Ask a Colleague to Be a Reference
Added 2026-11-02
Lower their cost: talking points, a template and an easy way to say no.
I want to ask a colleague to be a reference for me (context below). Write a request message: 1) say what the opportunity is and what they would need to do, including roughly how long it takes; 2) give three points I hope they can mention, each with a concrete example; 3) say whether they might be contacted and by whom; 4) give them an easy way to decline; 5) if they agree, add one line of thanks and how I will follow up. Under 120 words.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
请人做推荐人时，替对方准备好的材料越具体，答应得越快。
Try tweaking it
- Rewrite each experience as action + result + verifiable number.
- Have it gather the job requirements first, then rewrite against them.
What you should get
- Rewritten bullets: action, result, number
- Likely follow-up questions and how to answer
Common mistakes
- Asking it to "optimise the CV", and every line starts sounding like a template.
- Adding projects you never did — it falls apart in the first interview.
How to check the output
- Each line is action + result + number, and you can defend the details.
- Nothing you did not actually do has been added.
Where it works
- Good for: rewriting experience as action + result + verifiable metric for CVs and interviews.
- Watch out: metrics must be real; AI can phrase them, not invent them.