Reference Request Letter (Acas)
This template is a formal letter used by an employer to request a reference for a job applicant. It provides options for a basic work reference, a detailed work reference, or a character reference, allowing the sender to gather specific information about the applicant's past employment or character.
Reference Request Letter (Template)
[sender name]
[employer name and address]
[date]
Dear [referee name]
RE: [applicant name]
The person named above has applied for the position of [job title]. They have given your name as a referee.
I would be grateful if you could fill in the following details, so I can assess whether the applicant is suitable for this position:
Use either option A, B or C.
Option A: basic work reference
Position held at your organisation:
Dates of employment:
Option B: detailed work reference
Position held at your organisation:
Dates of employment:
Main duties held:
Salary:
Sickness or absence record – do not include absences related to disability or to parental rights, for example maternity leave:
Any current, relevant disciplinary records:
Reason for leaving job:
Option C: character reference
Your relationship to the applicant:
How long you’ve known them:
Comment on character and strengths:
Suitability for the new role:
Please also include any other relevant additional comments you have about the employee. To return the reference, please reply to this email address / use the enclosed stamped addressed envelope.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. The information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
Yours sincerely
[sender name]
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About this template
What is this template?
This is a formal request letter sent during a recruitment process to verify an applicant's background. It contains three distinct response formats and specific instructions to exclude disability-related or parental leave absences from sickness records. It is not an offer of employment or a contract.
When should you use it?
Use this letter after a job candidate has provided referee details and before finalising an employment offer. If you need to formalise the job offer itself instead of checking references, use an Employment Offer Letter.
What's inside
| Clause | Name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Option A | Option A: basic work reference | Requests only the position held at the referee's organization and the specific dates of employment. |
| Option B | Option B: detailed work reference | Requests comprehensive data including main duties, salary, sickness records excluding disability/parental leave, and current disciplinary records. |
| Option C | Option C: character reference | Asks the referee to describe their relationship to the applicant and comment on their strengths and suitability. |
| final paragraphs | Confidentiality and Return | Specifies that the information provided will be kept strictly confidential and provides options for return by email or post. |
Who it's for
- a hiring manager requesting verification of a candidate's previous job title and employment dates
- an employer seeking details on an applicant's salary and disciplinary history from a previous workplace
- a recruiter needing a character assessment from a personal referee regarding an applicant's suitability
How long it runs and how it's signed
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