Thank you for the reference, {{first_name}}

Hi {{first_name}},

I'm interviewing for a [[type of role]] position at [[company]], and your perspective would carry the most weight for this one. The role focuses on [[key responsibility or skill area]], which maps directly to the work we did together on [[specific project or initiative]].

If you're willing, I'd prepare you with a short brief covering the role, what to expect on the call, and the specific points I'd want highlighted. No call would happen without advance notice from me.

Would that work for you?

[[Your name]]

Hi {{first_name}},

I sent a note about a week ago asking if you'd be willing to serve as a professional reference for some roles I'm interviewing for. Just wanted to check whether that's something you'd be comfortable with.

Completely understand if it doesn't work. Just let me know either way so I can plan accordingly.

[[Your name]]

Hi {{first_name}},

Thank you again for agreeing to be a reference. [[Company name]] may be reaching out soon for the [[job title]] role. Here's what would help:

About the role: [[1-2 sentence summary of the position and what they're looking for]] Key points to cover: [[specific skill or experience 1]] and [[specific skill or experience 2]] Our shared work: [[brief reminder of the project or period you worked together, e.g., "the platform migration project at [company] in 2023"]]

The call is usually 10-15 minutes. They'll likely ask about my strengths, areas for growth, and how I work with a team. No need to prepare a script. Your honest perspective is exactly what they're looking for.

Thank you for doing this.

[[Your name]]