Asking for a professional recommendation can feel awkward. Whether you need a formal letter for a grad school application or a glowing review on your LinkedIn profile, approaching a former boss or mentor can be intimidating. You might worry about bothering them, or worse, getting a lukewarm response. But a strong recommendation is a powerful asset in your career, and learning how to ask for one professionally is a skill that will serve you well for years.
This guide will break down the entire process into simple, actionable steps. You will learn who to ask, when to ask, and exactly what to say to make it easy for your contacts to write a stellar recommendation for you. With the right approach, you can turn a potentially nerve-wracking request into a smooth and successful exchange.
The Foundation: Choosing the Right Recommenders
The success of your request starts long before you type the first word of your email. The most critical step is selecting the right people to ask. A generic recommendation from someone who barely knows you is far less valuable than a detailed one from a person who can speak to your specific strengths.
Who Should You Ask?
Think about people who have seen your work ethic, skills, and character up close. Your list might include:
- Former Managers or Direct Supervisors: These are often the most powerful recommenders. They have directly overseen your work, can speak to your performance, and understand your contributions to the team and the company.
- Senior Colleagues or Team Leads: If you worked closely with a senior team member who acted as a project lead, they can provide a valuable perspective on your collaborative skills and expertise.
- Mentors: A mentor, whether formal or informal, has a unique insight into your career growth and aspirations. They can speak to your character, ambition, and potential.
- Clients or Customers: If you are in a client-facing role, a positive recommendation from a long-term client can be incredibly impactful, highlighting your customer service and relationship management skills.
The "Recency and Relevancy" Test
When narrowing down your list, apply two key filters:
- Recency: How recently did you work with this person? A recommendation from someone you worked with last year will carry more weight than one from a decade ago. Their memory of your contributions will be sharper.
- Relevancy: Is their experience with you relevant to what you need the recommendation for? If you're applying for a marketing manager role, a recommendation from your marketing director is more relevant than one from your part-time boss at a retail job you had in college.
Choose people who not only think highly of you but can also provide specific, relevant examples of your work.
The Art of the Ask: Timing and Method
Once you have your list of potential recommenders, the next step is planning your approach. How and when you ask can significantly impact the response you receive.
Give Them Plenty of Time
One of the biggest mistakes people make is asking for a recommendation at the last minute. Writing a thoughtful, detailed letter takes time and effort. As a rule of thumb, give your recommender at least two to three weeks of notice for a formal letter. For a LinkedIn recommendation, a week is a reasonable timeframe.
This advance notice shows respect for their busy schedule and gives them the bandwidth to write something truly compelling, rather than a rushed and generic note.
Make the Request Personal
Whenever possible, make the initial request via email. It’s less intrusive than a phone call and gives the person time to consider your request without feeling put on the spot. A well-structured email is professional and allows you to provide all the necessary information in one place.
Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Request Email
Your request email should be polite, professional, and, most importantly, make it as easy as possible for the person to say "yes" and write a great recommendation. Think of it as providing them with a complete "recommendation kit."
Key Components of the Email
- A Clear Subject Line: Make it easy for them to see what the email is about. Something simple like "Recommendation Request - [Your Name]" or "Catching Up & a Quick Question" works well.
- A Warm and Personal Opening: Start by reconnecting. Remind them of your relationship and mention something positive about your time working together.
- The Direct Ask: Clearly and politely state what you are asking for. Specify the type of recommendation (e.g., a letter, a LinkedIn recommendation) and what it's for (e.g., a new job, a graduate program).
- Provide All Necessary Context (The "Brag Packet"): This is the most crucial part. Don't make them guess what to write. Provide them with everything they need. This "brag packet" should include:
- An updated copy of your resume.
- The job description or program information for what you're applying to.
- A brief summary of your key accomplishments from when you worked together.
- Specific skills or qualities you'd like them to highlight. For example, "I'm hoping you can speak to my project management skills, particularly in relation to the successful launch of the XYZ project."
- Any logistical details, such as the deadline, the submission method (email, online portal), and the recipient's name or address.
- Offer an Easy "Out": Acknowledge that they are busy and give them a polite way to decline. A phrase like, "I completely understand if your schedule is too full right now, please don't hesitate to let me know," takes the pressure off and preserves your relationship if they can't do it.
Email Template You Can Adapt
Subject: Recommendation Request - [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to you today because I have such fond memories of my time at [Company Name], especially the work we did on the [Project Name]. I learned so much under your leadership.
I am in the process of applying for a [Job Title] position at [New Company] / a Master's program in [Field of Study] at [University], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for me. The deadline for submission is [Date].
To make this as easy as possible for you, I've attached my updated resume, the job description/program details, and a brief document with a few reminders of my key accomplishments and skills I'm hoping you can highlight.
I know you have a very busy schedule, so I completely understand if you're unable to provide a recommendation at this time. Please just let me know.
Thank you so much for your consideration and for all your guidance over the years.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Asking for a LinkedIn Recommendation
Requesting a recommendation on LinkedIn is slightly less formal but follows the same principles. Use LinkedIn’s built-in request feature, but always personalize the message. Never send the generic default request.
Personalized LinkedIn Request Message:
"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I really enjoyed working with you at [Company Name], especially on [mention a specific project or task]. I'm currently working on building out my LinkedIn profile, and I was hoping you'd be willing to write a brief recommendation that speaks to my skills in [mention 1-2 skills, e.g., data analysis or client communication]. Thank you for considering it!"
This personalized touch dramatically increases the chances of getting a positive and detailed response.
The Follow-Up: Gratitude Is Non-Negotiable
Your work isn't done once they agree. Proper follow-up is essential for maintaining a positive professional relationship.
- Send a Thank-You Note Immediately: As soon as they submit the recommendation or post it on LinkedIn, send a thank-you email. A heartfelt and specific thank you shows your appreciation for their time and effort.
- Keep Them Updated: Let them know the outcome of your application. Whether you got the job, were accepted into the program, or are still in the running, closing the loop is a professional courtesy. People like to know that their efforts contributed to your success.
- Pay It Forward: The best way to show your gratitude is to be a resource for them in the future. Offer to return the favor, share an interesting article, or make a helpful introduction for them down the line.
Asking for a recommendation doesn't have to be a source of stress. By choosing the right people, being respectful of their time, and making the process as easy as possible, you can confidently secure the powerful endorsements you need to advance your career. It's a simple process that, when done right, strengthens your professional relationships and opens doors to new opportunities.
