If you’re applying for a job, you’ll likely need to provide references. These are people who can vouch for your skills, experience, and character. Including references in your application letter can strengthen your credibility and increase your chances of getting the job. Here are some tips and examples to help you include references in your application letter.
Tips:
Choose your references carefully: Select people who you’ve worked with in a professional capacity, such as former bosses, colleagues, or clients. Make sure they’re willing to be a reference and that they’ll speak highly of you.
Format your references: List your references at the end of your application letter. Include their name, job title, company name, phone number, and email address. Double-check that the information is accurate.
Ask for permission: Contact your references and let them know you’re using them as a reference. Thank them for their help and provide them with a copy of your application letter and resume.
Edit your references: Customize your references based on the job you’re applying for. If the job requires specific skills or experience, make sure your references can speak to those qualities.
Follow up: After you’ve submitted your application, let your references know. Thank them again for their support and inform them of the outcome.
Here are seven examples of how to include references in your application letter:
Reference Request Letter
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I’m writing to express my interest in the [Position] at [Company]. I believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role. As requested, I’ve included a list of references who can speak to my qualifications:
[Reference Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
[Reference Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
[Reference Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Follow-Up Letter
Dear [Reference Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to thank you again for agreeing to serve as a reference for me. I’m eager to hear back from the hiring manager at [Company] and wanted to follow up with you to see if you’ve been contacted yet.
If there’s anything else you need from me, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Acknowledgement Letter
Dear [Reference Name],
I wanted to express my gratitude for serving as a reference for me during my job search. Your support and endorsement means a lot to me, and I’m confident it played a role in helping me secure my new position at [Company].
Thank you again for your time and support. I look forward to staying in touch.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Acknowledgement of Reference Request Letter
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for considering my application for the [Position] at [Company]. I wanted to follow up and let you know that I’ve provided the references you requested:
[Reference Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
[Reference Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
[Reference Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me or my references. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Thank-You Letter
Dear [Reference Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to serve as a reference for me during my job search. I’m thrilled to let you know that I’ve accepted a position at [Company] and I’m grateful for your support and guidance along the way.
Your recommendation played an important role in helping me secure this position, and I can’t thank you enough. I hope to keep in touch and hear about your own accomplishments in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Update Letter
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I wanted to provide you with an update on my job search. As you know, I included [Reference Name] as a reference in my application for the [Position] at [Company]. Since then, I’ve been keeping [Reference Name] informed of my progress.
I’m excited to say that I’ve had some promising interviews and I’m feeling optimistic about the opportunities ahead. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on any developments.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply for this role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Recommendation Letter
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I’m writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Position] at [Company]. I’ve had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for [length of time] at [Company] and I can attest to [his/her] skills, experience, and character.
[Candidate Name] is a hard-working, dedicated individual who consistently delivers high-quality work. [He/She] has a strong attention to detail and is always eager to learn and grow. [He/She] also has excellent communication skills and is able to work effectively with others.
I’m confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable addition to your team and I highly recommend [him/her] for the position. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name], [Job Title], [Company], [Phone number], [Email Address]
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use family or friends as references?
We recommend using professional references, such as former bosses or colleagues. Family and friends may not be considered credible sources and may not have the necessary insight into your professional abilities.
How many references should I include?
Most employers require three references. However, check the job posting or application instructions to see if a specific number is requested. Make sure to include people who can speak to your qualifications for the job.
What should I do if my reference declines to be a reference?
Thank them for their time and ask if they can suggest someone else who may be able to serve as a reference. It’s better to have a reference who is willing to vouch for you than someone who may not give you a positive review.
Should I provide letters of recommendation in addition to references?
You should only provide letters of recommendation if the job posting specifically requests them. Otherwise, stick to including references in your application letter.
What if I don’t have any professional references?
If you’re just starting out in your career or don’t have many professional contacts, consider asking a teacher, coach, or volunteer coordinator to serve as a reference. They can speak to your skills and character even if they’re not related to your job field.
What if I don’t want to include references in my application letter?
While it’s not required to include references in your application letter, it can strengthen your credibility and increase your chances of getting the job. If you choose not to include references, be prepared to provide them if requested by the employer.
Conclusion:
Using references in your application letter can be an effective way to showcase your skills and experience. Make sure to choose your references carefully, format them correctly, and follow up with them after you’ve submitted your application. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of landing your dream job.