The Student Room Group

Asking teachers for a reference for a job I'm applying for.

Is it normal to email a teacher and ask for a reference for a job I'm applying for which isn't related to school? Im in sixth form in year12 and I really need to save for uni because I'm quite deprived 😅 so I've been looking for jobs but i have no references. So would it be ok to ask a teacher? I'm scared it might be awkward or they'd feel burdened or it's weird to ask...

And I'm not sure how I would ask too. And what will she have to do as a reference?
Original post by Sprinklesz
Is it normal to email a teacher and ask for a reference for a job I'm applying for which isn't related to school? Im in sixth form in year12 and I really need to save for uni because I'm quite deprived 😅 so I've been looking for jobs but i have no references. So would it be ok to ask a teacher? I'm scared it might be awkward or they'd feel burdened or it's weird to ask...
And I'm not sure how I would ask too. And what will she have to do as a reference?

Yeah, it's usually OK to ask teachers for references. If anything, it's pretty standard for students to ask teachers for references for their first jobs.

I would normally keep it polite and short. Say you intend to apply for a job, and you would be grateful if your teacher would provide a reference for you as part of your application. If the teacher says yes, then it's a done deal. If no, then you would need to find someone else.

Do note, these are character references as opposed to job references. To get job references, you would need to be employed and the employer/line manager needs to provide the reference.
Reply 2
Original post by MindMax2000
Yeah, it's usually OK to ask teachers for references. If anything, it's pretty standard for students to ask teachers for references for their first jobs.
I would normally keep it polite and short. Say you intend to apply for a job, and you would be grateful if your teacher would provide a reference for you as part of your application. If the teacher says yes, then it's a done deal. If no, then you would need to find someone else.
Do note, these are character references as opposed to job references. To get job references, you would need to be employed and the employer/line manager needs to provide the reference.

thank you so much!! I just sent the email to 2 teachers, praying they accept!! Also thank you for telling me about the 2 types of refrences, I didn't know that! thankfully the job allows me to do 2 character references if i dont have previous experience. Thing is i do have experience and volunteered for 3 days but i lost contact with the employer😮*💨

Thanks a bunch by the way!
Original post by Sprinklesz
Is it normal to email a teacher and ask for a reference for a job I'm applying for which isn't related to school? Im in sixth form in year12 and I really need to save for uni because I'm quite deprived 😅 so I've been looking for jobs but i have no references. So would it be ok to ask a teacher? I'm scared it might be awkward or they'd feel burdened or it's weird to ask...

And I'm not sure how I would ask too. And what will she have to do as a reference?


Yes, quite a few students ask their teachers/tutors for references. Its a common thing.
Email them and explain that you are looking for a part time job- and ask them if it would be ok for them to give you a reference if/when asked.
Then providing they say yes- put their name and email address down if/when employers ask for it.
Reply 4
Original post by Emma:-)
Yes, quite a few students ask their teachers/tutors for references. Its a common thing.
Email them and explain that you are looking for a part time job- and ask them if it would be ok for them to give you a reference if/when asked.
Then providing they say yes- put their name and email address down if/when employers ask for it.

thank youu ❤️❤️
Reply 5
It’s common request and fine to ask. Mind you, references are a largely pointless administrative requirement for most jobs and I would imagine they are not at all often taken up. See if you can collect a testimonial or two, these are a subset of references which are shared with you (so not job specific or confidential) and which you can share with prospective employers, ticking a box up front.

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