# Ask a former manager to be my reference

Writes a polite reference request to a former manager or colleague, with a short brief that makes it easy for them to say yes.

- Topic: Career & Job Search
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Leadership, Write, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/ask-a-former-manager-to-be-my-reference

## Prompt

```text
Write a message asking someone to be a reference for me.

**Who:** [NAME, their role, how we worked together and when]
**How long since we last spoke:** [TIME]
**Role I'm applying for:** [ROLE, COMPANY]
**What I'd like them to speak to:** [2–3 strengths or projects]
**Timing:** [when a call or email might come]

Task:
1. Write a short, warm request (email or LinkedIn message, under 150 words) that makes it easy to say no.
2. Write a one-page reference brief to send if they agree: the role, why I'm a fit, and reminders of the work we did together with specifics.
3. Write a short thank-you note for afterwards.

Never put words in their mouth or overstate our work together.
```

## What to fill in

- NAME, their role, how we worked together and when
- TIME
- ROLE, COMPANY
- when a call or email might come

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.