Send a message to each chosen reference asking permission Template: "Hi [Name], I hope you are doing well. As you may know I have been making a deliberate transition from [previous field] into [new field] and am actively searching for roles in [target role]. I wanted to reach out to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference. I always valued the work we did together and I think your perspective on my [specific transferable skills] would be really valuable to employers in this new context. Would you be comfortable being a reference for me?"

When they agree, briefly share: your target role type, your career change narrative so they understand the full picture, the specific skills and achievements you most want them to highlight, and your updated resume.

Specifically ask them to speak to your transferable skills. Let them know which specific capabilities are most relevant to the roles you are applying for so they can emphasize those in the reference conversation.

Keep your references updated as your search progresses