How to Ask Someone for an Employment Recommendation

In a world where networking may refer more to computer cords than conversation, the power of person to person networking still thrives. For job seekers, obtaining an employment recommendation, also known as a reference, can mean the difference between an interview and no response to an application. Although many job applications have a spot to write employment recommendation contact information, it's best to ask a person in advance if he will serve as a reference. Making that personal contact shows that you place gravity in his opinion of you.

Instructions

1. Consider who you know in the field or a field related the profession you are applying for. While your recommendations do not have to come from the same area of work, showing good past performance in your intended field may have more impact in a recommendation.

2. Review the person's schedule if you have access to it, determining when may be the best point to inquire about a recommendation. Check for recurring empty time slots, such as first thing in the morning or end of day every Friday.

3. Type a hard-copy list of your achievements with the organization, including but not limited to anything you did specifically for the person you're asking for the recommendation. This will be a tangible reminder of your efforts and may even serve as fodder for the recommendation itself.

4. Schedule an appointment to see the person; don't just drop in, as you want the person to put aside uninterrupted time to discuss your recommendation.

5. Explain why you would like the recommendation; this may be important if you are subordinate to the person and seeking employment elsewhere or within the company but under another manager.

6. Describe how you will facilitate your exit, where appropriate, so the recommender doesn't worry about work left up in the air. It may be helpful to have a written exit plan, documented standard operating procedures and a card with your contact information on how to reach you at the ready to assuage any worries.

7. Tell the person why you have specifically chosen him for the recommendation request and elaborate why the recommendation means so much. Give him a time constraint to let you know whether or not he will do the recommendation and, if so, when to expect it. This way, you can stay on track with any requirements to have recommendations into the prospective organization.

8. Close with a genuine thank you and ask whether the person wants you to follow up with a reminder at an established point if you or the other organization have not yet received the recommendation.

References

• University of Texas at El Paso: How to Get a Good Recommendation
• Creighton University: How to Get A Good Letter of Recommendation