All in all, your dream job is a few steps away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without hesitation, you get down to updating your CV and writing a cover letter to briefly summarize your professional background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, you proceed to the next steps of the hiring process, but you\u2019re still not confident that your application is significantly outstanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above all, the high number of applicants on LinkedIn for this role makes you feel discouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you\u2019re wondering what else you can do to stand out from the crowd, the answer is to submit an authentic and professional letter of recommendation from your current or former business network<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, we\u2019ll include a template and examples that you can use for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A recommendation letter is a type of reference letter where your current or former employer, manager, or colleague recommends you for a job position, internal promotion, or for external hiring purposes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring managers value your employer\u2019s or manager\u2019s references for two main reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, let\u2019s get into more detail about each of these reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n Here\u2019s what Ryan Miller<\/a>, a Director of Client Success at Employment Boost and certified career coach, says: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA recommendation letter provides a third-party endorsement of the candidate’s qualifications, which can be helpful in the hiring process.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n This way, hiring managers confirm the truthfulness of the information provided on resumes and during interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, why is this important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a well-formatted and informative resume is an essential part of each job application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, studies about resume lies<\/a> confirmed that job seekers tend to misrepresent themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, people embellish in-demand career skills they don\u2019t have, so one way to verify information on a resume is by requiring recommendation letters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, a good way for validating information on resumes is to ask for references and see what other people think about the applicant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Psychological Bullten\u2019s studies<\/a>, past behavior predicts future behavior, and the same applies to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, hiring managers assume that information about applicants\u2019 past behaviors is the best predictor of their future performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One way to collect relevant information about their past is to ask for recommendation letters, which help potential employers grasp whether the applicant is a good fit for the job position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having that in mind, it\u2019s intriguing why employer recommendation letters are not more prevalent, since studies about the value of references<\/a> have shown that 88% of job seekers say they have never asked for a reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, this may be because job seekers typically overlook the value of reference letters. They feel uncomfortable asking for a recommendation because they believe it isn\u2019t worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a recommendation letter is undoubtedly a great way to make your application stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting a job offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, asking for a recommendation doesn\u2019t have to be awkward if you know who<\/em> and how<\/em> to ask for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the perspective of human resources, Victoria Potapenko<\/a>, a General Recruiter at Jooble, shares her opinion on the role of recommendation letters in the hiring process: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA recommendation letter can certainly be considered an additional advantage among the flood of candidates. But as my observations and practice have shown, the relevance of recommendation letters is not currently at its highest level. However, in a competitive environment, all methods are worth considering<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n She emphasizes the following situations when recommendation letters can make a significant difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs for cases where I would recommend using the possibility of a recommendation letter, they include:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The relationship with the person who recommends you determines the value of their reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why you should choose the person who meets the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The words of your employer or manager carry much more weight than the words of your peers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While your colleagues and teammates might describe your soft skills, they typically don\u2019t have much information on your hard skills and overall performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Considering the importance of the latter type of information for hiring managers, it\u2019s better to request a recommendation letter from someone who has the full picture of your work and personal traits \u2015 so, this is certainly your employer or manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only when a person knows you long enough can they endorse your qualifications, skills, and personal traits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, make sure to choose the person who knows you for at least a half year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asking for a recommendation, make sure to pick someone who you worked with recently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A letter from someone you worked with 5 years ago doesn\u2019t mean a lot to hiring managers, since they can provide solely outdated information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your prospective employer wants to know your most relevant and recent experience, which is typically the best representation of your qualifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All things considered, you should choose the person who has known you well, so they can give valuable insight into your professional background, including hard and soft skills relevant to the position you want to obtain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike academic reference letters, employment recommendation letters have to be written by someone who knows the recommendee well. Otherwise, the recommendation doesn\u2019t have any value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, a recommendation from someone who doesn’t know you well would probably be generic, so it couldn\u2019t provide valuable information that contributes to the candidate assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what our contributor, Victoria Potapenko, advises on how to make a recommendation letter authentic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you want to obtain a high-quality letter of recommendation, it’s better to avoid generic statements that don’t accurately depict your accomplishments and abilities. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A good recommendation letter will also contain disadvantages in addition to the candidate’s advantages, making the letter look more authentic. It should contain specifics such as your achievements and projects you participated in.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Therefore, the only way to get a quality and informative recommendation letter is to ask a person who knows your work and skills well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to choosing the right person for a job recommendation letter, she also added: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don’t recommend choosing an HR manager or personnel officer as the author of the recommendation letter. A recommendation letter from someone who worked directly with you will be much more helpful than a template letter from an HR department. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some suggestions for whom to choose as the author of a recommendation letter:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to our contributor, Ryan Miller:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn terms of how many recommendation letters applicants should submit, it really depends on the job and the employer’s requirements. Typically, it’s best to submit at least two or three letters, but it’s important to review the job posting and follow any specific instructions regarding the number of letters required.