Providing a reference during your job search is crucial. Employers require references on resume to verify the credibility of your skill set according to the organisational needs.
Listing references on resume who can positively delineate your attributes expands your chances of procuring the job. During a job search, you may be required to list the references on resume or during the interview process.
But what is an employment reference? A work reference or an employment reference is when a right person who can verify your work experience, qualifications and attributes to your potential employer.
Moreover, such people should be able to forge a positive image of your personality in the recruiters’ mind. Asking them to be your employment reference requires certain tips and strategies.
This article answers the question- how to ask someone to be your reference? Job references play a crucial role in fabricating your career development. This is because you never know you may procure a job opportunity because of any of your employment reference check.
How to Ask Someone to be a Reference?
Concoct a List of the Job Application References
To initiate the process of finding the potential reference, you should be organised. Hence, creating a professional reference list is crucial.
In such a list of references, you should mention the names of professionals who know you and your prospective job title. Most organisations require three professional references. So, you should shorten the list to four or five professional references.
You can truncate the list on the basis of various factors. First of all, strike off the names who cannot answer the recruiters’ questions professionally.
Secondly, exclude the people who cannot convey your skill set according to the requirements of the organisation. In case of a truncated networking outrage, you can solicit a friend to be a work reference for you.
Proffer Your Request in Advance
Being an employment reference is a herculean task and fills an individual with responsibility. Hence, it requires prior research and preparations.
Your prospective employer may require the work reference to conduct various tasks. The individual may be required to fill in questionnaires or even forge a letter.
Hence, you should notify your references before the application process for the interview. Offering your request in advance gives them plenty of time to consider your resume and qualifications.
During such time, they can prepare themselves and consider to accept or turn down your request. What will happen if you do not notify your work reference beforehand?
Let us see an example.
“Hello Mrs. Grace. This is Jordan. Please could you answer some of my questions relating to an applicant Mr. Lee? He wrote your name as one of the references on resume.”
“Hello. Sorry, Mr Lee told me about this just a few minutes ago. Due to this, I have no idea about the job description, its requirements. Could you proffer me some details regarding the same?”
“No, our company’s policies inhibit us from doing so. It was nice talking to you, thank you.”
Hence, such situations can lead the job opportunity to slip out from your hands.
Frame Your Request Carefully
The way you frame your request determines the response of the work reference. If you demand your former colleague or boss to be your reference, he or she is likely to turn down your offer.
On the other hand, being polite can augment your chances to procure an employment reference.
Moreover, you should formulate your request in a way which does not compel the receiver to do the same. Hence your request should allow the receiver to turn down the job offer if he or she wants to do it.
So avert saying, “could you be my reference?” Instead, you should say- “if it pleases you, then could you verify my qualification to my prospective employer as a reference? However, it is fine if you are not comfortable with it.”
Briefly Describe Your Relationship with the Work Reference
In case you are communicating with the individual after a long time, it is better to refresh their memory by reintroducing yourself. You should update the individual about your working life.
Moreover, memorizing the time you worked with him or her also helps. The best way to do this is by sending him your resume. This will help him to be aware of your past and present life.
Proffer Full Details About Your Job Post
Your work reference should know the work position. This will facilitate her or him to answer the recruiters’ questions according to the organisational needs.
Hence, you should proffer full details about the job, the skills required to work in it and the necessary qualifications. This will help the reference to analyse whether he or she can answer the questions related to that industry.
Your resume also helps the work reference to know your working history. Thus, more details given to the reference, augment your chances of procuring a good recommendation letter.
Obtain or Confirm their Contact Information
You should always confirm the contact information like a phone number or email address of your prospective job application references.
This is because you need to proffer this contact information to your prospective hiring managers. Make sure that the references are always available and do not miss any important call or email.
Remain Connected With the References
In case any of the work references agree to your proposal, then you should follow up before and after the process. After giving your references to the organisations, you should inform the references for this.
This will help them to know the organizations and thus prepare themselves. They can also remain alert for any phone call or email.
Moreover, if you get selected by any organisation, you should tell the same to the references. Expressing your gratitude displays your personal as well as work ethic. You can follow up by concocting the needed emails for this purpose in the following manner.
To alert the references:
Subject. Reference update- Alert.
Dear (name of the person.)
I am grateful that you accepted my request to be a referral for me. So, I wanted to let you know that I have given my interview in the company (XYZ) for the post of (XYZ). Hence the company will contact you anytime. Hence, it would be great if you could prepare yourself to help me.
Thank you.
(Your name)
To thank the references and inform them about your selection:
Subject. Reference update- Thank You.
Dear (name of the person.)
I wanted to exhibit my gratitude and thank you for your exceptional efforts. Your efforts have reaped good fruits. This is because I have been selected by the company and proffered the job position. Thank you once again. It would not have been possible without your hard work.
Thanks.
(Your name)
How to Ask Someone to be Your Reference? – Sample Email
You can ask for a good reference with a polite email in the following way.
Subject- Preference request
Dear (name of the prospective reference.)
I hope you are in good health. I wanted to procure your assistance regarding my job search. As you know, I had lost my old job two months ago. So, now I am applying for the post of XYZ in many organisations.
Hence, I would request you to verify my skillset and be my reference. It would be great if you accept my offer. However, I have no problem if you are uncomfortable with it. I want you to serve as a reference because you are aware of my skill set as we have worked two years together in XYZ organisation.
You can even proffer me certain suggestions to prepare for this job position. Also, do contact me in case you know similar job opportunities.
I have attached my resume with this email to let you know about my qualifications. You can always contact me in case you require more information from me.
Thank you.
(Your name)
Contact number
Email ID
Conclusion
You can integrate various people in your professional reference list. Resume references example include your former co-workers, managers or colleagues of your former organization or internship, coaches, professors or even organizational heads.
However, choosing the ideal job application references is a daunting task for job seekers. This is because you need to select individuals who have cognizance of your job posts.