Letter Of Recommendation: How to Ask for It? (And Get It)

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People often ask why we need a letter of recommendation to get jobs. We are using platforms made for professionals and job boards to apply for jobs and have skills to stand out. Then, what is the need for a recommendation letter?

The answer is simple. Searching for jobs on your own can be tiring. However, professionally drafted recommendation letters can help amplify your visibility and plausibility 2x and make you a strong candidate for the job.

What is a Letter of Recommendation for?

A letter of recommendation can help you get admission to a university or college. Similarly, it is relevant to get a job, especially in roles requiring personal qualities, professional skills, and past performance. 

The letters of recommendation provide additional credibility and validation from someone who knows the candidate well because highlighting strengths and achievements in resumes alone often doesn’t go well. It is when you need someone to speak on your behalf through the recommendation letter.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation?

There are many ways you can request someone for a letter of recommendation. Some of them are:

1. Be Selective When You Ask For the Letter of Recommendation

The best letter of recommendation comes from individuals who know you right and can speak to your qualities. For getting a job, select your recommenders whom you have worked with (in various projects) and who know about your skills, experiences, and accomplishments well. You can ask your former managers or experienced co-workers for recommendations.

2. Create a Referral List of People (5-10 people)

Remember to create a referral list of 5-10 people you are and can stay in contact with and whom you think can give genuine recommendations without being biassed. Avoid including family members or friends in the list as they might appear biassed in front of the hiring managers.

3. Prepare or Update Your Resume

While asking for recommendations, share your updated resume with the recommender so they may get a hold of what you are doing (professionally), any new achievements you have earned, or any new skills. 

Also, it gives them insights about your personal and professional development and what progress you have made in the meantime. Craft a compelling resume highlighting your highlights and keeping the relevant information first while ditching the irrelevant ones.

4. Call Each One or Request Them to Meet in Person

Most of the time, it is obvious you can directly connect with the recommenders. However, if you know the person personally, you can make a call requesting a referral. 

If you know the recommender via social networking sites like LinkedIn, you can message them and ask if you can connect via call or meet in person to discuss it further. This way, it’s easier to convey thoughts and help make strong professional connections.

The better way to start a conversation is to begin with politeness and a pinch of flattery. 

5. Send A Formal Letter of Recommendation Mail (Request)

After confirming with the individuals from your referral list, send a personalised formal email to request the letter of recommendation. Consider including the following in the email to make them feel comfortable and prepared when writing your recommendation letter:

• An updated resume or brag sheet
• Reason for the recommendation 
• Current role or what you are doing currently
• Why you are qualified for the role
• Relevant work details, technical skills, or academic skills 
• Request a due date (if applicable) and where to send
• Sample recommendation letters, if required

You can also add short details of the projects you have worked on with ex-managers or co-workers so they can recall your contribution and write a recommendation letter highlighting your skills, expertise, and habits relevant to the job you are applying for.

6. Follow Up Before the Deadline

Follow up with a polite reminder a week or two before the due date. It can be an ideal opportunity to thank them for their help and offer any additional details they may require to write the recommendation letter.

7. Express Gratitude for Each Recommendation

It is a common courtesy to thank every recommender for sparing time and writing on your behalf. Send each one a personalised and short but touching thank you note (could be handwritten) via email (or post). Also, update your thank you mail with a final thank you after getting the job and highlight how it made it easier for you to achieve your goal. 

Tips for Getting The Best Letter of Recommendation

1. Ask Early to Give Plentiful Time

Asking for last-minute help may not work in your favour for various reasons. For example, the recommenders may get busy with their professional or personal commitments.

Therefore, it is advisable to consider 1-4 weeks and ask in advance to write them. Let them have the time required to think and write the recommendations as you want. It will allow you to have the letter of recommendation before the due date so you don’t miss out on opportunities.

2. Ask Someone Else If You Feel Hesitation

There might be various reasons someone may hesitate to write you a recommendation. One of the reasons could be not knowing you well, and they cannot speak for the skills and qualifications you are applying for. It has nothing to do with you or your job. Some people are not comfortable being vocal about things they are unsure about.

However, don’t get upset if someone rejects your request for the recommendation. You can ask for someone else from your list who is not shy of advocating on your behalf and can voice your skills, experience, and achievements.

3. Ask for It While Quitting from a Job

Another way to get a recommendation letter is to ask your manager for it while still in a positive working relationship when the memories of your contributions are still in your manager’s mind. You will have it ready to submit to your potential employers. 

Conclusion: Be Future-Ready with Remark Jobs

Letters of recommendation are the best way to stand out from the mountain of resumes and get noticed by potential employers. However, if you want to get noticed by employers directly, you can try Remark Jobs. 

Here, you can apply for multiple jobs, get noticed by the best companies, and shine in your career journeys. Visit the website or download the app to get your dream job.