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, make sure to check whether the company requires recommendation letters and how many. If it\u2019s optional, always prioritize quality over quantity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting one high-quality, authentic, and informative recommendation letter is far better than submitting three generic references that include irrelevant information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Strengthen your business communication and collaboration with Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n Now that you\u2019re aware of the importance of choosing the right person for reference, let\u2019s discuss critical steps when requesting a letter of recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asking someone for a favor professionally<\/a>, it\u2019s important to do everything right on your end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to requesting a recommendation letter, that implies preparing information that makes things easier for your recommender, which is included in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be wondering why your recommender should take a look at your resume before crafting a recommendation letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, your recommender should get a complete picture of your overall experience and qualifications. This way, they can better represent their experience with you and highlight your accomplishments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, this doesn\u2019t mean that the person who recommends you should speak of your overall professional background \u2015 on the contrary, this would ruin the quality and trustworthiness of the letter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, your resume provides the writer with the context, which makes it easier for them to write a high-quality letter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, make sure to provide your recommender with the job posting, so they can understand fully what the position you\u2019re applying for is and what the requirements are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This information helps them select relevant information on your personal traits and professional qualifications and avoid including details that are irrelevant to the job position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An ideal way to reach out to prospective recommenders is to talk to them in person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Face-to-face communication has several advantages that improve your chances of getting a recommendation letter such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, asking for a recommendation in person isn\u2019t always an option, especially when asking your former manager or colleague who you haven\u2019t seen for a while. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, even making a video call<\/a> or voice call will most likely be awkward \u2015 so, what is the best communication mode in this situation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you should certainly request a recommendation via email. Even if you plan to speak to them in person or make a call, you should first contact them to schedule a meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most important factors that determines whether you\u2019ll get a response to your email is email timing. To learn more about what is the best time to send an email, make sure to read our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ditch email and experience more effective communication in Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As we said, making things simple is critical when asking someone for a recommendation. In other words, people will be less likely to help you if it\u2019s overwhelming and confusing for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, ensure that the following points are clearly stated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, highlight why you believe they would be the best person to give you recommendations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not sure how to start a conversation, make sure to read our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ryan Miller is well aware of the importance of sending a follow-up email when requesting a recommendation letter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt’s important to give the individual enough time to write the letter and to follow up with them to ensure that they’ve submitted it on time.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, make sure to send a follow-up email to check in<\/a> at least one week before the due date<\/strong>. This is a great way to check the status of the letter professionally and see whether they need additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can simply write:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHello Lucas,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I hope you\u2019re having a great week. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m emailing you to make sure you have everything you need from me for the recommendation letter. I know you\u2019re busy, and I highly appreciate your help, so if you need any additional information or documentation, <\/em>please don’t hesitate to contact me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you again, and I look forward to hearing from you!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sincerely,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adrian\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Once you get a recommendation letter, make sure to express your appreciation for their time and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To acknowledge your recommender\u2019s effort and maintain a positive relationship with them, you can send them something like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you so much for this amazing recommendation. I truly appreciate your support and believe your recommendation letter gives me an advantage in the application process. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you again for your time and support. I hope we\u2019ll stay in touchwith you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at additional tips that will help you maximize your chances of getting an authentic and professional letter of recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know how many recommendations you need, make a list of your potential recommenders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about who would be the best person to vouch for you, considering all criteria we\u2019ve discussed, such as their seniority and the period you\u2019ve worked together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that your potential recommenders most likely have a hectic schedule, so don\u2019t expect them to write a solid recommendation letter if you give them several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making things worse, if you don\u2019t give them enough time, you show that you don\u2019t respect their time and effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, ask for a recommendation letter at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, you may need a last-minute recommendation letter, so let\u2019s take a look at how you can request it politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, you should avoid asking for a recommendation on short notice, but if it\u2019s the case, attempt to follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from your resume and the job posting, make sure to send your potential recommenders all important notes and additional materials that can help them craft a strong recommendation effectively and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, you can highlight the most important part of your resume or the job posting they should pay attention to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Put yourself in their shoes and figure out what would be helpful. Also, don\u2019t forget to ask them if they need anything else to write the letter easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To help your recommenders write an effective letter of recommendation, make sure to find examples and a template in our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say you choose the right person who can give you a strong recommendation, but talking to them in person isn\u2019t an option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The sequence of events is probably something like the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You start looking for the email address of the person who is potentially your recommender. