10 Effective Reference Check Email Sample Templates for Your Hiring Process

Have you ever been tasked with conducting reference checks for job candidates and found yourself unsure of what to say or how to say it? Fear not, dear reader, for we have compiled a comprehensive reference check email sample to make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re a seasoned HR professional or a newcomer to the world of hiring, these examples will provide you with a roadmap for crafting effective reference check emails. From simple templates to more detailed, customized messages, we’ve got it all covered. So sit back, relax, and peruse our collection of reference check email samples – you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. And the best part? You can easily edit these templates to fit your specific requirements. With our help, conducting reference checks has never been easier.

The Best Structure for a Reference Check Email Sample

When it comes to reference check emails, the structure is just as important as the substance. A well-structured email can help ensure that you get the information you need in a timely manner, while a poorly structured email can lead to confusion and delays. In this article, we’ll explore the best structure for a reference check email sample, drawing on the expertise of Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Work Week” and a renowned productivity expert.

The first thing to keep in mind when structuring your reference check email is that you want to make it as easy as possible for the person you’re contacting to respond. This means being clear and concise in your communication, and providing them with all the information they need to complete the reference check quickly and accurately.

One effective structure for a reference check email is to begin with a brief introduction, explaining who you are and why you’re contacting the person. You should then provide them with an outline of what you need from them, including any specific questions you want them to answer or information you require.

Next, it’s a good idea to include some context to help the person understand why you’re asking for a reference check. This might include information about the position you’re hiring for, the company you work for, or any specific challenges you’re facing in your search for the right candidate.

Once you’ve provided this context, you should then move on to the specific questions you want the person to answer. These questions should be clear and concise, and should focus on the skills and attributes that are most important for the position you’re hiring for. It can also be helpful to ask the person for specific examples of when they’ve seen the candidate demonstrate these skills or attributes, as this can provide valuable insight into their abilities.

Finally, it’s important to wrap up your reference check email by thanking the person for their time and letting them know what the next steps will be. This might include letting them know when they can expect to hear back from you, or providing them with additional information about the position or the company.

By following this structure for your reference check email, you’ll be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the person you’re asking for a reference from, helping to ensure that you get the information you need in a timely manner. So the next time you’re crafting a reference check email, remember to keep it clear, concise, and focused on the needs of your hiring process.

Sample Reference Check Email for a Former Employee

Reference Check for Jane Doe

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to inquire about Jane Doe’s employment with your company. I understand that she has listed you as a reference in her job search.

Jane worked for me at XYZ Corporation for three years as a project manager. During her tenure, she consistently demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills. She was able to manage complex projects from start to finish, ensuring they were delivered within the allocated budget and timeline. Her communication skills were excellent, and she was able to effectively manage various stakeholders.

If there are any specific questions you have about Jane’s performance or work, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Reference Check Email for a Personal Reference

Reference Check for John Smith

Dear [Reference’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a personal reference for John Smith, who has listed you as a reference in his job search.

John is someone I have known for many years and has always been a reliable and trustworthy friend. He is a hardworking individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning new things. I am confident that he would make a valuable addition to any team.

If you could provide any insights into John’s character and work ethic, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Reference Check Email for an Academic Reference

Reference Check for Sarah Lee

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I am writing to request a reference for Sarah Lee, who has listed you as an academic reference in her graduate school application.

Sarah was a student in your Economics class at ABC University, where she consistently demonstrated a great work ethic and a strong desire to learn. She was an active participant in class discussions and was always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers. Her academic performance was excellent, and she consistently received high grades.

If you could provide any insights into Sarah’s academic abilities and work ethic, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Reference Check Email for a Tenant Reference

Reference Check for Emily Davis

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a reference for Emily Davis, who has listed you as her former landlord in her rental application.

Emily is a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid her rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. She was respectful to her neighbors and followed all the rules and regulations stated in the lease agreement. She left the rental property in immaculate condition when she moved out, and I highly recommend her as a tenant.

If you require any additional information or would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Reference Check Email for a Volunteer Reference

Reference Check for Michael Nguyen

Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],

I am writing to request a reference for Michael Nguyen, who has listed you as a volunteer reference in his college application.

Michael volunteered for our organization as a mentor for disadvantaged youth for over a year. During his time with us, he developed strong relationships with the youth and helped them overcome their personal difficulties. He demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills and was able to assist the youth in achieving their goals.

