Getting an endorsement from a company you have worked with can be a great way to boost your professional reputation. However, asking a company to endorse you requires finesse and strategic planning. Here are some tips on how to effectively request an endorsement that highlights your skills and value.
Do Your Research
Before reaching out to request an endorsement, do your homework on the company’s endorsement policy and process. Many companies have formal procedures in place for employees and partners requesting endorsements. You want to follow proper channels rather than putting someone on the spot with an unexpected request.
Start by checking the company’s website and internal resources like an employee handbook. See if they have specific guidelines on who can provide endorsements, how endorsements should be requested, and where they will be published. This information can help frame your request appropriately.
If you cannot find a formal policy, reach out to a contact at the company to inquire. They can guide you on next steps so your request is handled smoothly. Going through proper procedures shows professionalism and respect for the company’s practices.
Choose Your Endorser Strategically
Who you direct your request to at the company can impact whether it is approved. Think carefully about who is most familiar with your work and well-positioned to endorse you. Good options may include:
- Your direct manager who oversaw your performance
- The department head who is familiar with your contributions
- A senior leader who you worked closely with on projects
- Clients or team members who can vouch for your work
Consider the influence of the endorser at the company too. Having a higher-level executive like a VP or Chief Officer endorse you lends more weight than less senior roles. But only request an endorsement from executives you actually worked with who know your abilities.
Look for endorsers who will take the time to write something meaningful rather than a quick generic endorsement. Personalized, thoughtful endorsements carry much more impact.
Have Clarity on How the Endorsement Will Be Used
Before making any requests, think through how you plan to use the company’s endorsement. Common purposes include:
- Highlighting on your LinkedIn profile
- Adding to your website or online portfolio
- Including in job applications as an endorsement letter
- Featuring in your marketing materials or resume
Being clear on your intentions will allow the company to provide an endorsement suited to your needs. Maybe you need a short quote for your website but a detailed letter for job applications. Defining the use case helps shape the request.
Some companies may have restrictions on how their name and endorsements can be publicized. Understanding any limitations is key prior to utilizing the endorsement.
Time Your Request Appropriately
Timing is another strategic consideration when asking for an endorsement. Consider when during your engagement with the company it makes sense to make the request:
- At the natural end of a contract or project you collaborated on
- During a strong point in the relationship when there is positive energy
- Right after a major accomplishment that reflects well on your contributions
- When you are actively job searching and need endorsements
You want to avoid making the request during busy or stressful periods at the company when your endorser may be distracted or overwhelmed. Pay attention to the dynamics of the situation and aim for optimum timing.
Have What You Want to Say Drafted
To maximize the likelihood of getting a great endorsement, provide a draft of what you would like included. This takes the pressure off the endorser to come up with content and gives them a starting point to work from. Offering suggested talking points shows you are professionally prepared.
Keep your draft focused on tangible achievements, skills, and contributions from your collaboration. Quantify results with metrics and data whenever possible. For example, you can include increases in productivity, cost savings, revenue growth, or process improvements you drove.
Avoid flattery or exaggeration in your suggestions. Keep it factual, relevant, and sincere. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.
Formatting your suggestions in the structure you need is also helpful. Provide a bullet point list for a LinkedIn endorsement or a formal letter draft for application use.
Make the Request by the Preferred Method
Once you’ve done your homework, identified the right endorser, gotten clarity on usage, timed your approach, and drafted content suggestions, it’s time to make the request. Reach out through the company’s preferred communication channel.
If there is a standard process in place, carefully follow the defined procedure. This may involve submitting a formal endorsement request in an HR system or applying through an established partner portal.
If there is no set channel, an email is likely the safest option. Include your drafted suggestions and intended use. You can offer to provide any other needed information as well.
A phone call or in-person ask may put too much pressure on the endorser without giving them time to consider the request. Email gives them space to review and respond thoughtfully.
Be sure to communicate through official work channels like a company email address. Personal email comes across as presumptuous.
Follow Up Politely
Allow the endorser adequate time to respond after your request, at least one to two weeks. Then follow up if you have not gotten a reply. Reach out by email first before setting up a call or in-person conversation.
