How to Ask for a Professional Reference From Your Manager
When looking for fresh opportunities, many companies continue to ask candidates for a list of professional references in their resume. Sometimes, they even ask for a professional reference from your current manager.
If you are someone looking for a switch and wondering how to approach your manager for a reference for resume, then this is the blog for you!
In this blog, we will provide you the tips to follow when asking for a professional reference from your manager.
Let’s begin!
How to ask for a reference for resume
Here is a sample of how you can draft a request for a professional reference from your manager.
Hi (Manager's name),
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you to ask for your assistance in my job search process.
It would be great if I could list you as a reference in my resume who can speak about my qualifications, skills, and other abilities. I believe you are the best person who can give an honest opinion you have witnessed my work firsthand. Kindly let me know if you would be comfortable writing a professional reference for me.
I am also open to any advice or suggestions you can provide to help my job search.
I have also attached my most recent resume for your perusal. Do let me know if you need any other information from me.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Tips to follow when asking for a reference from resume
Asking for a professional reference from your manager can make you a little nervous. So, here are a few tips you can follow when approaching your manager for the same.
Ask for a professional reference directly and respectfully
It is understandable that approaching your manager for a reference for resume can make you uneasy, but treat it like a normal matter. Everyone moves on to better opportunities, so when you approach your manager don’t beat around the bushes.
Instead, speak clearly and respectfully that you are looking out for opportunities and you can list out a few factors that can justify your decision of career growth.
You can include that he/she is the best judge of your growth as an employee as you have worked under them directly and learnt the tricks of trade from them.
However, ensure that your company doesn’t consider this request for a reference for resume as a verbal resignation.
Acknowledge your manager's response
Now, there’s a fair chance that your manager might want to discuss additional opportunities within your current job role in order to retain you.
So, hear it out because it could be the breakthrough you were looking for in your career growth.
Provide all the required details for the professional reference
Always provide the required information when asking for a reference for resume from your manager or even your colleagues.
Without an understanding of the type of roles you are looking for, it would be difficult for him/her to provide a justified professional reference.
You can also attach a copy of your updated resume so that the reference is in tandem with your current employment history.
Ensure your correspondence is professional
Asking for a professional reference requires professionalism since your manager will be vouching for your skills and accomplishments.
So, ensure that you frame the email following the formal email etiquette.
In addition, go through the draft for spelling or grammatical errors to show that this is a serious matter for you.
Send a Thank you email
Similar to other formal email etiquettes, do not forget to send across a professional Thank you email after your manager sends you your professional reference.
However, even if your manager refuses to write you a reference for resume, do not forget to send a thank you note anyway. There could be many reasons for him/her not to be able to write you a reference that you are unaware of. So, don’t hold any negative feelings towards him/her.
To conclude, you need to tread the path very carefully when asking for a reference for resume from your manager as a single misstep can make your request sound like a resignation.
So, if you feel confused, you can ask a trusted senior or friend to take a look at the email draft for tonality and proof reading.
Relevant read: How to list reference on resume
All the Best!