If you’re in the job market, you know how important having professional references can be. But what exactly are professional references, and who should you include on your list? In this article, we’ll explore the types of professional references you might need, and provide you with some examples you can use as a starting point. And remember, you can always edit these examples as needed to fit your specific situation.
Tips for Choosing Professional References
Before we dive into the examples, let’s go over a few tips for choosing the right professional references:
1. Know who to ask
Choose people who know you well and can speak to your skills and abilities. This might include former managers, colleagues, or clients.
2. Ask for permission
Make sure to ask your potential references if they are willing to serve as a reference for you, and get their contact information.
3. Keep it professional
Choose people who can speak to your professional skills and abilities, and avoid using friends or family members as references.
4. Provide context
Make sure to provide your references with information about the job you’re applying for, so they can tailor their responses accordingly.
5. Say thank you
Be sure to follow up with your references and thank them for their time and assistance.
Examples of Professional References
Reference for a Job
Dear [Reference Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out because I’m currently applying for a job and would be grateful if you could serve as a reference for me. I’ve included some information about the job below:
[Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Job Description]
If you’re comfortable serving as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Graduate School
Dear [Reference Name],
I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference for my application to graduate school. I’m applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I believe that your perspective on my skills, abilities, and character would be greatly beneficial to my application.
If you’re willing to serve as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Volunteer Position
Dear [Reference Name],
I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference for my application to volunteer with [Organization Name]. I’ve included some information about the organization below:
[Organization Name]
[Mission Statement]
[Volunteer Position Description]
If you’re willing to serve as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Teaching Position
Dear [Reference Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference for my application for a teaching position at [School Name]. I’ve included some information about the position below:
[Position Title]
[School Name]
[Job Description]
If you’re willing to serve as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Business Partnership
Dear [Reference Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out because I’m in the process of forming a business partnership with [Business Name], and I would be grateful if you could serve as a reference for me. I believe that your perspective on my skills, abilities, and character would be greatly beneficial to our partnership.
If you’re comfortable serving as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Professional Development Opportunity
Dear [Reference Name],
I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference for my application for a professional development opportunity. I believe that your perspective on my skills, abilities, and character would be greatly beneficial to my application.
If you’re willing to serve as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Freelance Work
Dear [Reference Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference for my freelance work. I believe that your perspective on my skills, abilities, and character would be greatly beneficial to potential clients.
If you’re comfortable serving as a reference, please let me know and I’ll provide you with the necessary contact information. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I don’t have any professional references?
If you don’t have any professional references, consider asking a teacher, coach, or community leader who can speak to your skills and character. You can also offer to provide references from volunteer work or extracurricular activities.
Can I use a family member as a reference?
It’s generally best to avoid using family members as references, as they may not be able to provide an objective perspective on your professional skills and abilities.
How many professional references should I include?
It’s generally a good idea to include three to five professional references, but be sure to check the application requirements to make sure you’re providing the correct number.
What information should I provide my references?
Make sure to provide your references with information about the job or opportunity you’re applying for, as well as your updated resume and any other relevant materials. You may also want to provide some context about your relationship with your reference and why you’ve chosen them.
What should I do if my reference declines?
If a potential reference declines to serve as a reference, thank them for their time and consideration and move on to your next choice.
Should I provide a thank you note to my references?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to follow up with your references and thank them for their time and assistance. This can help to strengthen your professional relationships and keep you top of mind for future opportunities.
Conclusion
Professional references can be a valuable asset when you’re in the job market or seeking other professional opportunities. By choosing the right references and providing them with the necessary information, you can increase your chances of success. And with the examples and tips provided in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning list of professional references.