Over 90% of employers conduct background checks, according to SHRM data. But some go a step further in verifying employee fit and ask for letters of recommendation. If you’ve never had to secure these endorsements, you might not know where to start. How should you ask for a letter of recommendation–and how can you make sure that the document you receive will help impress a hiring manager?
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What Is A Letter Of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is an endorsement of your skills and abilities–and sometimes, your character as well. Employers ask for letters of recommendation to ensure that candidates are worthy hires who will fit in well with the company culture and the rest of the team.
An excellent letter of recommendation can increase your chances of being hired. It can even tip the scales in cases where your competitors have similar backgrounds and achievements. But to ensure that your letter of recommendation makes the right impression, it must adhere to the right guidelines, speak to the qualities that the employer values most highly, and come from someone who is well-positioned to endorse you.
How To Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation
When asking for a letter of recommendation, be considerate. Always keep in mind that the person writing the letter is doing you a favor. They’re taking time and effort to help you impress a potential employer, so the least you can do is make things easy on them.
Always send a written request for a recommendation (or a written follow-up, if you’ve spoken with the person and they’ve already agreed verbally). Include details like:
- The employer’s name
- The hiring team’s names
- The position for which you’re applying
- Any specific skills or qualifications that would be useful to mention
- Any other guidelines or requirements from the employer
You might also attach a copy of your resume for reference, to remind the person of your qualifications.
Give as much notice as possible–in other words, don’t wait until the last minute to make your request–and be gracious and thankful, even if the person can’t make time for your request at the moment.
Who To Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are valuable only if they’re persuasive. If the hiring manager reads the letter and is unimpressed or unconvinced, the letter is a waste of everyone’s time. So, it’s essential to choose the right person to write your letter of recommendation. Consider these guidelines:
- Choose someone who will be impressive to the hiring manager. Avoid family members, close friends, or anyone who can’t speak to your abilities.
- Pick someone familiar with your work. Look for recommenders who are familiar with your work and have positive things to say about your qualifications and skills–and the more recent the interaction, the better. A boss from 10 years ago might have fond memories of your time working together, but they may be short on specifics.
- Select someone who has time to help you. A hastily written recommendation won’t help make the case that you’re the best hire.
- Ask in advance and be specific about your needs. For example, you might say, “I’m looking for a letter of recommendation for [X job]. Would you be able to attest to my skills in that area?”
How To Follow Up On Letter Of Recommendation
There’s nothing worse than waiting for a letter of recommendation that seems like it’s never coming–unless it’s feeling like a nuisance when following up. To minimize both your discomfort and that of the person writing your recommendation, set expectations right from the start.
Ask If Your Letter Can Be Completed By A Specific Date
When requesting your letter, ask if the recommender can complete the reference by a specific date. Build in extra time if possible to allow for follow-up.
Offer Additional Information
A few days before the deadline, reach out to see if you can provide any additional information. Be sure to thank them for their assistance when you do so.
If the letter is late, it’s permissible to follow up once. If the letter still doesn’t come through–and you haven’t heard anything from the person offering the recommendation–you may be out of luck. For this reason, it’s wise to line up more letters of recommendation than you need. Life intervenes, even when everyone has the best intentions.
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Sample Letter Of Recommendation
Writing a letter of recommendation and staring down a blank page? Start by asking the person you’re recommending for guidance. They will be able to tell you which skills, qualifications, and experience are most important for the position.
Once you have that information, a template can help guide your writing. Use the sample letter of recommendation below to help you compose your own.
Your name
Street address
City, state, zip code
Phone number
Email address
Date
Recipient’s name
Recipient’s job title
Company name
Company’s address
Dear [recipient],
I’m writing today to offer my enthusiastic recommendation for [name of the person you’re recommending] for [job title, academic program, etc.].
I’ve had the pleasure of working with [person you’re recommending] for X years. During that time, [include specifics of their performance, skills, qualifications–be as specific as possible and quantify their achievements with numbers, percentages, and so on].
In particular, I was impressed by [go into detail about their achievements, being certain to match their qualifications with the job requirements].
I know that [person you’re recommending] would be an asset to your team and your organization. [Again, give specifics here. How would their qualifications help the company?]
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss their skills and qualifications further. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [phone number and email].
Sincerely,
[Signature for hard-copy letter]
Your name
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ask for a letter of recommendation via email?
When asking for a letter of recommendation via email, start with a clear subject line, e.g. “Letter of Recommendation Request–[Your Name].” Then briefly outline the kind of recommendation you need (personal or professional) and ask if the person feels that they can recommend you for the job or program.
Who is the best person to get a letter of recommendation from?
The best person to ask for a recommendation is someone who can speak to the qualities that you’d most like to emphasize. For a professional recommendation, you might look for a former manager or colleague who can talk about your experience, skills, and achievements.
Do letters of recommendation help you get a job?
If an employer asks for letters of recommendation, you must provide them or you’re likely to be dropped for consideration for the role.
How do you write a letter of recommendation for a friend?
Before agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for a friend, be sure that you’re the right person to offer an endorsement. If you’ve never worked together, for example, you should not offer a professional recommendation–although you may be able to serve as a character reference.
The Bottom Line
A professional letter of recommendation can mean the difference between landing the job and getting cut from the candidate pool. But in order to help boost a job applicant’s chances, a recommendation letter must make a compelling case for their skills and qualifications. Good communication between the recommender and the subject can help ensure that the letter makes a good impression.
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