The hiring process within most organizations requires the applicant to provide both written and verbal job references from someone who can vouch for their skills, qualifications, and character in relation to a specific job opportunity. A good job reference can make a positive impression on potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.
However, asking someone to be your job reference can be tricky. You don’t want to impose on your contacts or make them feel obligated to say yes. You also want to make sure that they are comfortable and confident in recommending you for the job. In this article we’ll cover the verbal job reference and provide some tips on how to ask someone to serve as your verbal job reference in a polite and respectful way.
Choose the right person
The first step is to choose the right person to ask for a job reference. Ideally, you want someone who knows you well, has worked with you closely, and can speak highly of your work performance and achievements. Some examples of good job references are:
- A former or current supervisor or manager
- A former or current colleague or coworker
- A former or current client or customer
- A mentor or a teacher
- A professional acquaintance or a network contact
You should avoid asking for a job reference from someone who:
- Has a personal or a family relationship with you
- Has a conflict of interest or a bias towards you
- Has a negative or a neutral opinion of you
- Has not worked with you for a long time or does not know you well
- Is not relevant or appropriate for the job you are applying for
Ask for permission
The next step is to ask for permission from the person you have chosen. You should never assume that someone is willing or able to provide you with a verbal job reference. You should always ask for their consent and respect their decision.
You can ask for permission in many ways, including in person, by phone, or by email. The best option depends on your relationship with the person and their availability. However, email is usually the most convenient and professional way to ask someone to serve as your verbal job reference.
When you ask for permission, you should:
- Explain why you are asking for a job reference and what job or role you are applying for
- Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements that match the job requirements
- Express your appreciation and gratitude for their time and support
- Give them enough time to respond and prepare for the call they will receive to provide the job reference
- Ask them for their preferred contact details
Provide the necessary information
The final step is to provide the necessary information to the person who agreed to give you a job reference. You should make it easy for them to write a positive and accurate job reference for you.
You can provide the necessary information by:
- Sending them a copy of your resume and cover letter
- Sharing the job description and the employer’s name and website
- Reminding them of specific projects, tasks, or achievements that you worked on together
- Suggesting some points or topics that they can include in the job reference
- Offering to answer any questions or concerns that they may have
- Thanking them again for their help and cooperation
Sample email
Here is a sample email that you can use to ask for a job reference:
Subject: Job reference request
Hi John,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask you a favor.
I am applying for the position of School leader at the Excellence Charter School, and I was wondering if you would be willing to serve as one of my verbal professional job references. You were my supervisor at the Cooper Heights school district for two years, and I learned a lot from you. I think you can attest to my skills and achievements in school leadership and school operations.
I have attached my resume and cover letter for your reference. You can also find the job description and the employer’s website here: [link]. The job requires strong leadership, creativity, and analytical skills, which I believe I have demonstrated during our collaboration.
If you agree to be a verbal professional job reference, I would appreciate it if you could send me your preferred contact details so that I may share them with the director of human resources. I will also provide you with any additional information that you may need.
Please let me know if you are able to help me with this request. I understand that you are busy and I respect your decision. I am very grateful for your time and support.
Thank you,
Jane Doe
In Closing
Asking for a professional job reference can be a daunting task, but it can also be a rewarding one. A good job reference can boost your chances of landing your dream job and advancing your career. To ask for a job reference in a polite and respectful way, you should follow these steps:
- Choose the right person who can vouch for your skills, qualifications, and character
- Ask for permission in person, by phone, or by email and explain why you need their help
- Provide the necessary information to help them prepare to provide a positive and accurate job reference for you
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the best job reference possible and show your gratitude and appreciation to your contacts. Good luck with your job application!
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