As you prepare to leave your current job, it’s important to request a reference letter from your employer. A reference letter can be an invaluable asset when you’re applying for a new job, as it can attest to your skills, work ethic, and reliability. In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples for requesting a reference letter in your resignation letter.
Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter Request Reference Letter
When requesting a reference letter in your resignation letter, consider the following tips:
1. Use a Clear Title
Begin your resignation letter by clearly stating the purpose of the letter. Use a title like “Resignation Letter Requesting Reference Letter” to make it clear what you’re asking for.
2. Keep the Introduction Brief
Keep the introduction brief and to the point. Simply state that you are resigning and that you would like a reference letter from your employer.
3. Explain Why You Need the Reference Letter
In the body of your letter, explain why you need the reference letter. Be specific about the type of job you’re applying for and why the reference letter would be helpful in securing the position.
4. Provide Examples
You can find examples of resignation letters requesting reference letters online. Use these as a starting point and edit them to suit your needs.
Resignation Letter Request Reference Letter Examples
Example 1: Requesting a Reference Letter for a New Job
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Date]. I have greatly enjoyed my time at [Company Name] and am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I’ve had here.
I am currently in the process of applying for a new job, and I would be honored if you could provide me with a reference letter. The position I am applying for requires a reference letter, and I believe that your letter would be invaluable in helping me secure the job.
Thank you for your understanding and support throughout my time at [Company Name]. I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about your future successes.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Requesting a Reference Letter for Graduate School
Dear [Employer’s Name],
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Date]. Over the past [Amount of Time], I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunities that [Company Name] has given me and will always treasure the memories of my time here.
I am writing to request that you provide me with a reference letter that I can use in my application to graduate school. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in [Field of Study], and I believe that your letter would be instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals.
Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout my time at [Company Name]. I hope that we can stay in touch and that I can continue to learn from your expertise in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Requesting a Reference Letter for a Promotion
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to let you know that I have decided to resign from my current position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Date]. While it is with a heavy heart that I leave such a dynamic and supportive work environment, I am excited to pursue new opportunities and challenges.
I am writing to request that you provide me with a reference letter. I am currently applying for a promotion within [Company Name] and believe that your letter would help me secure the position.
Thank you for your guidance and mentorship throughout my time at [Company Name]. I am proud to have been part of such a dynamic and innovative team, and I look forward to seeing the many ways in which [Company Name] will continue to thrive in the years ahead.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Requesting a Reference Letter for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Employer’s Name],
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to let you know that I have decided to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Date]. While I will miss working with such an inspiring group of colleagues, I am excited to pursue new challenges and opportunities.
I am writing to request that you provide me with a reference letter for a volunteer position that I am applying for. The position involves [Brief Description of Position], and I believe that your letter would be instrumental in helping me secure the position.
Thank you for your guidance and support during my time at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunities that you have given me and will always treasure the memories of my time here.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Requesting a Reference Letter for a Teaching Position
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Date]. While I will miss the camaraderie and collaboration that define this dynamic work environment, I believe that it is time for me to pursue new challenges and opportunities.
I am writing to request that you provide me with a reference letter for a teaching position that I am applying for. The position involves [Brief Description of Position], and I believe that your letter would be instrumental in helping me secure the job.
Thank you for your mentorship and guidance during my time at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunities that you have given me and will always treasure the memories of my time here.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Requesting a Reference Letter for a Business Venture
Dear [Employer’s Name],
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to let you know that I have decided to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Date]. While I am excited to pursue a new business venture, I will miss the camaraderie and support that define the culture of [Company Name].
I am writing to request that you provide me with a reference letter for my new business venture. The venture involves [Brief Description of Venture], and I believe that your letter would be instrumental in helping me secure financing and other resources for the venture.
Thank you for your mentorship and guidance throughout my time at [Company Name]. I am proud to have been part of such a dynamic and innovative team, and I look forward to staying in touch with the many talented professionals who make [Company Name] such a great place to work.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a reference letter in my resignation letter?
Yes, you can absolutely request a reference letter in your resignation letter. In fact, it’s a common practice to do so when leaving a job. Just be sure to provide enough information about the type of job you’re applying for and why you need the reference letter.
What should I include in my request for a reference letter?
When requesting a reference letter, be sure to include the following information:
- The type of job you’re applying for
- The deadline for submitting the reference letter
- Your contact information
- Any specific qualities or skills you would like the reference letter to highlight
How do I ask for a reference letter?
When asking for a reference letter, be sure to do the following:
- Choose a reference who knows you well and can speak to your skills and work ethic
- Ask the reference if they are willing to provide a reference letter
- Provide the reference with all the information they will need to write the letter
- Thank the reference for their time and support
Who should I ask for a reference letter?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and work ethic. This could be a current or former employer, a coworker, a mentor, or a teacher, depending on the type of job you’re applying for.
What should I do if my employer declines to provide a reference letter?
If your employer declines to provide a reference letter, don’t panic. You can try asking someone else who knows you well and can speak to your skills and work ethic. Alternatively, you can provide a list of references and contact information to potential employers.
Is it okay to provide a reference letter from a coworker?
Yes, it is okay to provide a reference letter from a coworker. Just be sure to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and work ethic.
Conclusion
Requesting a reference letter in your resignation letter can be a great way to ensure that you have a strong asset when applying for new jobs or other opportunities. With the tips and examples provided in this article, you should be able to write a persuasive and effective request for a reference letter that will help you achieve your professional goals.