Seeking new opportunities while you are still working is common and you may need a reference. It is advisable to ask for it from your previous employer to avoid giving the current one a notion that you want to leave.
Here are some examples of how to ask your previous employer for a reference.
Key things to pay attention to before sending out the email
01Who to ask for a reference
Ask for a reference from a previous employer who is conversant with your character and abilities.
They are likely to explain details of how you work best based on them working with you for a while.
They will explain your strengths and may pinpoint areas of weakness and ways to make you better for the role.
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02Making a better request
Convincing your previous employer to write you a reference takes time and a lot of effort. It demands that you request them to do so and give them time to think about it.
When they reply and are willing to take up the task, you are sure to have a positive reference. They are likely to write positive remarks about your skills, ability, and experience.
03Offering updated details of yourself
When you left the previous job, you improved some skills so can take up more tasks. You need to include these details in the e-mail to inform your previous employer of the progress you have had so far.
Ensure they stay updated with the job description you apply for to help them include relevant credentials.
The supporting materials boost your chances of convincing the interviewing committee through your reference letter.
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04Writing an informative e-mail
The subject line is probably the first thing the previous employer would see. It is crucial to include your main point of concern to ensure they read and respond with effect.
Do not forget to include details of your contacts, which may include a phone number or e-mail address. It gives them a chance to reach out for clarifications.
Furthermore, with each “how to ask your previous employer for a reference” example, do not fail to thank them for considering your request.
How to ask your previous employer for a reference examples when you happily left the previous company of your own accord
Leaving your previous job to look for better career prospects and work opportunities are normal.
You may use the following how to ask your previous employer for a reference examples below.
01Dear Mr. Liam,
I hope you are fine and that everything at the factory is running smoothly.
I write to ask if you could please write a positive letter of reference.
I am applying for a higher post as a fabricator as I am conversant with the job description.
Over the last five years, I have gained experience in understanding instructions deeply with other skills included in the attached resume.
Thank you for your consideration. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Photo by Amy Hirschi under Unsplash License
02Dear Mrs. Rodgers,
It has been four years since we worked together, and I admit that I miss the hard work and effort we put in to double sales.
I am writing to ask if you will feel comfortable writing a positive reference letter that includes skills i acquired while working under you.
I seek to explore new grounds and am now open to challenges related to working on international grounds.
I have attached my resume, accompanied by information about my job description for you to stay updated on my progress.
I appreciate your consideration.
How to Ask Your Previous Employer for a Reference + Email Examples
03Dear Mr. Kelvin,
The last few years at Oral Company shaped me, making me glad to be among the best-listed employees.
It molded me to be the best sportsman in my current job and helped me acquire competitive skills in the last two years before changing towns.
I would appreciate it if you would be available to serve as my reference as I apply for the senior sportsmanship position at WoodBark.
I plan to travel the world and inspire individuals to keep fit, while using their program as I work on making their company better.
Attached is my resume and job description. Thank you for considering my request.
Photo by Helena Lopes under Unsplash
How to ask your previous employer for a reference examples when you involuntarily left your previous company because of company downsizing
Company downsizing negatively affects you when the job was your sole source of income. But it is still fine to ask your previous employer for a reference when it happens.
04Dear Mrs. Ann,
I am grateful to have worked with you in the marketing department for two years. Would you mind me asking you to act as my reference as I apply for the Marketing Manager?
After I left, I moved to working as an assistant Marketing Manager, where I improved on paying strong attention to details. It is among some of the skills included in my attached resume.
I appreciate your consideration and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
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05Dear Mr. James,
I write to ask you to write my reference letter if you are comfortable and open to the idea.
I was your Accountant for three years.
I am now seeking to work as a senior accountant at the Standwick bank and would appreciate it if you could please include positive remarks in the letter.
I have included details of my job description and a resume with information about my character and skills.
Thank you for considering my request.
06Dear Mrs. Samantha,
I hope that this finds you well. I write to ask you to be my reference as I apply for the Editorial position.
My work at The Times magazine was full of commitment and positive results through your help.
My job description provides details of my work to help you mention the most relevant skills you noticed from me.
Accompanying it is my resume that discloses some of my hidden talents and contact information.
I hope to hear back from you soon. Thank you for considering my request.
How to ask previous employer for reference examples from your previous manager who is no longer working in your previous company
When your former employer shifts to working in another company, it is still fine to request them to act as your reference.
Here are some ways on how to ask previous employer for reference.
07Dear Mr. Harman,
Congratulations on your new position at Velvet company as the new CEO. It has been natural for you to lead and nurture leaders, hence helping me to develop these skills. I am currently seeking to apply for a new job.
I write to ask you to write a reference letter for me as I am applying for the endorsement position. Attached are full details of my skills and job description.
I appreciate your consideration and hope to hear from you.
Photo by Agatha . on Reshot
08Dear Mrs. Scar,
Ever since I heard of your success after being the Manager at Opal, I have always worked to find a better position.
I am glad to say that I am applying for the Accounting Manager position.
I would like you to act as my reference and include positive remarks about my skills and character. I look forward to hearing from you through the contact details in my resume.
Thank you for your consideration.
Conclusion
You need to include relevant reasons why you would like your employer to write you a reference letter.
You have to include detailed information in the request letter for them to consider it.
The above examples of how to ask your previous employer for a reference should guide you down the right track.
