Ask someone for a reference: free email
You're applying for a job or a home and need someone to vouch for you.
What to do
- Ask before you give anyone's details to an employer or landlord.
- Remind them what you did together. It makes their job easier.
- Say thank you afterwards, whatever happens.
The email
Fill in the boxes. What you type stays on this phone.
The referee's email address.
Your email, ready to send
9 gaps left to fill, marked [like this].
Dear [Name],
I hope you're well. I'm applying for [role or place] with [organisation], and I'd be very grateful if you'd be willing to act as a referee.
We worked together at [place] from [dates], where I [one line about what you did].
If you're happy to, they may contact you at [email] around [time frame]. Please let me know if you'd rather not. I completely understand.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Ask Alice to adjust the tone
Alice gets only the blank letter, with its gaps [in brackets]. Nothing you typed is sent. You read it in the chat and press send yourself.
See exactly what will be sent
Please rewrite this letter to sound kinder. Keep every gap in [square brackets] exactly as it is, word for word. Keep every fact and request. Don't add any phone numbers, laws, deadlines or names. Dear [Name], I hope you're well. I'm applying for [role or place] with [organisation], and I'd be very grateful if you'd be willing to act as a referee. We worked together at [place] from [dates], where I [one line about what you did]. If you're happy to, they may contact you at [email] around [time frame]. Please let me know if you'd rather not. I completely understand. Thank you, [Your name]
Share this page
Sends the link only. Nothing you typed.
Last checked 30 September 2026 · Reviewed by Phil (letter published on /letters, 30 Sept 2026) · General information, not legal advice. Free from AliceBuddy: no sign-up, no ads, and what you type stays on your phone.