Tell your potential reference what job you are applying for and how your skills and experience match. Include a resume to refresh their memory!

easy GIF

Did you know?

Job postings are eventually taken down from the company website. Print a PDF of the webpage to share with your references and keep a copy for your personal records. Having a copy of the job posting will also come in handy when you prepare for an interview!

Best Practices

  • Be polite when asking for a reference.

  • Give the person a way to say no if needed.

  • Send a thank you note.

please and thank you season 4 GIF

How To Ask

When requesting a reference greet the person and ask how they are doing, then provide a brief update on your skills and experience.

End your request by asking if they would be comfortable serving as a reference.

Confirm your reference's contact information (phone and email) so that the hiring manager has no issues getting in touch with them.

Cat Kitty GIF by Kraken Images

Sample Email Request

Byte Author Uploaded Image

Consider This Scenario

Steven's former supervisor, Greg, receives a call: "Steven listed you as a reference," the caller says.

Greg is taken by surprise because he wasn't aware he was listed as a reference.

When he asks for more information, the caller refuses, citing privacy laws, and hangs up without receiving the recommendation.

awkward andy samberg GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Quiz

What could Steven do differently to effectively secure a reference in the future?

Answer:

Ask for the reference before applying

Take Action

What are you waiting for?

Hopefully, your professional reference helps you land that dream job!

Did you know?

It's generally okay to use the same references for multiple applications - just keep your references' contact info updated!
Rumie logo

This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our Standards. The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more about how Rumie works with partners.

License:

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