How to Request a Reference From a Former Employer

A good employment reference can cinch that sweet job offer you've worked so hard for. Make sure you have what you need by following some simple guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thank-you Notes
• résumé paper
• résumé software

1. Get references before you need them. Managers make job changes, too, and time can erase the memory of even the most outstanding employee.

2. Offer to write the reference letter for your former employer to review and sign. This saves him or her valuable time, and it allows you to highlight the accomplishments you consider most valuable to future employers.

3. Contact former employers and other references before offering their names to potential employers. Beyond simple courtesy, this gives you the chance to supply these people with important information such as who might be calling, the type of job you're applying for, and which of your skills you would like your reference to emphasize.

4. Acknowledge a reference with a thank-you note, even if you didn't get the job. If you did, offer a celebratory lunch.

Tips & Warnings

• If you encounter an unhelpful policy, such as one that restricts managers from giving reference information beyond confirming job title and dates of employment, ask the manager if he or she will give you a personal (rather than professional) reference.
• Consider co-workers and department heads with whom you've had significant interaction'they can be good references, too.

Who Can Help:

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on 8/8/2006 If you are just graduating college, check with the Career Services department at your school about any reference letter programs that they provide. Many schools offer a reference bank where you can have your letters of reference held for you until you need them. Other schools contract this service out to specific companies, which may charge a small, once a year fee. The benefit of these programs is that you only have to ask for the letter of reference one time - not many times for each different job. Often these services can be accessed online so you can see exactly when the letter gets sent in (so you don't have to keep bothering your professors or employers) and so that you can easily submit a request for the letters to be sent to a possible employer.