Ask a former employer for a reference with key details, deadlines, and who it should be sent to.
Subject: Reference request – [Your name] – [Former role]
To: [HR contact / Manager name]
Company: [Company name]
Date: [DD Month YYYY]
Dear [HR contact/Manager name],
I hope you’re well. I’m applying for a new role and would be grateful if you could provide a reference for me.
Your employee details (to help locate records):
Full name: [Your full name]
Former job title: [Job title]
Employment dates: [DD Month YYYY] to [DD Month YYYY]
Work location/department (if relevant): [Department/location]
Reference to be sent to: [Recruiter/company name]
Email/Link: [Email address or reference portal link]
Deadline (if any): [DD Month YYYY]
If your policy is to provide a standard factual reference only (role and dates), that is absolutely fine. Please let me know once it has been sent.
Thank you for your help,
[Your full name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]