Be gracious in your follow up. Say that you are checking on the status because you truly value their endorsement. Avoid sounding entitled or pushy. Stick to facts around your contributions and let them know you are happy to provide any other info needed.
If they decline due to company policy or other reasons, thank them sincerely for considering the request. Do not argue or negotiate. Accept the response professionally.
Show Your Appreciation
If you do receive the endorsement, express genuine appreciation when you confirm receipt. A hand-written thank you note or small gift adds an extra special touch if appropriate.
Give them a final draft to approve before publishing the endorsement anywhere. Offer to feature their name and title or the company logo when you share online or in materials.
Updating your endorser when their endorsement leads to career progress or new opportunities shows you value their support. Maintain positive connections for potential future endorsements down the road.
Key Takeaways
Securing company endorsements can greatly benefit your reputation and employability. By applying these best practices, you can professionalize your requests:
- Research formal endorsement procedures
- Strategically choose relevant endorsers
- Clarify intended use for the endorsement
- Time your request appropriately
- Provide suggested endorsement content
- Use company preferred channels
- Follow up politely
- Show appreciation for endorsers
With a thoughtful, prepared approach, you can win meaningful endorsements from companies you’ve worked with successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the company doesn’t have a formal endorsement policy?
If there are no set guidelines, keep your request focused on your direct manager or colleagues who worked closely with you. Avoid asking higher-level executives without an existing relationship. Emphasize contributions specific to individuals at the company.
How long should an endorsement be?
Ideally, aim for 2-3 paragraphs or around 250 words. This provides space for meaningful detail. However, endorsers may provide something shorter like 1-2 sentences or a couple bullet points if preferred.
Can I list the company as a reference instead of getting an endorsement?
You can offer them as a reference, but an endorsement directly speaks to your achievements. Checking with the company first is still advised if listing them as a reference. Make sure they are comfortable being contacted to provide a reference.
What if I don’t get along with my manager – should I still ask them?
It’s better to ask colleagues and team members who appreciate your contributions in that case. Having a supportive endorser is key, even if they are not your direct manager.
Is it appropriate to ask clients I worked with for endorsements?
Clients that valued your work can make great endorsers too. Focus on those you had positive relationships with and made strides for their business. Gauge if they prefer to write an endorsement or be listed as a reference.
Conclusion
Company endorsements can take your career to the next level by validating your achievements. Make the effort worth it for endorsers by being strategic and professional in your approach. With the right method, securing ringing endorsements from companies you have worked with successfully is very achievable.
Endorser Role | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Direct Manager | – Most familiar with your work – Easy to make request to |
– May not write the strongest endorsement if relationship is poor |
Senior Leadership | – Endorsement carries more influence | – May not know your skills well if no direct interaction |
Clients/Team Members | – Can speak first-hand of achievements – Often willing to endorse |
– Hold less sway than managers |
This table summarizes the key pros and cons of asking different roles at a company to provide an endorsement. Direct managers have the most insight typically but may write a weaker endorsement if the relationship is not strong. Senior leadership have influence but may lack familiarity with your work. Clients and team members can provide personalized endorsements but hold less weight than formal managers.
Carefully weighing these factors will lead you to strategic choices on who to approach for endorsements at any given company.
Example Endorsement Request Email
Here is an example email to request an endorsement from a previous manager:
Subject: Requesting Endorsement on LinkedIn
Dear [Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well. It was a pleasure working with you and [Company Name] over the last [X] years. I learned so much and appreciated the opportunity to contribute to key company initiatives.
I am reaching out to request your endorsement on LinkedIn regarding my time at [Company Name]. Your validation of my accomplishments would significantly boost my professional profile. Please let me know if you are willing and able to provide an endorsement.
If so, I have drafted some suggested content below that highlights the aspects of my work you oversaw:
-[Insert 2-3 suggested bullet points here like “Led optimization of sales reporting processes resulting in 15% greater efficiency” or “Consistently exceeded targets for client satisfaction and retention rates”]
I am happy to provide any other details needed about my contributions. Please advise if I should use the standard [Company] process for requesting endorsements. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your name]
This demonstrates how to politely make the request to a former manager through email. I offer them context, guidelines, and suggestions while being flexible to company procedures. You can tailor a similar email when seeking an endorsement from key contacts.