If you’re looking for a way to request a reference for your volunteer work, you’re in the right place! A volunteer reference request template can help you put together a request that is professional and effective.
Related Tips
Here are some tips to help you create a volunteer reference request:
1. Be clear about your request
Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you’re requesting a reference. Be sure to include the name of the organization you volunteered for and the position you held.
Dear [Name of Reference Provider],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reference for my volunteer work at [Name of Organization]. As you may recall, I worked as a [Position] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
Thank you in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Provide context
Explain why you’re requesting a reference and what you hope to achieve with it. For example, are you applying for a job or a scholarship that requires a reference?
Dear [Name of Reference Provider],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reference for my volunteer work at [Name of Organization]. I am applying for a [Job/Scholarship] that requires a reference, and I believe that your perspective on my work would be valuable.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Provide a deadline
Be sure to include a deadline for when you need the reference. Make sure to give your reference provider enough time to write a thoughtful and complete letter.
Dear [Name of Reference Provider],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reference for my volunteer work at [Name of Organization]. I am applying for a [Job/Scholarship] that requires a reference, and I believe that your perspective on my work would be valuable.
I need the reference by [Date]. Thank you in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Offer to provide additional information
Let your reference provider know that you’re happy to provide additional information if needed, such as a copy of your resume or a list of your volunteer responsibilities.
Dear [Name of Reference Provider],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reference for my volunteer work at [Name of Organization]. I am applying for a [Job/Scholarship] that requires a reference, and I believe that your perspective on my work would be valuable.
I need the reference by [Date]. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me, such as a copy of my resume or a list of my volunteer responsibilities.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Follow up
If you don’t receive a response to your request, it’s okay to follow up with a polite reminder. Sometimes people are busy and need a gentle nudge.
Dear [Name of Reference Provider],
I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my request for a reference for my volunteer work at [Name of Organization]. I need the reference by [Date], and I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed from me.
If you’re not able to provide a reference, please let me know so I can explore other options. Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Say thank you
Don’t forget to say thank you to your reference provider! Gratitude goes a long way.
Dear [Name of Reference Provider],
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a reference for my volunteer work at [Name of Organization]. I really appreciate your support in my [Job/Scholarship] application.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask for a volunteer reference?
You can ask for a volunteer reference by sending an email to your reference provider. In the email, introduce yourself, explain why you’re requesting the reference, and provide any necessary context or details. Be sure to include a deadline and offer to provide additional information if needed.
Who should I ask for a volunteer reference?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and experience as a volunteer. This could be a supervisor or manager at the organization where you volunteered, a colleague you worked closely with, or a community leader who knows your work.
What should I include in a volunteer reference request?
You should include your name, the name of the organization where you volunteered, the position you held, and why you’re requesting the reference. You should also provide any necessary context or details, such as the deadline for the reference or additional information you can provide. Be sure to thank your reference provider in advance!
How long should I give my reference provider to write the reference?
You should give your reference provider at least two weeks to write the reference. This will give them enough time to write a thoughtful and complete letter.
What should I do if I don’t receive a response to my reference request?
If you don’t receive a response to your reference request, it’s okay to follow up with a polite reminder. Sometimes people are busy and need a gentle nudge. If you still don’t receive a response, it’s okay to explore other options for your reference.
How should I say thank you to my reference provider?
You can say thank you to your reference provider by sending a thank-you email or note. Be sure to thank them for their time and support, and let them know how much you appreciate their help.
Conclusion
A volunteer reference request template can help you put together a professional and effective request for a reference. By following these tips and examples, you’ll be able to create a request that is clear, concise, and persuasive. Good luck!