If you’re applying for jobs, it’s likely you’ll need letters of recommendation. It’s in your best interest to have at least a few reference letters before starting your job search.
If you already have a few reference letters, then you’ll be ready to provide them to a potential employer without delay.
There are many ways to ask for a reference letter, whether it be via email, writing a good old fashioned letter, or calling someone on the phone. Either way, you’ll want to request a letter from carefully chosen contacts.
In this article, we’ll cover some tips on how to ask for a reference letter.
Start the Process Early (Really Early)
It’s best to reach out to potential recommenders as early as possible. Prepare now so that when potential employers ask for a letter of recommendation, you’ll already have a few on hand.
No one wants to receive a last-minute email requesting they write a letter that’s due in a few hours.
It’s likely they’ll have to turn down your request because not only will they not have enough time to write it, but they may also consider it rude of you to ask them in a short timeframe.
The last thing you need is for a recommender to think that you are unprofessional and irresponsible.
To prevent your need to ask for last minute references, start thinking about which contacts you’d like to reach out to before applying for jobs.
If that means starting this process a few months early, make it a priority to ask recommenders way in advance. Do this, and you’ll be ultra-prepared when you start applying for jobs.
Carefully Select Recommendation Writers
When selecting recommenders, think of the people who know you well and can speak to your achievements.
The people you ask for a reference letter should meet the following requirements:
- You’ve known them for at least a year
- They have a good reputation
- They think highly of you
- They write well or are OK with you editing their letter
- They can meet the deadline you give them (if given enough time)
Ask a Recommender in Person (If Possible)
If the person you’d like to ask for a recommendation letter is local, it’s better to request a letter face to face.
Since asking for a recommendation letter is already challenging enough and can make some people nervous, sometimes it’s just easier to ask them directly.
If the person you’d like to ask doesn’t live nearby, you can either email or call them. Calling or texting them is more comfortable because they’re more likely to respond right away.
It’s possible that an email could be lost or ignored, especially if they’re a busy person.
There is also the option to reach out to a recommender over social media if that’s where you already communicate.
After all, if you already interact with that person via social media channels like LinkedIn and Facebook, why not just reach out to them there?
Use discretion and reach out to them where you feel is appropriate.
Again, if at all possible, talking to someone in person will give you the opportunity not only to catch up but also express why you need a letter.
You should also explain to them why you feel they’d be a great person to recommend you.
Asking for a Recommendation Letter via Email
If it’s not possible to ask for a letter in person, through social media, or over the phone, reach out to them via email.
If you decide to write an email, try to keep it short and sweet. It should include the following:
- Introduction
- Request
- A brief explanation of the job, program, or opportunity you’re applying for
- Why you feel they’re the ideal person to speak to your character
- Thank them for their time
You may want to look at recommendation letter samples to get good ideas on how to best craft your emails.
Asking a Former Employer or Professor for a Reference
It’s common to ask a former boss, manager, or professor for a letter. However, it can be awkward if you haven’t spoken to or seen them in a while.
You needn’t worry though, because if you performed well at the job, they should happily write one for you.
Professor
A professor is an excellent person to ask for a reference because they likely knew you well when you were a student and can attest to your character and work ethic.
If you’re afraid a professor won’t remember you, jog their memory with the following:
- Which class or classes you took with them
- A notable paper you wrote or projects you completed
- What you’ve been up to since you last saw them
Former Employer
A former employer is another person you can ask to recommend you. As we mentioned earlier, make sure you worked with them for at least a year.
Also, make sure that the person you ask worked closely with you (as a co-worker, manager, or boss, for example) so they can recommend you based on your skill set and strong work values.
To ask a former employer, remind them of the following:
- When you worked for them
- Which projects you worked on together
- What you contributed to the company
- How your career has evolved since then
It’s wise not to list a former boss or professor as a reference on your resume unless you’ve spoken to them first.
Asking for a Reference Letter When Leaving Your Job
You can save a lot of time in the future by asking for recommendation letters right after you leave a job or shortly after you give your notice, if appropriate.
Ask for a letter far enough in advance, and you’ll already have a few recommendation letters to use for future job opportunities.
Plus, you won’t have to reach out to a lot of people all at once asking for recommendation letters.
Whether you get the job you applied for or not, don’t forget to reach out to the people who wrote you a letter of recommendation to say thank you.
Your recommenders will think it’s nice that you took the time to say thank you and who knows, you may also rekindle a friendship with someone you’ve meant to get in touch with in the past.
Author Bio:
Brittnee is local to the area and has several years of experience in property management prior to joining the team at Eversage. Brittnee enjoys the year-round activities that Payson has to offer and is constantly exploring more of the city.