How to ask for a reference by email for a job application?

Do you also wonder how to ask for a reference by email while applying for a job application? Are you constantly in a dilemma when the recruiter asks you to provide a couple of references even when you know whom to approach for the same?

It’s not about whom to approach; it’s about the ‘right approach’.

Let us introduce you to the best way of writing a reference letter.

Whom you should approach for reference?

Almost every company seeks to learn if someone can vouch for your skills. Approach a right person for recommendation matters and can create a huge impact in getting you hired in the company you are applying for.

• If you are an experienced professional: As an experienced professional, you can reach out to your immediate reporting manager, your head of the department, and/or your colleague from the previous company. Mindfully choose one whom you would want to approach.
• If you are a fresher: For a fresher, if you have a cordial relationship with one of your faculty then it’s best to approach them for help. Consider selecting someone who has always motivated you during your graduation year yet had a critical opinion about you. Don’t ask for a reference from someone who will exaggerate your qualities.

Best practices to follow while asking for a reference

While approaching for a request for reference you have to keep the following in mind: the right way to approach them, if you are writing an email then what should be its content, and how to get the best reference that can make an impact to your job application.

• How to approach?

You can send a direct message to any person whom you find deemed fit to endorse you to your next organisation. Make sure that you approach them professionally and use a proper medium to do so. If you have their contact number, then send an SMS or if you’re connected with them on LinkedIn, make sure you write a proper message to them. But it’s always good to send the request via email and then send them a message to check if they have received an email for a referral.

• What to write in the letter?

To write a letter to receive a recommendation, follow a business letter format. Be precise and concrete in your message. Make sure you clearly include and state the following:

1. Post-greetings, genuinely inquire ‘how they’re doing?’

2. Clearly, state why you are writing to them.

3. Praise them for their critical capability, which made you approach them. Point is to let them know that their opinion matters to you.
4. Help them recollect the memories when you performed exceptionally well. It may help them to write a convincing reference letter.

5. Provide to them a few bullet points or a rough outline of a reference letter so that they may not feel that it’s a burden or an additional work.

6. Keep it short, crisp, and do not force them to refer you. Request them. And, realise that the freedom to refer you is theirs to exercise; you can only approach them.
7. End on a convincing note.

Have any queries? Comment below.