If you could provide any insights into Michael’s work as a mentor and his personal qualities, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Reference Check Email for a Colleague Reference

Reference Check for Mark Johnson

Dear [Colleague’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a reference for Mark Johnson, who has listed you as a reference in his job search.

Mark and I worked together at ABC Company for three years, where we collaborated on various projects. During his time at the company, Mark demonstrated excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and a keen ability to work under pressure. He was an asset to the team and was always willing to go above and beyond to ensure project success.

If there are any specific questions you have about Mark’s performance or work, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Reference Check Email for a Business Partner Reference

Reference Check for ABC Company

Dear [Business Partner’s Name],

I am writing to request a reference for our potential business partner, ABC Company.

We are interested in forming a partnership with them, and we would greatly appreciate any insights you could provide on their reliability, work ethic, and the quality of their products or services. We believe that ABC Company could be a valuable addition to our network of partners and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Crafting an Effective Reference Check Email Sample

Getting reference checks right is crucial to the hiring process, as a positive reference can significantly boost a candidate’s chances of getting a job. If you’re tasked with performing reference checks, it’s important to take it seriously and ensure you’re asking the right questions. One of the most critical steps in the process is crafting an effective reference check email sample. Here are a few tips to help you get it right:

  • Be Clear and Concise – Make sure your reference check email is clear and to the point. Provide a brief introduction about your company and the position you’re looking to fill. Let the reference know how much time it will take to complete the survey or phone call.
  • Provide Detailed Instructions – Make sure your reference check email includes clear and detailed instructions on how to respond. Whether you’re using an online form or conducting a phone interview, let the reference know what to expect and what the process entails.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions – Rather than asking yes or no questions, try to ask open-ended questions that encourage the reference to provide detailed and insightful feedback. For example, instead of asking “Was the candidate punctual?” you could ask “Can you provide an example of a time when the candidate demonstrated punctuality?”
  • Be Respectful of Time – The person you’re asking to provide a reference may have busy schedules. It’s important to be respectful of their time. Schedule an appointment and stick to it. If you need responses by a certain date, let the reference know and follow up if necessary.
  • Use Appropriate Tone and Language – The language used in your reference check email should be professional and courteous. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language that the reference may not understand. The tone should be respectful and appreciative of the reference’s time.

In conclusion, writing an effective reference check email sample requires careful thought and consideration. By following these tips, you can ensure that your reference checks are conducted efficiently and respectfully. Remember to be clear, provide detailed instructions, ask open-ended questions, respect the reference’s time, and use appropriate tone and language. Doing so can ensure that you get the information you need to make an informed hiring decision.

Reference Check Email Sample FAQs


What is a reference check email sample?

A reference check email sample is a template or example of an email that is used to request information from a candidate’s professional references. It typically includes questions related to the candidate’s work experience, character, and skills.

When should I use a reference check email sample?

You should use a reference check email sample after you have conducted interviews with a candidate and are considering offering them a job. This allows you to confirm their qualifications and suitability for the role.

What should be included in a reference check email sample?

A reference check email sample should include a brief introduction, a request for information, a list of questions related to the candidate’s work experience, skills, and character, and information on how to respond to the email.

How should I address the recipient of the reference check email?

You should address the recipient of the reference check email in a formal manner, using their professional title and surname (e.g. “Dear Dr. Smith”).

What questions should I include in my reference check email sample?

The questions you include in your reference check email sample should be tailored to the specific role and the candidate’s experience. Some common questions include asking about the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, work ethic, and ability to work in a team.

How should I follow up on a reference check email?

If you do not hear back from the reference within the timeframe specified in the email, you may want to send a polite follow-up email or make a phone call to ask if they received the request and if they are able to provide the information you need.

How should I use the information obtained from a reference check email?

The information obtained from a reference check email should be considered along with other information gathered during the hiring process to make an informed decision about whether to offer the candidate a job. It is important to verify the information provided by the candidate and ensure that it is consistent with what is reported by their references.

Thanks for Checking Out our Reference Check Email Sample!

We hope our sample has given you a jumpstart in crafting your own reference check email. Remember to always be professional and polite, and always tailor your email to the specific candidate and job you are recruiting for. If you need any more tips or advice, don’t hesitate to come back and visit us again. Thanks for reading!