Employment references and recommendations are vital for your job application. Learn how to list your references, and get your network to provide you with strong recommendations and letters of reference.
Senior businesswoman working at computer
Example of a Reference Letter for a Job
two young women having a conversation over coffee
Here Are Some Tips on Using a Friend as a Reference
Portrait of smiling mixed race businesswoman at computer
Reference Letter Samples From an Employee's Manager
Sending email to colleague requesting a reference
Tips for Sending an Email to Request a Reference
Reference letter for a friend
How To Write a Reference Letter for a Friend
Portrait of man sitting at his desk in office
How to Write a Business Reference Letter
This illustration shows what to know about academic reference letters, such as that it's a one- to two-page letter that highlights a student's academic history, character, and academic and/or career goals; it provides insight into what kind of student and/or potential employee they are; and it is often requested in a sealed envelope with the signature of the letter's author over the seal.
Learn About Reference and Request Letters for Academic Recommendations
This illustration shows what to include in a promotion recommendation letter including "Show candidate's ethics & skill set as apt foundation for promotion," "Specific examples to prove your points," "Match candidate's skills to the job they're applying for," and "Demonstrations of candidate's leadership or maturity."
How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Promotion
Image shows a hand holding up a piece of paper with a small thank you card at the bottom right. Text reads: "Choose someone who: thinks highly of you, can speak about your professional skills. Be sure to: ask permission before sharing their name, give an easy way to decline, and be polite and warm. Mention: why they would be an ideal reference, background information including your current resume, your prospective job, your relevant skills. When you get the job, send a thank you note!"
Sample Letters and Email Messages Asking for a Reference
Young woman using laptop at home
Sample Emails to Request a Reference From a Professor or Advisor
Business consultation with new client after getting a professional service recommendation.
Check Out Sample Recommendation Letters for Service Providers
Businessman signing letter
Recommendation Letter Samples for Employment
Co-workers discussing the working of a reference they are writing.
Here Are 13 Tips for Choosing the Best Job References
writing a reference letter
Free Reference Letter Template for Employment
Woman drafting letter
What to Include in a Letter of Recommendation
Blood sample for testing
Understanding Blood Drug Tests for Employment
Woman using laptop at dining room table
Tips on How to Ask and Get a Great Job Recommendation
Laid-off man in cubicle packing personal items into a container
Reference Letter Example for a Laid Off Employee
Image shows a person writing on paper. Text reads: Steps to take before submitting references: Ask permission from each of your references; Provide references with a heads up that someone might be calling to ask about you; Remind references about your skills and accomplishments; Make sure list of references is up to date, accurate, and error-free"
How to Format a List of References for Employment
Man reviewing a recommendation
Customize Your Own Recommendation Letter With This Template
Businessman typing on laptop
Use This Email Example to Request a Reference
Illustration of detectives examining a computer, representing employment background checks.
What is Included in an Employment Background Check
Woman handing document to employer
What You Should Know About Job References
Image shows a woman with red curly hair writing a handwritten letter. Out of the letter is a small bubble depicting another woman, posing with her hands on her hips, indicating she is the subject of the letter. Text reads: "What to include in a character reference letter: 1) State your relationship with the job candidate and how long you have known him or her. 2) Focus on one or two of the candidate's strongest qualities or skills that you think will make them stand out in the job search. 3) Provide contact information."
Character Reference Letter Example and Writing Tips
Words "Background Check" on a keyboard.
What Are Potential Employers Allowed to Ask in a Background Check?
Professor and student reviewing essay in lecture hall
Best Way to Get a Recommendation from a Professor
Woman using laptop in home office
The Best Ways to Get Great Recommendations on LinkedIn
Two businesswomen shaking hands after agreeing to give a reference.
What Is a Professional Reference?
Businessman meeting with client
Sample Reference List for Employment
Laboratory Urine Cup for Drug Testing
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Women Working Together
How to Get A Good Recommendation Letter
Woman on phone with laptop
Who You Should Ask for an Employment Reference
Japanese student to browse the job information
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Summer Worker
This illustration lists what to know about a character reference letter including "Focuses on character over job experience and technical skills," "Emphasizes personal qualities like loyalty, ethics and trustworthiness," "Written by someone who knows you well, like a family friend," and "Can help job application stand out, if employment background isn't strong."
Character Reference Letter Sample for Employment Purposes
College student with professor
Tips for Writing a Great Student Recommendation Letter
Businesswoman speaking with co-worker in open office
Writing an Employee Recommendation Letter
Text reads: "Tips for writing a personal recommendation letter: focus on the job description; think carefully before accepting this task; use the official business letter format; explain how you know the person, and for how long; share your contact information; remain positive"
Personal Recommendation Letter Samples
This illustration lists tips for requesting a reference including "Choose whom to ask wisely," "Phrase your request carefully," "Include all useful information," "Edit your correspondence carefully," "Use postal mail or email," and "Say thank you."
How to Ask Someone To Be a Reference (With Letter Examples)
Child care worker and children
Child Care Reference Letter and Email Examples
Woman working on laptop
See a Sample Employment Reference Letter Written by a Manager
Should You Include References on Your Resume?
What to include in a reference request letter
How to Request a Reference Letter for Employment
Mouth swab drug test detect marijuana, alcohol, opioids and other drugs.
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Law School Student reading in law library
How Do You Write a Reference Letter for Law School?
woman typing on laptop
How to Turn Down a Reference Request
Smiling woman talks on the phone and looks at paperwork
What Is a Reference Check?
Mature Businesswoman Talking On The Phone And Examining Documents.
Tips for Getting Ready for a Background Check for a new Job
Business people talking in office
Tips for Turning Down a Request for a Reference
Business people eviewing a document on a tablet
Best Letter Samples for Writing a Positive Recommendation
This illustration describes "How long drugs and alcohol show up on a drug test–Beer: 12-48 hours, Chronic use of marijuana: Several weeks, Casual marijuana use: Up to a week, Barbiturates: 1-3 weeks, methadone: 2-4 days, benzodiazepines: up to 30 days, amphetamines: 2-4 days"
What You Should Know About Passing Employment Drug Tests
High school students walking down the hall with backpacks.
Sample Reference Letters for a High School Student
Woman making presentation
Recommendation Letter Examples for an Internship
Woman writing at table by window
How Do You Phrase a Letter for a Negative Recommendation?
Woman working at computer
Recommendation Letter Sample for a Business School Student
Businesswoman using cell phone in library
Tips for Following Up With Your References
Credit report form on a desk
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Background Checks