How to Ask for a Reference Via Email, With 15 Sample Emails

To ask for a reference via email, remind the person how you know each other, name the job or program you're applying for, and ask whether they'd be comfortable being your reference. Then give them everything they need: your resume, the deadline, and the points you'd like them to highlight. Keep it short and make it easy for them to say yes (or no).

Below you'll find a copy-ready template, a guide to who to ask and what to include, and 15 sample reference request emails for different situations.

Quick template: asking someone to be your reference

Use this for most job applications. It works for former managers, supervisors, and senior colleagues.

Subject: Reference request: [Your name], [Job title] at [Company]

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well. I'm applying for a [job title] role at [company], and I'd love to list you as a reference. We worked together at [company] on [project or team], and I think you could speak well to my [skill or quality].

Would you be comfortable being a reference for me? If so, they may contact you by [phone or email] around [timeframe]. I've attached my resume and the job description.

If now isn't a good time, I completely understand.

Thank you,
[Your full name]
[Phone number]

Reference vs reference letter: know which you need

Before you write, check what the employer or program actually asked for.

Say clearly in your email which one you need. "Would you be a reference?" and "Would you write me a reference letter?" are different requests with different time commitments.

When to ask for a reference

You'll usually need references in these situations:

• Applying for a job. Employers often check references late in the hiring process, after interviews.
• Applying to academic programs. Graduate programs and scholarships usually require letters from professors or academic advisors.
• Applying for internships. A reference can help when you have limited work history.
• Renting a home. Landlords may ask for a previous landlord or an employer reference.
• Professional licenses and certifications. Some licensing bodies require references from people in your field.
• Volunteering. Roles that involve children, older adults, or other vulnerable groups often require references.

Ask early. A rushed request puts pressure on the other person and usually leads to a weaker reference.

Who should you ask for a reference?

Pick people who know your work well and can speak to the skills the new role needs. Good options include:

• A current or former manager
• A former employer or team lead
• A professor or academic advisor
• A former client or customer
• A senior colleague who worked closely with you

A title matters less than how well the person knows you. A manager who supervised you for two years will usually give a stronger reference than a senior executive who barely remembers your name. Peers can work, too, especially when you don't want your current employer to know you're job hunting.

How to write a reference request email

1. Write a clear subject line

Your reader should know what the email is about before they open it. Here are subject lines that work:

• "Reference request: [Your name], [Job title] at [Company]"
• "Would you be a reference for me?"
• "Request for a reference letter for [program or scholarship name]"
• "Reference letter request from [Your name]"
• "Could you help with a reference for [job or internship]?"

2. Start with a polite greeting

Match the greeting to your relationship. "Hi [Name]," works for most former managers and coworkers. Use "Dear Professor [Last name]," or "Dear Dr. [Last name]," for academic contacts. Avoid "Dear Sir or Madam." For more options, see our guide on how to start an email.

3. Remind them of your relationship

Don't assume they remember every detail. Mention where and when you worked together, plus one specific project or moment. For example:

• "I worked on your team at [company] from [year] to [year] as a [job title], where I led [project]."
• "I was in your [course name] class in [semester], and you supervised my final project on [topic]."

4. Ask directly, and give them an out

Ask plainly: "Would you be comfortable being a reference for me?" Then make it easy to decline: "If now isn't a good time, I completely understand." A reluctant reference can do more harm than none at all.

5. Give them what they need

Make it easy to give you a strong reference. Include:

• The job title, company, or program you're applying to
• The deadline, or when they might be contacted
• Your updated resume and the job description
• Two or three skills or projects you'd like them to mention
• How the reference will be collected (phone call, email, form, or uploaded letter)

6. Thank them and close

Thank them for their time, offer to answer questions, and sign off with your full name and phone number. For more closing ideas, see our guide on how to end an email.

15 sample reference request emails

Each sample below is ready to copy. Replace everything in [square brackets] and cut anything that doesn't apply.

1. Asking a former employer for a reference

Use this when you've left a company and want your former boss to vouch for you.

Subject: Reference request: [Your name], former [job title]

Dear [Former employer's name],

I hope you're doing well. It's been [amount of time] since I left [company], and I still use a lot of what I learned on your team, especially [specific skill or lesson].

I'm applying for a [job title] role at [new company], and I'd be grateful if you'd serve as a reference. The role focuses on [key skill], which I developed while working on [project] with you.

If you're open to it, their hiring team may reach out by [phone or email] in the next [timeframe]. I've attached my updated resume and the job description.

