Did you know that over 80% of tech recruiters say a strong reference can influence their final hiring decision? In an industry where skill sets evolve fast and competition is tough, a well-written reference request can play a major role in how confidently a hiring manager evaluates you.

But here’s the challenge: asking a previous tech manager for a reference isn’t always simple. You want to sound professional, confident and clear without being awkward. The way you request a reference often shapes how strongly your manager speaks about your contributions and technical abilities.

This guide will walk you through the entire process like when to reach out, what to say, and how to craft emails that get quick, positive responses.

By the end, you will know exactly how to ask for a reference from your previous tech manager in a way that supports your application and increases your chances of getting the role you want.

Key takeaways

• Many professionals struggle with reference requests and about 40 to 50 percent of job seekers say they feel unsure about how to ask for a reference politely. This guide breaks down a simple and confident approach.

• Tech roles often require more specific references. Nearly 60 percent of companies in engineering and IT prefer references that highlight technical problem-solving and project experience.

• With ready-to-use templates and follow-up strategies, you can request references the right way and build long-term professional relationships that support your career growth.

What Are Job References?

Job references are individuals who can confidently speak about your skills, work style, and overall professional behavior. They help employers gain a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your resume by sharing real experiences from working with you.

When choosing someone to act as a reference, it is best to select individuals who have worked closely with you and can provide genuine examples that highlight your positive qualities. This could be a former manager, team lead, colleague, or anyone who has directly observed your performance.

During the hiring process, employers may contact these references or request a formal recommendation letter from a previous employer. Their feedback allows recruiters to verify your achievements, evaluate your work ethic, and understand your consistency in real workplace situations.

In many cases, a strong reference can reinforce your credibility and significantly support your job application.

When Should You Ask for a Reference?

You should ask for a reference when you are applying for a new opportunity and the employer wants to know more about your past performance. The best time is when:

1. You start applying for a new job

Before interviews or right after your first interview, ask your previous manager so they have time to prepare.

2. You know a company will contact your references

If the job posting or recruiter mentions references, ask early so your reference is ready.

3. You are preparing for a promotion or internal transfer

Even inside the same company, a reference from a previous manager can support your growth.

4. You recently left a job on good terms

This is a perfect time to request a reference because your contributions are still fresh in your manager’s memory.

Best Practices for Requesting a Reference from Your Previous Tech Manager

Asking your previous tech manager for a reference can feel a bit awkward, but it is actually one of the easiest ways to strengthen your job application when you approach it the right way.

Good references come from setting a friendly tone, giving the exact context, and making the whole process simple for the person recommending you.

When you do that, you make it easy for them to speak confidently about your work, and that confidence can make a difference in your job search.

Here are the practices that truly help you get strong, confident support:

1. Start the Conversation Early Instead of Waiting for the Final Round

The best time to reach out is at the beginning of your job search, long before a recruiter asks for references. Tech managers often juggle deadlines, meetings, and multiple priorities, so they appreciate early notice.

Instead of sounding rushed or last-minute, you come across as organized and respectful. If you rely on several people for references, rotate them occasionally so no one feels overused.

2. Approach the Request With Professional Courtesy

Make your request polite and comfortable. The more freedom they have to say yes or no, the more genuine their support will be.

If you have not spoken in a while, briefly remind them what you worked on together, which team you were part of, or the last project you collaborated on. This reopens the connection naturally and makes the conversation feel warm.

3. Share the Details They Need to Speak About You Confidently

Your tech manager may remember the big projects, but they don’t automatically know the specifics of the role you are applying for now. A strong reference becomes even stronger when the person knows what the hiring manager wants to hear.

Give a short update that includes:

• the job title

• a summary of the role

• the core skills the employer is searching for

• a quick reminder of your recent achievements

You can attach your updated resume or share the job description. These little details help your former manager highlight the parts of your experience that align with the position, which makes the reference more effective and more convincing.

4. Keep the Process Easy for Them

Some managers may feel unsure if they haven’t worked with you in years or if they can’t recall specific details. And that’s okay. Make it clear that you understand if they prefer not to be a reference at this time.

You can also offer to draft a reference letter for them to review if that saves time. Just keep it realistic and aligned with your actual strengths.

5. Show Appreciation and Follow Up

Whether they are contacted or not, always thank your tech manager for agreeing to support you. A short thank-you message shows you value the effort they put in. If you get the job, share the news. If you don’t, still thank them for standing by you.

These small gestures not only maintain a positive relationship but also make it easier to reach out again in the future. People remember appreciation far more than requests.

What to Include When Providing Reference Details to Your Manager

When requesting a reference, make the process effortless for your previous manager. Provide the essential details they need to write a strong, accurate recommendation. Include the following:

1. Job Information

Give a short overview of the position you’re applying for so your manager knows what skills or experience to highlight.

Example: Job title, company name, team, and the type of role (remote, hybrid, full-time).

2. Key Responsibilities of the Role

Share 3–5 main responsibilities from the job description. This helps your manager to give a more relevant and impactful reference.

3. Skills You Want Highlighted

Mention the specific technical and soft skills the hiring team expects.

Example: problem-solving, leadership, API development, cloud deployment, QA processes, and team collaboration.

