Why are recommendations important?
Recommendations can make or break your chances of getting a job. Hiring managers rely on recommendations to provide insights into a candidate’s skills, work ethic, and professionalism from someone who has worked with them directly. A strong recommendation can set you apart from other applicants and boost your chances of getting an interview and job offer.
Who should you ask for a recommendation?
You’ll want to ask someone who can speak highly of your accomplishments and work performance. Good options include:
- Former managers or direct supervisors
- Co-workers you worked closely with
- Professors or academic advisors (for recent graduates)
- Advisors or mentors
- Clients, vendors, or contacts (if you have directly worked with them)
Choose people who have seen your strong work ethic, skills, and achievements firsthand. Avoid asking family, friends, or acquaintances who don’t have direct experience working with you.
When should you ask for a recommendation?
Ideally, you should ask for recommendations right when you leave a job. Your work and accomplishments will be fresh in the recommender’s mind.
If you’re no longer in touch with potential recommenders, reconnect with them via email or LinkedIn first. Quickly mention some highlights from your time working together, then ask if they’d be willing to provide a recommendation.
Give them at least 2-3 weeks notice before your recommendation deadline. This gives them time to thoughtfully prepare and write a strong letter.
How do you ask for a recommendation?
The way you ask is key. Follow these tips:
- Ask politely and formally via email or in person. Don’t just say “Can you write me a recommendation?”
- Mention specific skills, accomplishments, or contributions you hope they’ll highlight.
- Share the job description so they can customize the letter.
- Provide your current resume/CV so they have an update on your experience.
- Give a deadline and share how the recommendation should be submitted (letter, LinkedIn, online form, etc.)
- Offer to provide any other required info or forms.
- Make it easy for them by providing all details upfront.
What info should you provide to the recommender?
Give your recommender key info to help them quickly write a detailed, personalized letter:
- Your most updated resume or CV
- The job description
- Your relevant skills, achievements, or contributions you hope they mention
- Specific examples of projects or work you did together
- Submission deadline and instructions (how to submit, mailing address, online form, etc.)
- Any required forms, if recommendation is for school, scholarship, etc.
How can you create the strongest recommendation possible?
Beyond just asking politely, you can encourage a glowing recommendation by:
- Giving plenty of notice – at least 2-3 weeks
- Reminding them of key accomplishments and contributions
- Providing helpful materials like your resume, job description, and submission details
- Making it easy for the recommender to submit
- Expressing your sincere appreciation
- Following up politely if you haven’t heard back as the deadline nears
The easier you make the process, the more likely they are to write you a stronger recommendation letter.
What if the person declines?
If someone declines or seems hesitant, don’t take it personally. Consider other potential recommenders and politely move on. Avoid getting defensive or asking “Why not?”
You want someone who is eager to recommend you and can provide a positive, enthusiastic endorsement. Having one mediocre recommendation letter can hurt your chances more than having none.
Should you offer to write your own recommendation?
Some applicants offer to draft their own letter to make it easier on the recommender. This is usually not recommended.
A letter written by you will likely sound formulaic and lack authentic praise of your skills. It’s better to have the recommender write it directly.
Politely offer to provide helpful information instead – like your resume, job description, key accomplishments, submission details, and a sincere thank you.
How should you follow up after they submit the recommendation?
Always send a thank you note!
Whether they agree or decline your request, be sure to thank them for considering it. Send a formal thank you via email, LinkedIn message, or hand-written card.
If they do provide the recommendation, thank them again for taking the time and effort to support you. Nurturing this relationship can help secure future recommendations as your career progresses.
Conclusion
Asking for job recommendations takes thoughtfulness and care. Choose your recommenders wisely, make the request politely, and provide helpful details to make the process easy. With some planning and sincere appreciation, you can get glowing recommendations that make you stand out in the job market.
