How to Ask for References After a Layoff
Being laid off doesn't mean you've lost your references. Here's how to secure strong recommendations from your former employer.
The Good News
Managers and colleagues understand that layoffs happen to good employees. Most are happy to provide references - you just need to ask the right way.
When to Ask
Ideally: Before You Leave
The best time to secure references is during your final days or weeks. People are sympathetic, your work is fresh in their minds, and you have natural opportunities for conversation.
- During farewell conversations
- At your exit interview (from colleagues, not HR)
- In thank-you notes to key people
Soon After: First 1-2 Weeks
Still a great time. Reach out before too much time passes and memories fade.
Later: When You Need Them
It's never too late to ask. Even months later, most former colleagues will be happy to help. Just reconnect briefly before making the ask.
Who to Ask
Strongest References
- Direct manager: First choice - speaks to daily work
- Skip-level manager: Senior perspective on your impact
- Cross-functional partners: Different viewpoint on collaboration
- Senior colleagues: Peer validation from respected team members
Also Consider
- Former managers: From earlier roles at the company
- External partners: Vendors, clients, consultants you worked with
- Mentors: Formal or informal mentors within the company
- Project teammates: Who saw your work on key initiatives
Who NOT to Ask
- Anyone who doesn't know your work well
- People you had conflicts with
- HR (they typically only confirm dates and title)
- Anyone who seems reluctant when you ask
Email Templates
To Your Manager (While Still Employed)
Subject: Reference request Hi [Manager's Name], As I prepare for my transition, I wanted to ask if you'd be willing to serve as a reference for my job search. I've really valued working with you over the past [X years/months], and I think you can speak well to [specific project or skill]. Your perspective on my [specific strength] would be especially helpful for the roles I'm targeting. I'd be happy to provide a summary of my key accomplishments and the types of roles I'm pursuing if that would be helpful. Would you be comfortable being a reference for me? Thank you, [Your Name]
To Your Manager (After Leaving)
Subject: Quick request - would you be a reference? Hi [Manager's Name], I hope you're doing well! I've been actively job searching since my departure from [Company], and I'm moving forward in the interview process for a [role type] position. Would you be willing to serve as a reference for me? I think you could speak well to my work on [specific project] and my skills in [specific area]. If helpful, I can send you a brief summary of the roles I'm targeting and the key points that would be most valuable to highlight. Let me know if you're comfortable with this. Either way, I really appreciated working with you. Best, [Your Name]
To a Colleague
Subject: Would you be a reference? Hi [Colleague's Name], I hope things are going well at [Company]! I've been job searching and am excited about some opportunities I'm pursuing. I was hoping you might be willing to serve as a reference for me. I think you could speak really well to our collaboration on [specific project] and my approach to [specific skill/behavior]. Would you be comfortable with that? If so, I'll send you details about what I'm applying for so you know what to expect. Thanks so much, [Your Name]
Reconnecting After Time Has Passed
Subject: Catching up + a request Hi [Name], It's been a while since we worked together at [Company]. I hope you've been well! I'm currently exploring new opportunities in [field/role type], and I'm reaching out to some former colleagues for support. Would you potentially be open to serving as a reference? I remember our work together on [project] fondly, and I think you could speak to [specific skill]. I'd love to catch up regardless - let me know if you'd have time for a quick call. Best, [Your Name]
Preparing Your References
Once someone agrees to be a reference, set them up for success:
1. Send a Reference Brief
Make their job easy by providing:
- The role you're applying for and company
- Key skills/experiences you'd like them to highlight
- Specific projects or accomplishments they can reference
- When they might be contacted
2. Remind Them of Your Work
Jog their memory with specific examples:
- "Remember when we launched [project]? That's relevant to this role."
- "The work I did on [initiative] aligns with what they're looking for."
3. Give a Heads Up
Before each reference check, let them know:
- Who will be calling
- When to expect the call
- Any specific areas the employer is interested in
4. Follow Up with Thanks
After the reference check:
- Thank them for their time
- Let them know the outcome
- Offer to return the favor
Reference Brief Template
Hi [Reference Name], Thank you again for agreeing to be a reference! Here's some context to help you prepare: **Role I'm interviewing for:** [Title] at [Company] **What the role involves:** [Brief 1-2 sentence description] **Key things they're looking for:** - [Skill/quality 1] - [Skill/quality 2] - [Skill/quality 3] **Relevant projects/accomplishments you could mention:** - [Project 1]: [Brief outcome/impact] - [Project 2]: [Brief outcome/impact] **When they might call:** [Timeframe, e.g., "sometime this week" or "after my final interview on Thursday"] **Interviewer/Reference checker:** [Name if known], [Title] Please let me know if you have any questions. I really appreciate your support! Best, [Your Name] [Phone number for questions]
If Your Manager Was the Problem
Sometimes the layoff decision was made by someone you don't want as a reference. Options:
Use a Previous Manager
Reach out to managers from earlier in your tenure or previous roles.
Use Skip-Level or Dotted-Line Managers
Senior leaders or project managers who oversaw your work but weren't your direct report line.
Use Peer References
Strong colleague references can supplement or replace manager references.
Be Strategic with HR
Some companies have policies where HR only confirms dates and title. If you're concerned about what a manager might say, you can direct reference checks to HR.
LinkedIn Recommendations
Written LinkedIn recommendations are valuable because:
Benefits
- Visible to all potential employers
- Reference is "on record" - gives them confidence
- Shows proactive endorsement
- Doesn't require a phone call
How to Ask
- Request at the same time you ask for verbal reference
- Make it easy - offer to draft bullet points
- Be willing to write one for them too
- Follow up gently if they forget
Template for Requesting LinkedIn Recommendation
Hi [Name], would you also be willing to write a brief LinkedIn recommendation for me? It would help hiring managers see your endorsement upfront. If helpful, I can send you some bullet points about our work together that you could use as a starting point. Happy to write one for you as well!
How Many References Do You Need?
- Standard: 3 references is typical for most roles
- Ideal mix: 1-2 managers + 1-2 peers or cross-functional partners
- Have backup: Prepare 4-5 potential references in case one is unavailable
- Recency matters: Include at least one reference from your most recent role
- Executive roles: May require more references, including board members or C-suite peers