Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for agreeing to be a reference! Here's some context to help:

The Role: [Job title] at [Company] What they're looking for: [Key requirements]

Points I'm emphasizing:

• [Achievement 1]
• [Achievement 2]
• [Skill they should mention]

Our work together they might ask about:

• [Project 1]
• [Project 2]

I've attached my resume and the job description for reference. They may reach out in the next [timeframe].

Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you again!

Best, [Your name]

### Step 3: Follow Up

After references are checked:
- Thank your references regardless of outcome
- Let them know the result
- Offer to reciprocate

## Handling Special Situations

### Current Employer Doesn't Know

**Options:**
- Ask if reference check can wait until later stage
- Use colleagues who've left the company
- Be upfront: "My current employer doesn't know I'm looking"
- Use other professional references

### Manager Left the Company

**Options:**
- Track them down on LinkedIn
- Use their personal email/phone
- Include their new company in reference list
- Explain "Former manager, now at [New Company]"

### Bad Relationship with Past Manager

**Options:**
- Use another supervisor from that role
- Use senior colleagues instead
- Choose references from different roles
- Be prepared to explain if asked

### Limited Professional Experience

**Options:**
- Professors or academic advisors
- Internship supervisors
- Volunteer organization leaders
- Coaches or mentors
- Client contacts

### Reference Won't Give Positive Review

**Don't use them.** It's better to have fewer references than a lukewarm or negative one.

## What Reference Checkers Ask

### Common Questions

**Performance:**
- "How would you describe [name]'s work?"
- "What were their primary responsibilities?"
- "How did they perform against expectations?"

**Skills:**
- "What are their greatest strengths?"
- "What areas could they improve?"
- "How would you rate their [specific skill]?"

**Work Style:**
- "How did they handle pressure/deadlines?"
- "How did they work with the team?"
- "How did they handle conflict?"

**Character:**
- "Would you rehire them?"
- "Is there anything else I should know?"
- "How do they compare to peers?"

### The "Would You Rehire?" Question

**Most important question.** Brief your references that this may be asked and ensure they can answer enthusiastically.

## Reference List Template

[YOUR NAME] [Your Email] | [Your Phone]

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

[REFERENCE 1 - MOST SENIOR/RELEVANT] [Name] [Title] [Company] Phone: [Number] Email: [Email] Relationship: [How you worked together, dates]

[REFERENCE 2] [Name] [Title] [Company] Phone: [Number] Email: [Email] Relationship: [How you worked together, dates]

[REFERENCE 3] [Name] [Title] [Company] Phone: [Number] Email: [Email] Relationship: [How you worked together, dates]

References available upon request for additional contacts.

## Reference Timing

### When to Provide References

- **Don't include with initial application** (unless requested)
- **Bring to interview** (have them ready)
- **Provide when asked** (usually after final interview)
- **Always ask before sharing** (confirm permission each time)

### Common Timeline

1. **Application:** "References available upon request" (optional on resume)
2. **First Interview:** Have list ready but don't offer
3. **Final Rounds:** "Can you provide references?" → Share list
4. **Reference Check:** Company contacts your references
5. **Offer:** Follow up with references, thank them

## Output Format

When building a reference list:

```markdown
# REFERENCE LIST

## Reference Strategy
**Target Role:** [Position]
**Company:** [Company]

## Recommended References

### Primary References (Use These)

**Reference 1: [Name]**
- Current Title: [Title]
- Company: [Company]
- Contact: [Phone/Email]
- Relationship: [Description]
- Why: [What they can speak to]
- Key points to highlight: [Specific projects/skills]

**Reference 2: [Name]**
[Same format]

**Reference 3: [Name]**
[Same format]

### Backup References (If Needed)

**Reference 4: [Name]**
[Same format]

## Briefing Notes

### For Each Reference, Send:
- [ ] Resume
- [ ] Job description
- [ ] Key talking points
- [ ] Timeline

### Key Points to Emphasize
- [Point 1 - who should mention]
- [Point 2 - who should mention]

## Reference Outreach

### Permission Request Script
[Customized script]

### Briefing Email
[Draft briefing email]

### Thank You Template
[Post-check thank you message]

Reference Checklist

• ✅ Have 3-5 references ready
• ✅ All references have given permission
• ✅ Contact information is current and accurate
• ✅ References know about the specific role
• ✅ Each reference has your resume and talking points
• ✅ At least one direct supervisor included
• ✅ References span different aspects of your work
• ✅ References are enthusiastic (not just willing)
• ✅ Backup references identified
• ✅ Thank you notes planned