Reference Letter Request Templates

Hi [Reference Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I'm reaching out because I'm starting a new position at [Company Name] that requires a [Secret / Top Secret / TS/SCI] security clearance, and I'm hoping you'd be willing to serve as one of my references.

As part of the process, a background investigator from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) may contact you by phone or in person. They'll ask general questions about my character, reliability, and trustworthiness. The conversation typically takes 15-30 minutes.

What they'll likely ask:

• How long and in what capacity have you known me?
• Am I honest and trustworthy?
• Do I handle stress and responsibilities well?
• Am I loyal to the United States?
• Any concerns about alcohol, drugs, or financial issues?

For your reference, here's my contact information to provide the investigator:
Full Name: [Your Full Legal Name]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Address: [Your Current Address]

I completely understand if you're not comfortable or available. If you are willing, could you please confirm and provide:

• Best phone number for the investigator to reach you
• Best times to call
• Your current address (they may visit in person for TS investigations)

Thank you so much for considering this. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]

Hi [Manager Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm excited to share that I'm in the final stages of interviewing for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and they've asked me to provide professional references.

I immediately thought of you because of [specific reason—our work together on X project, your leadership during my time at Y, etc.]. Would you be comfortable serving as a reference?

The hiring manager may ask about:

• Our working relationship and my role
• My technical skills and work quality
• How I collaborate with team members
• My reliability and communication
• Areas where I excelled or grew

To help refresh your memory, here are a few accomplishments from my time at [Previous Company]:

• [Accomplishment 1]
• [Accomplishment 2]
• [Accomplishment 3]

If you're willing, the best contact would be:
Company: [Hiring Company Name]
Contact: [HR or Hiring Manager Name]
Timeline: They may reach out within the next [1-2 weeks]

I really appreciate you considering this. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone/Email]

Hey [Colleague Name],

Hope all is well with you! I'm pursuing a new opportunity as a [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I'm putting together my references.

Given how closely we worked together on [project/team/initiative], I was hoping you might be willing to speak to my [collaboration skills, technical abilities, work ethic, etc.]?

If you're comfortable with that, I'll provide your contact info to the hiring team. They'd likely ask about:

• What it was like to work with me
• My contributions to team projects
• How I handle challenges or deadlines
• My communication and collaboration style

No pressure at all if you're not able to—just let me know either way when you get a chance.

Thanks!
[Your Name]

Hi [Reference Name],

I wanted to reach out and say thank you for taking the time to serve as my reference. I really appreciate you speaking on my behalf.

[If you got the job: I'm excited to share that I accepted the position! I start on [date]. Your reference was definitely a factor in their decision.]

[If still waiting: I'm still waiting to hear back, but I wanted to thank you regardless of the outcome.]

I hope I can return the favor someday. Thanks again!

Best,
[Your Name]