Are you in need of a job or a recommendation for graduate school? A reference can make all the difference in a competitive market. It’s important to thank those who take the time to provide a reference on your behalf. Below are tips and examples on how to write a thank you message for a reference.
Tips for Writing a Thank You Message for Reference
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when writing your thank you message for a reference:
1. Be Specific
Be specific about the job or opportunity you are pursuing and how the reference helped you achieve it.
2. Show Gratitude
Show gratitude and thank the person for taking the time to provide the reference.
3. Keep it Short and Sweet
Your message should be short and sweet, thanking the person for their help and support.
4. Customize Your Message
Customize your message to the person and the specific reference they provided.
Examples of Thank You Messages for Reference
Thank You for Job Reference
Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for providing a reference for me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Your endorsement of my skills and experience means the world to me. I am grateful for your support and appreciate the time you took to help me in my job search.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Thank You for Graduate School Reference
Dear [Name],
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for providing a reference for my graduate school application. Your endorsement of my academic abilities and work ethic means a lot to me. I am truly grateful for your support as I pursue this next step in my education.
Thank you again,
[Your Name]
Thank You for Professional Reference
Dear [Name],
I want to thank you for serving as a reference for me in my job search. Your support and positive feedback about my abilities and work ethic have been incredibly valuable. Thank you for taking the time to help me advance in my career.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Thank You for Networking Reference
Dear [Name],
Thank you for connecting me to [Contact Name] as a reference. Your support and networking skills have been invaluable to me during my job search. Your endorsement helped me secure the position at [Company Name] and I am excited to start this new chapter in my career.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Thank You for Academic Reference
Dear [Name],
I wanted to thank you for writing me a reference letter for my academic scholarship application. Your support and endorsement have been instrumental in helping me secure this opportunity. I am grateful for your continued mentorship and guidance.
Thank you again,
[Your Name]
Thank You for Volunteer Reference
Dear [Name],
Thank you for serving as a reference for my volunteer work with [Organization Name]. Your support and endorsement have helped me secure additional volunteer opportunities and I am grateful for your kind words.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I send a thank you message for a reference?
You should send your thank you message for a reference within 1-2 days of receiving the reference.
Can I send a thank you message for a reference via email?
Yes, an email is an acceptable way to send a thank you message for a reference. Be sure to keep your message professional and concise.
Should I send a thank you message for a reference if I didn’t get the job or opportunity?
Yes, you should still send a thank you message for a reference even if you didn’t get the job or opportunity. It’s important to show gratitude for the time and effort the person put into providing the reference on your behalf.
Is it appropriate to send a gift with my thank you message for a reference?
It’s not necessary to send a gift with your thank you message for a reference, but if you feel inclined, a small token of appreciation like a gift card or handwritten note can be a nice gesture.
How often can I ask someone to be a reference for me?
You should only ask someone to be a reference for you if you have a strong professional or personal relationship with them. It’s best to ask each person only once and to express your gratitude for their time and support.
How do I know who to ask to be a reference for me?
You should choose references who know you well and can speak to your professional, academic, or personal achievements. A former supervisor, professor, or colleague make great references.
Conclusion
A thank you message for a reference is a great way to show gratitude for the support and endorsement of your skills and experience. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can craft the perfect thank you message for a reference and show your appreciation for the person who helped advance your career or education.