4. Past Achievements You Worked On Together

List measurable results or notable projects you completed under their supervision. Example: Delivered X feature, improved Y metric, optimized Z system.

5. Reference Format Instructions

Tell them exactly how the reference needs to be submitted.
Examples:

• Written email reference

• Filling out an online form

• Phone verification

• LinkedIn recommendation

6. Deadline or Preferred Timeline

Let them know the date you must submit or share the reference. Keep it polite and flexible if possible.

7. Supporting Materials

Attach or offer helpful documents to make the process easier.
Examples: CV, updated portfolio, resume link, job description PDF, LinkedIn profile.

8. Contact Information for the Recruiter (If Needed)

If the recruiter or HR needs to reach your manager directly, include their email or phone number.

Sample Email Templates: How to ask for a reference

To help you understand what an effective reference request looks like, we’ve put together five complete sample emails. Go through them first to see how the wording, style, and approach work in real situations.

General Email Request Template

Subject: Request for Professional Reference

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to ask if you would be willing to provide a professional reference for me. I’m currently applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I believe your insight into my work would be valuable.

If you’re comfortable, I can share my updated CV, job description, or any details you may need to make the process easy. The reference can be shared through [email/phone/form], whichever works best for you.

Thank you so much for considering this request. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]

Template If You Haven’t Spoken in a While

Subject: Request for Reference (If You’re Available)

Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope everything has been going well since we last worked together. I really enjoyed my time on the [Team/Project Name], and I learned a lot from your leadership.

I’m applying for a new role as [Job Title], and I wanted to ask if you’d feel comfortable providing a reference based on our work together. I’ve attached my updated CV and the job description to give you a quick overview.

There’s no rush, but the hiring team may reach out by [date]. Please let me know if this works for you. I completely understand if you’re busy.

Thank you again for your support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template for Urgent Reference Request

Subject: Quick Reference Needed (Time-Sensitive)

Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I apologize for the short notice, but I’m in the final stage of a hiring process for a [Job Title] role at [Company Name], and they’ve requested a reference within the next [24–48 hours].

Would you be able to provide a brief reference based on our work together on [specific project/achievement]? Even a short response or confirmation would be extremely helpful.

I can send any documents you need immediately. Thank you so much for considering this, and I truly appreciate your time.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]

Template for LinkedIn Recommendation

Subject: Request for LinkedIn Recommendation

Hi [Manager’s Name],
Hope you’re doing well. I’m updating my LinkedIn profile to reflect my recent work and growth. I wanted to ask if you would be open to writing a short LinkedIn recommendation based on our time working together on [Project/Team Name].

You could mention areas like [skills/achievements you want highlighted], but feel free to keep it brief and in your own style. It would help strengthen my professional profile.

Thank you for considering this; I really appreciate it.
Regards,
[Your Name]

Template for Technical Roles (Developer, QA, Data, Cloud)

Subject: Reference Request for Technical Role Application

Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m currently applying for a [specific technical role: e.g., Backend Developer / QA Engineer / Data Analyst / Cloud Engineer], and I was hoping you could provide a reference based on our experience working together on [technical project/team].

If possible, it would be helpful if the reference could highlight areas like:

• My technical skills (e.g., debugging, testing, database work, cloud deployment)

• Collaboration with the team

• Performance on projects like [specific project name]

The hiring team may contact you via [email/phone], and I can share any supporting documents you need.

Thank you so much for your time and support.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn Profile]

What to Do If They Decline

Sometimes a manager may not be able to provide a reference due to workload, company policy, or personal limitations. If that happens, handle the situation professionally and move forward smoothly.

What to Do:

• Thank them politely and keep the tone positive.

• Don’t take the refusal personally.

• Ask if they can suggest someone else who could give a reference.

• Reach out to another supervisor, team lead, or colleague who knows your work well.

Following Up: The Right Way

Follow up politely after a few days if your manager hasn’t responded. Keep the message brief, respectful, and avoid sounding pushy. Simply remind them of your request, restate the deadline, and thank them for their time.

Here's the sample email template that you can send to your previous tech manager:

Subject: Gentle Follow-Up on Reference Request

Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to gently follow up on my reference request from a few days ago. The hiring team is hoping to receive it by [deadline], so I wanted to check if you might be available to assist.

No pressure at all. I completely understand if you are busy. Thank you again for considering this, and please let me know if you need any information from my side.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Final thoughts

Now you have a clear understanding of how to request a reference from your previous tech manager along with practical email templates you can use with confidence.

Always reach out to someone who knows your strengths and can speak positively about your performance. Keep your request polite, professional, and detailed enough for them to understand the role you are applying for. Avoid pressure and show genuine appreciation for their time.

Your network can open doors and accelerate your career, so choose your references wisely and communicate with respect.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my previous tech manager is the right person to ask?

Choose them if they supervised your work directly, know your skills well, and can speak positively about your performance.

2. Can I ask for a reference even if I left the company years ago?

Yes, you can. Just reintroduce yourself politely and remind your manager of the projects you worked on together.

3. Is it okay to provide my own draft for the reference?

Yes, if your manager prefers. Some appreciate a draft to save time, and they can edit it in their own style.

4. How many references do employers usually ask for?

Most companies request two to three references, ideally from people who supervised your work directly.