How do you ask someone to be a reference in Japanese?

OK, so do you simply want to list their name and contact info on your resume, or would you like them to write a letter of recommendation? I don't if there is a custom of simply having a name a phone number of a guy that wil vouch for you on your Rirekisho 履歴書. (resume) But since you are writing a resume, you will have to include info of previous employers and the names of schools you have attended. But compared to American job application, all reumes are simple. If you have a boss or teacher who is fond of you, I would ask them to write you a letter of recommendation (Suisensho) that you can include with your resume.... A letter of recommendation is called a 推薦状. I know they are used in grad school/university, but for jobs they can be used as well. To ask someone, just be polite. I'm assuming you have have some familiarity with the language. すみません　。。。。先生、ちょっとおねがいしたい ことがあるんですが。 いまうわたしは就職しようと思いまして、 推薦状　（すいせんじょう）がひつようですけど。 　いままで。。。。せんせいにたいへん お世話になっただから、おてすうが、推薦状（suisenjou) をかいていただけないでしょうが？ or you could say moshi jikan ga areba, and you need to specify what kind of thing he should write. This is the most polite way to ask for request: shite itadakenai deshou ka? I also added otesuu desu ga, whicch means if its not too much troule, but there are a million different ways to use keigo and I'm sure the "native Japanese" will suggest more. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I know having references, connection, having a Japanese (偉い人ー a boss, school principal, well respected community man or woman) vouch for you is the key to starting out for us gaikokujin in Japan.