Thank you for considering this. If the timing doesn't work, I completely understand.

Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Phone number]
[LinkedIn URL]

2. Reconnecting with a past manager you haven't spoken to in years

Use this when it's been a long time and you need to reintroduce yourself first.

Subject: [Your name] from [company], reference request

Hi [Name],

It's been a while. I worked on your team at [company] from [year] to [year] as a [job title]. You may remember me from [specific project or event].

Since then, I've been [brief update on your career]. I'm now applying for a [job title] role at [company], and your perspective on my work in [skill area] would be really valuable.

Would you be comfortable being a reference? I've attached my resume to help jog your memory, and I'm happy to jump on a quick call to catch up first.

Thanks so much,
[Your full name]
[Phone number]

3. Asking your current supervisor for a reference

Use this only if you have a good relationship and your manager knows (or should know) you're looking.

Subject: Reference request for [job title] role

Hi [Supervisor's name],

I wanted to let you know that I'm applying for a [job title] position at [company]. It's a chance to grow in [area], and it felt like the right next step for my career.

Would you be comfortable serving as a reference? Your perspective on my work on [specific project or responsibility] would carry a lot of weight.

This isn't about any dissatisfaction here. I've really valued working with you and the team, and I'll make sure my work stays on track whatever happens.

Thank you for considering it,
[Your name]

4. Asking a coworker for a reference

Use this when a peer knows your day-to-day work well, or when you'd rather not tell your manager yet.

Subject: Favor to ask: would you be a reference?

Hi [Coworker's name],

I'm applying for a [job title] role at [company] that I'm excited about. They've asked for references, and you were the first person I thought of, given how closely we worked on [project].

Would you be willing to be a reference? They'd probably reach out by [phone or email] within the next [timeframe]. If it helps, I can send the job description and a few notes on what to highlight.

No pressure at all, and I'm happy to return the favor anytime.

Thanks,
[Your name]

5. Asking a professor for a reference letter

Use this for graduate school, jobs, or internships when you have limited work experience.

Subject: Request for a reference letter: [program or job name]

Dear Professor [Last name],

I was in your [course name] class in [semester and year], where I [specific example, such as wrote my final paper on topic or worked on your research project].

I'm applying to [program, job, or internship] at [institution or company], and I'd be honored if you'd write a reference letter for me. I think you could speak to my [skills, such as research ability or critical thinking].

The letter is due on [date] and can be submitted here: [link or instructions]. I've attached my resume, my statement of purpose, and a short list of points that may be helpful.

Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Student ID or graduation year]

6. Requesting a reference for a scholarship

Use this when a scholarship asks for a letter about your academic performance and character.

Subject: Reference letter request: [Scholarship name]

Dear [Professor/Dr./Ms./Mr.] [Last name],

I'm applying for the [scholarship name] for the [academic year], and I'm writing to ask if you'd be willing to write a reference letter in support of my application.

The scholarship looks for students who show [qualities, such as leadership and community involvement]. In your [class or program], I [specific example that shows those qualities].

The letter is due by [date]. I've attached the scholarship description, my resume, and a summary of my academic achievements to make the process easier.

Thank you so much for your time and support.

Sincerely,
[Your full name]

7. Asking an academic advisor for a graduate school reference

Use this when your advisor knows your academic path better than any single professor.

Subject: Reference letter for [Program name] application

Dear [Advisor's name],

Thank you for your guidance over the past [number] years. Your advice on [specific topic] shaped my decision to apply to [program name] at [university].

Would you be willing to write a reference letter for my application? The deadline is [date], and the program has asked letter writers to address [specific areas, if listed].

I've attached my statement of purpose, CV, and transcript. I'm happy to meet if a conversation would help.

With thanks,
[Your full name]

8. Asking for a character reference

Use this when you need someone who knows you personally (not professionally) to speak to your character.

Subject: Would you be a character reference for me?

Hi [Name],

I'm currently [applying for a job, applying to volunteer, or renting an apartment], and I've been asked for a character reference: someone who can speak to my personal qualities.

Given our [number] years as [friends, neighbors, or members of the same organization], I thought you'd be a great person to ask. Would you be comfortable doing this?

The reference is needed by [date]. I can share a few pointers on what to include if that helps. If the timing doesn't work, I completely understand.

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Phone number]

9. Asking a former landlord for a rental reference

Use this when a new landlord wants to know you paid rent on time and took care of the property.

