The Reference Round Up‍

Today’s mission is to secure three rock-solid references that truly reflect your strengths. Now this isn’t just about lining up people to vouch for you — it’s about curating a network that amplifies your career story, boosts your confidence, and sets you up for future success.

Step 1: Identify your options

Think of three people from different stages of your career who can each highlight unique aspects of your work. Here’s some ideas:

• Someone who managed you: They can speak to your work ethic, reliability, and how you handle feedback.
• A peer or colleague: They can vouch for your collaboration, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
• Someone you’ve managed, mentored, or helped: They can highlight your leadership qualities, empathy, and impact on others.

Make a quick note about why each of these people would make a great reference and what specific traits or achievements you’d like them to mention. Aim for diversity in perspectives.

Step 2: Choose Your Reference Type

Consider what type of reference will best serve you right now.

• Are you casually looking for a new role or just broadly networking? A LinkedIn recommendation is perfect: it’s visible, keeps your profile fresh, and is easy for others to read when checking you out.
• Are you deep in the job search process? You’ll want someone ready to speak as a verbal reference for recruiters or hiring managers who reach out.
• Are you early in your career? A written reference can make a strong impact, especially if it comes from someone with credibility in your field.

Deciding which option fits your needs helps tee you up for success.

Step 3: Tailor your ask

For each person, write down a quick recap of what you worked on together, why it was significant, and how it connects to where you are now. Mention specific skills or projects that highlight your growth and impact. This will help your reference see how they can frame their feedback.

Don’t Forget! Start with a Genuine Connection  
How can you check in with your potential reference in a way that feels genuine? Take a moment to say hello, ask how they’re doing, and show interest in what they’re up to before diving into your request. A thoughtful greeting sets the tone for a more comfortable, natural conversation.

Step 4: Return the favor

For each person who agrees to be your reference, consider offering to be one for them as well. Even better: proactively think about someone in your network—someone who’s impacted your career—and write a LinkedIn recommendation for them unprompted!

Bonus Challenge: Draft Your Own Reference (Just in Case)‍

In some cases, references appreciate a little help in drafting their recommendation. As a final step, try writing a short, 3-4 sentence self-endorsement that highlights the key points you want covered and share it as a starting point for someone to personalize.

Alright, that’s a wrap. You’ve done the prep—now go put it into action and start building up your reference roster.

And don’t forget: Save your reference request drafts under Communications in your Organizer for easy access down the road!

General Template:

Hi [Name],

Hope you’re doing well! How’s everything going with [mention the person’s company, organization, or personal interest]?

I’m reaching out because I’ve been interviewing for a [position name] role at [company], and I’d love to have you as a reference. I thought of you since we [ways in which you’ve worked together], and I think you’d be able to speak to my [mention key skills or abilities relevant to the position].

To make things easy, I’ve attached my current resume along with the job description. The hiring team is especially interested in someone who [brief description of what they’re looking for]. If you’re able to help, it would be fantastic if you could highlight:

• [1-2 specific skills or strengths that align with the job]
• [A relevant project or achievement you worked on together]
• [Something unique about your work style or strengths that sets you apart]

If you’re able to do this, just let me know the best contact info to share and if there’s anything else I can provide on my end. I expect they’ll reach out around [time frame], so I wanted to give you a heads up!

And of course, if now isn’t a good time or if you’re not comfortable, no worries at all—I completely understand. Thank you so much for considering, and let me know if I can return the favor anytime!

Thanks and look forward to catching up soon!

[Your Name]

When it’s been a while since you last connected:‍

“Hi [Name], it’s been a while! I hope things are going well for you. I was thinking back to our time on [mention project or role] and how much I learned working together. I’m actually applying for a new role in [industry/position] and would be honored if you’d be open to being a reference. I’d be happy to share a quick update on what I’ve been up to if that would be helpful!”

When you want to make it as easy as possible:

‍“If you’re comfortable being a reference, I’d be glad to put together a few points or even a draft for you to review and tweak. I know you’re super busy, and I’d love to make this as simple as possible for you!”