how to use reference in a sentence

[thomas615]

I will start my job search soon and can I use you as my reference. Thank you

[BobK]

What you have written would be understood; but the reference is the fact of someone giving a testimonial, or the testimonial itself. The person is a referee - though many employers/employment agencies use 'reference' to mean 'the name and address of someone who is prepared to write a testimonial'.

That said, sometimes people are unhappy about using 'referee' for this purpose. I'd say something like '...would you give me a reference' or 'can I give people your name for a reference'.

b

[SoothingDave]

"Reference" would be normal in the US. "Feel free to use me as a reference." "Do you have any references?"

The original sentence would be better as two sentences.