How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Asking for a reference letter may seem intimidating, but it shouldn't be. In the professional world such acts are common place and expected as you move forward in your career. From a letter writers perspective, it is often seen as a responsibility (and sometimes an honor) to provide you with one. From your perspective, knowing how and who to ask for a reference letter can be an important part of advancing your career.

This small guide is designed to help you secure positive recommendation letters by outlining who to ask, when to ask, and what specifically to ask for.

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Don't just go asking anyone. If the person you ask does not feel comfortable writing you a recommendation letter, it can create a really awkward situation. When you ask for the letter, make sure it is someone you feel would write you a positive one. Give them an easy out if you can. Instead of asking, "Can you write me a letter of recommendation?", rephrase the question as "Do you feel we have worked closely enough for you to write me a good recommendation?" If you are asking someone you know and trust, this should be a comfortable question while still giving the person an easy way out. Remember, a strong letter is better than an okay letter or a bad letter. Qualifying the letter writer in this way is a good bet.

Who to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

The ideal letter writer should have a decent amount of knowledge about who you are. They should have working knowledge of what goes into writing a recommendation letter as well. If you have been asked to turn in multiple recommendation letters, try and secure a letter from different aspects of your life. A professional letter of recommendation, an academic letter of recommendation (when appropriate/attainable), and a character letter of recommendation provide a solid, well rounded view of your accomplishments. Including people with different backgrounds help give the letter reader a view of you in different lights.

Make sure to include at least one obvious letter writer choice (your boss, an old supervisor or a team lead). Neglecting to include someone from this category may make the letter reader wonder if something went wrong in your previous position.

What to Include in a Letter of Recommendation

Your letter of reference should include specifics and be as relevant as possible. It helps to remind your letter writer of a few of your accomplishments. You should also let them know where the letter is being sent. The letter reader will be looking for evidence of things like accomplishment, punctuality and ability to get along with coworkers.

When to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

When leaving a job, always ask your manager or someone you feel would write you a strong recommendation for a letter. As time goes by, it becomes hard to track down people and memories fade. The same can be said for graduating college. If you have a professor that you really hit it off with, ask them for a recommendation letter before you enter the real world. Keep copies in a filing cabinet. Throughout your career, you will be able to grow a strong collection of references. Generally, people will ask that you send the letter directly to their attention, but having this file will help give you a starting point.

It would be helpful to the letter writer to include a list of specific accomplishments that they are familiar with. This will help jog their memory and make your letter that much stronger. You should also send them a copy of your CV or Resume (better yet, your complete Emurse profile link) so they can keep your career in context. Include an addressed, stamped envelope so they can cheaply/easily send the letter off to its destination.


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