How to Ask for a Job Reference

When asking for a reference from someone you know, a client, former or even current boss, there are a few things you should remember. I would like to share them with you today. Hopefully, these are the tips you have been looking for and it separates you from the rest of the pack.

#1 Deserve it -- You have to be able to ask for a job reference from a superior or client because you deserve it, not because you think they are your friend and should just give it to you. When someone signs up to give you a job reference, they are attaching a little bit of their integrity along with it. You don’t perform on the job well may not effect them directly, but their word diminishes just a little.

Do the work well. Be known as a hard worker before you need to ask for a job reference. This way, you will have people ready, willing, and waiting to give you a job reference because they have confidence in your work ethic.

#2 Ask for permission -- If you are going to use someone as a reference, do yourself and them a favor and ask for it first. There is nothing worst than getting a phone call from an employer asking about you and the person wasn’t aware you were using them as a reference. They may cover for you, but this is just not good networking practice.

Let this person know you plan to use them as a reference and why you selected them. If you have been doing step one correctly and you deserve the reference, then just should just be an exercise and practice.

#3 Ask for advice – Chances are you selected this person for a reference because you respect them in the field and they have maybe been where you are headed. Take the opportunity you have with them on the phone or in a meeting to ask for a bit of advice. You have to get in the habit of seizing opportunities to pick the brains of successful people. This is an appropriate time to do it if you are professional and prepared. Don’t waste their time.

#4 Verify Contact Information -- You have successfully gotten your target reference to agree to provide a reference for you. Now you have to collect their information and verify that you have it correct when you add it to your reference list and resume. You want to avoid a situation where your perspective employer calls the wrong number or request information from the wrong address. That would be a disaster.