To ask for a reference, choose someone who has seen your work up close, ask them politely and early (ideally before you need them), and make it easy to say yes by sending your resume, the jobs you are applying for and a few points they could mention. Always ask permission before you list anyone, and thank them afterward.
Who makes a good reference
The best reference is someone who can describe your work specifically, not someone with an impressive title who barely knows you. For students and young adults, strong choices include:
- A current or former manager or shift supervisor, including from part-time jobs.
- A professor or teacher whose class you did well in or took an active part in.
- A volunteer coordinator, coach or club adviser who saw you take responsibility.
- An internship supervisor or someone you worked with on a project.
- A mentor who has watched you set and follow through on goals.
Family members and friends are not appropriate references for a job. Most employers ask for two or three names.
Ask before you need them
The worst time to ask is the day an employer requests references. A better rhythm:
- Line up two or three people when you start applying.
- Ask whether they would be comfortable giving a good reference. This gives them an easy way to decline if they cannot.
- Confirm the phone number and email they want you to share.
- Tell them when an employer is likely to contact them, and for which job.
Sample email: a professor
“Hi Professor Chen, I took your marketing research class last spring and really enjoyed the semester project on local businesses. I am applying for entry-level marketing coordinator roles and wondered if you would be comfortable serving as a reference. I have attached my resume and a short list of the projects I worked on in your class. I completely understand if the timing does not work. Thank you for considering it.”
Sample email: a former manager
“Hi Jordan, I hope things are going well at the store. I am applying for customer service and office jobs and would love to list you as a reference, since you saw my work on the opening shift for almost two years. Would you be comfortable with that? If so, is your cell still the best number to share? I will let you know when I expect a call.”
Sample email: a volunteer supervisor
“Hi Ms. Rivera, thank you again for the two years I spent volunteering with your tutoring program. I am applying for program assistant roles and think you could speak to how I handled scheduling and working with families. Would you be willing to be a reference? I have attached my resume and a link to the jobs I am applying for.”
Make it easy for them
- Send your resume and the job posting or a short description of the role.
- Remind them of two or three specific things you did that they saw, such as projects, responsibilities or improvements.
- Give them a heads-up each time a new employer might call.
- Ask how they prefer to be contacted, and respect it.
Follow up and say thank you
When you get a job, or even when you do not, tell your references what happened and thank them. A short note or email keeps the relationship strong, and you will likely need them again. This kind of follow-through is the same habit that makes a good interview follow-up work.
Where a mentor helps
Many students and young adults feel awkward asking for help, so they wait until it is urgent. A mentor helps you identify who could vouch for you, draft the request and build relationships over time so references come naturally. See mentoring for college students, mentoring for young adults and our guide to networking for introverts.
Related
- Resume with no experience
- How to follow up after an interview
- Talking to professors in office hours
- Networking for introverts
Common questions
Can I use a professor as a job reference?
Yes, especially if you are a student or recent graduate. Choose one who knows your work, not just your name, and remind them which class and projects you did.
Do I need permission to list someone as a reference?
Always. Listing someone without asking can catch them off guard and lead to a weak or confused reference.
What if I have no work references?
Use teachers, volunteer supervisors, coaches or club advisers who have seen you take responsibility. Regular volunteering is one of the fastest ways to build a reference.
How many references do I need?
Most employers ask for two or three. Have three ready so you can choose the best fit for each job.
Get started
Want help building the relationships that lead to strong references? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.