One way to raise your chances of getting a job is to supplement your application with a number of references, particularly those from individuals who may be deemed qualified to put in a good word in your favor. These people will be listed in your reference sheet, a compilation of contacts that potential employers can call to verify some of the information you provide in your application.
While you can plug anyone’s name into that list, it’s usually best to get in touch with that person first and get their permission. The last thing you want is a contact reference taken by surprise – you’ll never know just what they’ll say. If you include a previous supervisor, for instance, they might end up taking a while before remembering you or, worse, not recall who you are, at all.
You can ask permission to include someone in your reference sheet through any means. However, we highly recommend doing it over email, as that allows the recipient to keep a copy of your correspondence that they can refer to. It also makes it easy for them to decline your request if they wish, a better proposition than feeling compelled to agree against their better judgment.
When writing your reference request with the help of a writing software, take note of the following guidelines:
- Start by reintroducing yourself. Some contacts might have a hard time remembering you. Detailing your previous situation upfront makes it easier for them.
- Provide a summary of your most recent accomplishments and qualifications. This lets them know what you are up to, giving them an accurate depiction of where you are right now in your career.
- Explicitly ask to include them in your reference sheet, stating exactly how it will be used. Make sure to inform them that they might receive queries from a number of potential employers asking about you.
- Include a copy of your resume, in case they want to brush up on your work and skill history.
- Close it by stating that if you do not hear from them, you will assume they are fine with being included in your reference sheet (this is only to get them to respond). Make sure to find enough respondents who agree to being used in your reference list, though, so you may exclude those who did not give explicit permission.
Tags: letter-writing, reference letter