Subject: Rental reference request: [Your name], [property address]

Dear [Landlord's name],

I rented [property address] from you from [move-in date] to [move-out date]. I'm now applying to rent a new place, and the landlord has asked for a reference from a previous landlord.

Would you be willing to confirm that I paid rent on time and left the property in good condition? The new landlord, [name], may contact you at [phone or email] within the next [timeframe].

Thank you for your help, and for being a great landlord.

Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Phone number]

10. Requesting a reference for a professional license or certification

Use this when a licensing body needs someone in your field to confirm your experience.

Subject: Reference request for my [license or certification] application

Dear [Name],

I'm applying for my [license or certification] in [field], and the application requires a reference from a [licensed professional, supervisor, or similar] who can confirm my experience.

We worked together at [organization] from [year] to [year], where I [specific responsibilities relevant to the license]. Would you be willing to serve as my reference?

The reference is due by [date]. I've attached the requirements from [licensing body] and a summary of the work we did together that relates to them.

Thank you for considering this. Your support means a great deal.

Best regards,
[Your full name]

11. Asking a coach or mentor for a reference

Use this when a mentor can speak to your growth, work ethic, and leadership.

Subject: Reference request from [Your name]

Hi [Mentor's name],

I'm applying for [job, program, or internship], and it asks for a reference. Given everything you've seen from me since we started working together in [year], I immediately thought of you.

The role values [qualities, such as leadership and resilience]. A reference that touches on [specific example or growth you've seen] would make a big difference.

If you're comfortable with it, the reference is needed by [date]. Thank you for your guidance over the years, whatever you decide.

Best,
[Your name]

12. Asking a client for a professional reference

Use this when you're a freelancer, consultant, or business owner and a prospect wants to speak to past clients.

Subject: Would you be a reference for [Your company]?

Hi [Client's name],

I really enjoyed working with you on [project]. I'm in conversations with a new client, [industry or company type], and they've asked to speak with a couple of past clients.

Would you be open to a short call or email from them? They'd most likely ask about [the results, our process, or communication].

No worries if you'd rather not. Thank you again for the partnership.

Best regards,
[Your name]
[Company]

13. Requesting a LinkedIn recommendation

Use this to ask for a public recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. If you're not yet connected, start with a LinkedIn connection request message.

Subject: Quick favor: LinkedIn recommendation

Hi [Name],

I really enjoyed working with you on [project] at [company]. I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would be grateful for a short recommendation about our work together.

If you're up for it, it would be great if you could mention [specific skill or result]. A few sentences is plenty, and I'm happy to write one for you in return.

Here's my profile: [LinkedIn URL]

Thanks so much,
[Your name]

14. Giving a reference a heads-up that they'll be contacted

Use this after someone has agreed, once you know an employer will reach out.

Subject: Heads-up: [Company] may contact you this week

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for agreeing to be my reference. I've just finished my final interview with [company] for the [job title] role, and their hiring manager, [name], may reach out to you this week by [phone or email].

The role focuses on [key skills], so anything you can share about my work on [project] would be especially helpful. I've attached the job description in case it's useful.

I really appreciate it.

Best,
[Your name]

15. Thanking your reference afterward

Use this after the reference is done, whatever the outcome.

Subject: Thank you for the reference

Hi [Name],

Thank you for serving as my reference for the [job title] role at [company]. I wanted to let you know that [I got the job, or the process is still underway, or they went with another candidate].

Either way, I really appreciate you taking the time to support me. Please let me know if I can ever return the favor.

Best regards,
[Your name]

For more ways to say thanks, see our thank you email examples.

Mistakes to avoid when asking for a reference

• Listing someone without asking. Always get permission first. A surprised reference often gives a weak one.
• Asking at the last minute. Give at least two weeks for a letter. Short notice can come across as careless.
• Being vague. "Can you be a reference?" with no context forces the other person to do extra work. Name the role, deadline, and what you'd like them to mention.
• Not attaching your resume. Your reference may not remember your exact dates or results. Make it easy for them.
• Choosing the wrong person. Pick someone who knows your work, not just someone with an impressive title.
• Forgetting to follow up. Tell your references how things turned out. It keeps the relationship strong for next time.

Reference request checklist

Before you send your email, make sure it:

• Has a clear subject line with your name and the purpose
• Reminds the reader how you know each other
• Names the job, program, or property you're applying for
• States whether you need a reference or a written letter
• Includes the deadline and how they'll be contacted
• Attaches your resume and the job or program description
• Gives them an easy way to say no
• Thanks them for their time

If you're also sending your application by email, see our guide on how to email a resume.