How to Obtain a Character Reference From a Business Associate: Understanding Character References

A professional character reference from a business associate may result in a promotion or prove to be a major factor in terms of future employment.

What is a character reference?

The freedictionary.com suggests that a character reference is “a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability” or “something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable”.

Consider the following tips on how to obtain a character reference from a business associate.

Become proactive and make certain that you obtain a viable character reference from a trustworthy business associate, as soon as you are aware that you may need it. Do not wait, particularly when there is a sense of urgency

Why request a character reference from a business associate rather than from someone else?

A business associate is someone with whom you are familiar. He or she knows you, your business or work ethics and relates to you in an appropriate, professional manner. His or her commendation may prove to be beneficial to you.

Why would you want to request a character reference from a business associate?

There are many reasons why you might want to request a character reference. For example, you could be aware of a possible promotion in your current employment. When you place an application for a promotion, it should include an appropriate character reference.

Is there a course you want to take in order to upgrade your employment? A suitable letter of reference, including a character reference from a business associate, may help you qualify in terms of enrollment.    

When should you request a character reference from a business associate?

The timing of your request for a character reference is important. Ideally, you should make your request known when you are in good standing with him or her. You may request a character reference if you are aware of new openings, pending layoffs or possible future changes in an organization. You may also request one after a layoff or dismissal, but it may be too late, particularly if you cannot contact your business associate.

Is pending dismissal or job loss sufficient reason to seek a character reference from a business associate?

Having acquired a character reference from a business associate, prior to job loss, proves helpful in terms of obtaining other employment. In this tenuous economic era, employers scrutinize qualifications of employees carefully and retain or hire only the most qualified personnel.

Employees often lose their jobs immediately when a better candidate appears on the horizon. New employees, women and baby boomers, are particularly vulnerable to unexpected lay-off or sudden dismissal. Those about to retire, or seniors planning to return to work after retirement, may be subjected to premature dismissal. Obtaining a character reference early often proves important in this respect.

How should you request a character reference from a business associate?

The manner in which you approach your business associate when you are requesting a character reference is important. Ideally, you will have thought this through carefully, so that you know exactly what is important in terms of your character reference.

Approaching your business associate in a positive manner may mean the difference between obtaining and not obtaining a character reference. Because many business associates are extremely busy, drawing up a preliminary document for your business associate to consider, may help him or her to understand what you are requesting. It may save valuable time. Perhaps his or her endorsement is all that you need.

Remember to show your appreciation and thank your business associate for your character reference, just in case you have to get back to him or her in the future. Have you included verifiable contact information?  

Remember that the professional character reference you obtain from a business associate may be or become your most treasured document, so keep this in mind when you are making a request for one.