Sample Reference Request Letters

Here are model request letters you might consider given different situations.

Model #1: A letter to a professor the student studied with and/or worked for.

Dear Dr. Jones:

I write to ask if I could list you as a reference for a few specific jobs I am applying for as well as other jobs I anticipate applying for.

As I prepare to finish this semester, I am in the process of looking for internship opportunities around the Seattle area that will allow me to develop my interest and training in ________ Engineering. I am particularly interested in positions available with the ______ Company and The Washington Division of ____.

At this time, I only need to provide a list of references. If you would be willing to serve as a reference, I will send you the necessary materials to update you on my background immediately.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,

A Very Good Student!

MODEL #2: (a letter sent to a person for whom the student works)

Hello _______:

I am writing to ask if I could list you as a reference for jobs I'll be looking for in the next few months.

As I prepare to complete my thesis research in your lab, I am in the process of looking for employment opportunities around the Bay Area that will allow me to develop my interest in issues of public health. Public health is an interest that has been considerably strengthened by my work in your lab. I am particularly interested in jobs with Breast Cancer Action, an education and advocacy group, St. Anthony's Foundation, a nonprofit agency dedicated to health and education issues among the homeless in San Francisco, and Oakland Teaching Fellows, which trains teachers to work within the Oakland Unified School District.

May I list you as a reference for these and other jobs? If so, I will be happy to provide you with any additional materials necessary to provide the most complete picture of my abilities and interests.

Thank you in advance for all your assistance.

(Full name of student)

MODEL #3: (a letter sent to a professor the student took many hours with as an undergraduate and who had previously agreed to serve as a reference. The student is on good personal terms with this professor. )

Hello _________:

I am writing to confirm that it is okay to continue to list you as a reference for some jobs I'll be applying for in the next few months. I really appreciate the fact you said you’d be willing to do this, but I just want to check that it’s still okay by you.

As I mentioned to you the other day when we spoke, I'm in the process of finishing up my Master's degree at Berkeley, and am looking into employment opportunities around the Bay Area that will allow me to develop my interest in issues of public health and social justice. I am particularly interested in positions available with Breast Cancer Action, a non-profit agency dedicated to education and advocacy that works closely with the Hispanic community, St. Anthony's Foundation, a nonprofit agency dedicated to health and education issues among the homeless in San Francisco, many of whom are Spanish-speaking. These are jobs I plan to apply for.

At this time, I just need to know whether I may continue to list you as a reference. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance, and for all the help and support you have provided my mother and me over the years.

(Name of student)