Reference Request Letter Template
Updated 17 October 2025
This document is a template for requesting a professional or character reference for a job applicant. It offers different options for the type of reference needed, including basic work, detailed work, or character references, to help assess an applicant's suitability for a position. The template guides the sender on what information to request from the referee.
Reference Request Letter
[your name]
[employer name and address]
[today's date]
Dear [referee's name]
RE: [applicant's 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 option A (basic work reference), B (Detailed work reference) or C (Character reference).
Basic work reference
Position held at your organisation:
Dates of employment:
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:
Character reference
Your relationship to the applicant:
How long you've known them:
Comment on character, strengths and weaknesses:
Suitability for the new role:
Please also include any other relevant additional comments you have about the employee. To return the reference, please [reply address].
Thank you for taking the time to reply. The information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
Yours sincerely
[your name]
About this template
What is this template?
Reference Request Letter Template is a free, ready-to-use Employment template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Employment template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. Always review the final wording against the laws that apply where you live or do business.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Employment usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.