During your internship or job search, you may be asked to provide a potential employer with a list of references. “Reference checks” usually happen at the end of an interview process, to which employers typically refer to the references you provided to carry out a “professional background check”.

Reference checks are a way for employers to fact-check information gathered from your resume and interview answers, and gain additional context about your work performance, skills, and fit for the role.   

This article shares who to ask, when to ask, and how to ask someone to be a job or internship reference for you.

Who to ask for a job reference

When deciding who to ask to be a reference for you, consider individuals who you believe will speak highly about your skills, work ethic, and qualifications. You want to choose someone who is familiar with you in a professional setting. Employers will typically ask for up to three references.  

References could be:  

• Former managers or supervisors  
• Former co-workers or employees
• Advisors, teachers, professors, mentors
• Connections from volunteer work like staff you worked with or other volunteers
• Connections from professional societies or clubs like fellow student members or faculty advisors

When narrowing your list of who to ask, consider how recent you’ve worked with them, their familiarity with your work style, how closely you’ve worked or collaborated with them, and what perspective they could offer a potential employer regarding your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications.  

When to ask for a job reference

You should ALWAYS ask the person to be your reference before putting their name down. And when it comes to timing, the sooner the better!  

Once you decide on who you want to ask to be your references, it’s suggested to notify them before you begin the interview process. It’s best to give ample amount of time for individuals to consider the request. Being a reference does take some time and energy, so be mindful of the time commitment it requires of them.  

How to ask for a job reference

When asking someone to be your reference, an email request will suffice. The main elements to include in your request are a clear question, the types of positions you’re applying to or the specific job description and company, a few things you hope they can speak about that relate to the position, and for their updated and preferred contact information (email, phone number).  

Additional context can be helpful in providing a potential reference with adequate information to decide whether to be your reference or not, and to ensure they represent you well.  

Here is some context you can consider covering in your request:  

• Connect the dots between when you spoke with them last and any career updates you’ve made on your career journey  
• Remind the person who you are (if necessary)  
• Explain how you value their perspective and opinion  
• Include the types of positions you’ve been applying to or plan to apply to 
• If you’re asking them to be a reference for a specific opportunity, include the company name and information about the company, the role you’re being considered for and any specific information you’d like them to speak to.  
• Include adequate materials – usually it helps to include your resume and if you’re already being considered for a position, send them the job description for the role  
• Request their permission and ask for contact details  
• Sign off with gratitude and a thank you 

It’s also important to remember someone who’s serving as a reference for you, is doing you a favor! So be sure to be polite and communicate your gratitude. 

How to follow up with your references

Whenever you’ve asked someone to be your reference, it’s important to thank them when they agree to be your reference as well as after every reference they’ve provided. If you proactively ask someone to be your reference before you begin your internship or job search, it’s important to keep them updated when you’re notified that your references will be contacted.  

Why is this important? Giving your references a quick heads-up keeps them in the know and allows them to be mindful of incoming contact from employers you’ve interviewed with. It also gives them time to ask you questions and prepare if they feel like it’s necessary. In the end, this means you’ll get a better reference and better chances of getting the role. Plus, this helps maintain your relationship with your reference. 

It’s best practice to keep them updated on the status of your application – if you were given an offer, if you’ve accepted, if you were turned down, etc. Always express your gratitude for their time and send them a note or email formally thanking them.  

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