This question is about reference request email.

Can former employers refuse to give references?

By Zippia Team - Mar. 27, 2023

Yes, former employers can refuse to give references. Unless you have some sort of prior agreement in writing for a reference to be given, which is uncommon outside of internships, former employers are under no obligation to provide references.

With this in mind, it's a good idea to ask for more references than you strictly need, so that you will still have enough even if some refuse or do not respond.

Can former employers refuse to give references?

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