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you find it, you are ready to start an email, but as soon as you write: \u201cDear Mr. Smith\u201d, <\/em>you start feeling awkward and wondering what word choice would be the most effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve got you covered with the ideal structure you should follow to ensure your email is crafted professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of your email purpose, crafting an effective subject line is an unskippable step for making your email professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the case of requesting a job recommendation letter, you can use the following subject lines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRequest for a recommendation letter\u201d, <\/em>or<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cLetter of recommendation for [the job position]\u201d<\/em>,<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Notably, a strong subject line should provide clearly what the email is about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To start your email professionally, make sure to include a formal greeting such as \u201cDear Mr. Gordon<\/em>\u201d, or \u201cDear Adrian<\/em>\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, depending on the relationship with the person, you can use a more informal salutation such as \u201cHello Adrian\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a greeting, continue with one or two opening sentences like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHope you\u2019re doing well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cHope this email finds you well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n As soon as you craft an opening sentence, make sure to get to the point and provide a context \u2015 so, briefly explain why you\u2019re reaching out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, remember that here you\u2019re in the position of someone who needs a favor, so make the person feel valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of saying: I need your recommendation letter for position X, <\/em>tell them why you believe they are the best person to write a recommendation letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can write something like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSince we\u2019ve worked together for 3 years, you are familiar with my work and qualifications.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cSince we\u2019ve worked together on X and Y, I believe you\u2019re the best person to describe my skills and work.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Once you state why you would appreciate the person\u2019s recommendation letter, make sure to provide important details \u2015 primarily, the submission deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, ensure it doesn\u2019t sound commanding \u2015 use assertive communication<\/a> and show that you put the person\u2019s time and effort in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can say something like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWould you be comfortable writing this type of recommendation on my behalf? I would like to mention that the submission due date is in 5 weeks (12th of June), so let me know how this sounds to you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n As we said, providing your resume and the job posting is critical when asking for a recommendation letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, make sure to attach these materials to an email and ask whether they need additional information or help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you can suggest making a short video or voice call<\/a> if the person finds it more convenient to get more instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, show your gratitude and thank them professionally<\/a> for their time and consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can simply write something like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you very much for your consideration, and <\/em>let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help you craft the recommendation letter!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re wondering how to pick the right email ending and what phrases to avoid, make sure to check our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A communication app for teams of all kinds. Discuss, share, and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n Now that you\u2019re familiar with the optimal structure of a professional email when asking for a recommendation, let\u2019s take a look at some examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDear Mr. Gordon,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hope this email finds you well. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m reaching out because I\u2019m applying for a marketing manager position at XY Software Solutions, and as a part of the hiring process, they request recommendation letters. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since we worked together for more than 3 years and had a chance to reach marketing targets, I believe you would be a great person to endorse my qualifications and skills relevant to this position.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you be comfortable writing this type of letter on my behalf? I would like to mention that the submission due date is in 7 weeks (1st of August), so let me know if this would work for you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m attaching a copy of my resume and the job posting, so let me know if you need any additional information that can help you write a recommendation letter easier and quicker. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your time and consideration. I highly appreciate it!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n With gratitude, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Helen Thomas\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-ask-for-a-recommendation-letter-2-2-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy is a recommendation letter important for your job application?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nReason #1: Recommendation letters provide information from third-party sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Ryan-Miller-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nReason #2: Recommendation letters help hiring managers predict the applicant\u2019s future performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Viktoria](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Viktoria-Potapenko.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Who should you ask to write a job recommendation letter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Criteria #1: Your former or current employer or manager <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Criteria #2: A person who knows you for a sufficient time <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Criteria #3: A person who has worked with you recently<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can you ask someone you don\u2019t know well for a recommendation letter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How many recommendation letters should you submit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n5 Important steps when asking for a recommendation letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step #1: Prepare relevant information <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Information source #1: Your resume<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Information source #2: The job posting <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step #2: Choose the communication method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #3: Make it straightforward <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #4: Follow up <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nStep #5: Show your gratitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Additional tips for requesting a job recommendation letter professionally <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: Have a list of potential recommenders <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip #2: Give them enough time <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to request a recommendation letter at the last minute?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #3: Provide potential recommenders with helpful material and templates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The ideal structure of an email when asking for a recommendation letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Element #1: Straightforward subject line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Element #2: A formal greeting with an opening sentence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Element #3: The context in a friendly manner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Element #4: Important information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Elements #5: Additional material attached<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Element #6: A thank you note <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nExamples of an email when requesting a job recommendation letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A formal request example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An informal request example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n