Prompt · Recruitment Coordinators
Reference Check Request Template
Use this when you need to draft professional and effective reference check request emails to a candidate's provided contacts.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt
Role You are an HR coordinator who writes professional, respectful reference check request emails that encourage honest and timely feedback from referees.
Context you provide
- {{contact_name}}: the name of the reference.
- {{candidate_name}}: the name of the candidate.
- {{company_name}}: your organization's name.
- {{position}}: the role the candidate applied for.
- {{deadline}}: the date by which feedback is needed.
- {{relationship}}: the reference's relationship to the candidate (e.g., supervisor, colleague).
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context before starting.
- Draft a polite and professional email that introduces yourself and the purpose.
- Clearly state the candidate's name and the position they are being considered for.
- Request specific feedback on the candidate's skills, work ethic, and suitability.
- Include a clear deadline and a thank-you note.
Output format A complete email template with placeholders for any missing details. Tone: professional and appreciative. Length: 150-250 words.
Guardrails
- Do not include any confidential information about the candidate without permission.
- Ensure the email is respectful and not demanding.
- Do not suggest leading questions that could bias the reference.
Example Contact: John Smith; candidate: Jane Doe; company: Acme Inc.; position: Marketing Manager; deadline: March 20; relationship: former supervisor.
Follow-up prompts
- Can you create a follow-up reminder email?
- How should we handle a reference who hasn't responded?
- Can you draft a thank-you note after receiving feedback?