Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Choosing an approach
• Part 2 of 3: Asking for the recommendation
• Part 3 of 3: Be assured of a useful recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation from your current boss can be a sensitive topic, depending on why you need the letter. Most executives will be willing to write a letter when it comes to anything not related to a job, such as applying for a mortgage or volunteering. However, your boss may be less willing to write a letter if you plan to quit and apply for another job. When asking for a recommendation, give your boss a clear idea of ​​the context for which the letter should be written, and give him or her at least two full months to write the letter.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Choosing an approach

1. Ask for it well in advance. Employers are often busy and are likely to politely decline if you ask just a few days in advance. At least two or three months in advance, ask your boss for a letter of recommendation so that he has enough time to think about your job and write a thoughtful letter without rush.
   • If you are leaving the company to pursue your career elsewhere and you want a letter of recommendation from your boss, consider asking up to six months in advance. This gives your boss enough time to find a suitable replacement.
2. Make your request at a convenient time. Even if you ask for a letter of recommendation well in advance, it would be unwise to present it to your boss when a deadline is coming up, or when you are in the middle of an office crisis. Plan your request and ask at a relatively quiet time.
   • For example, if you are in the middle of a project, wait until you finish the work. Then when you ask your boss for the letter, mention the hard work you put into the project.
3. Ask for a personal meeting. Ask your manager if he or she has time for a personal meeting in the next two weeks. Let your boss choose the time and date, and if your boss is curious as to why, say something short, like "I want to ask you for a business favor."
   • It's always wise to ask for a letter of recommendation in person - email can seem impersonal or distant. But if you or your boss are traveling for a longer period of time, or if the matter of the letter is in a hurry, you can ask via email if necessary.

Part 2 of 3: Asking for the recommendation

1. Make your request direct and clear. There is no reason to be subtle or ambiguous when asking for a letter. During the face-to-face interview, clearly and confidently ask for a letter of recommendation, and explain the context for which you need the letter - then indicate the date when you actually need the letter to appear. An example:
   • "I applied to college and hope to start next fall." I know the letters of recommendation carry a lot of weight in the selection committee and since you have been my supervisor for a number of years, I would appreciate if you could write a letter of recommendation regarding the strengths of my work and my work ethic . '
2. Present your request positively. Your boss may be disappointed to find out that he is losing an employee, especially if you ask for the letter of recommendation to apply to another company. So frame the request in a positive light: remind your boss of the good work you have done at the company and make it clear that the recommendation can help you in your further career.
   • Say something like, "I have enjoyed my 10 years of work here and during that time I feel that I have contributed valuable work to the company. I have decided to take a step in my career by applying for a position at XYZ Company. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for the new position? "
   EXPERT TIP

   Explain to your boss why you are asking this. Regardless of the context in which you request a letter of recommendation (e.g., an application for housing, a volunteer position, or a new job), your boss will need to know why you are specifically asking him or her. Wrap up your request in specific language so that your boss understands why you want a letter of recommendation from him or her. An example:

   • "I would like you to write this letter because I think you understand my work ethic and how much I commit to projects and assignments."
   • "A recommendation from you would show my new supervisor that I get on well with people in management and follow directions well."

Part 3 of 3: Be assured of a useful recommendation

1. Provide a global template. "Letter of Recommendation" can be a broad category, so to make the task easier for your boss and get a better letter, provide some details about what you want to be included in the letter. You don't want to appear like you want a hymn to yourself or are prescribing the letter for him or her, but by giving your boss an idea of ​​the format the letter might follow, you will make the task easier and you will get a better letter . For example, you can say the following:
   • "It might be good to mention early in the letter that we've been working together for 10 years - that should give your recommendation more authority."
   • "Since this is for housing application, it would help if you mentioned my ability to keep my workspace clean and meet financial deadlines."
2. Confirm that your boss will give you a positive recommendation. Even if your boss agrees to write you a letter, check carefully to make sure the letter describes you as a strong candidate for the job, volunteer position, or living situation you are applying for. If you don't, you run the risk of finding out too late that your boss has been negative or flat about you.
   • Say something like, "I wanted to make sure that the letter you are going to write will be a strong endorsement from me and will not contain any negative information."
3. Provide your boss with the necessary documents. In order to write a convincing and detailed letter of recommendation, your boss needs information and documents about your professional achievements. Send your boss a copy of your resume, a sample of recent work you've produced, and details about the position or field of study you want to pursue.
   • Also, be ready to refresh your boss's memory regarding the details of work you've done in your current position. Most executives have many employees under them and should be reminded of the specifics of the work that individual employees have performed.
4. Accept it if your boss refuses. Despite your best efforts, your supervisor may refuse to write you a letter of recommendation. This could be because they are unhappy that you are leaving for another job or dissatisfied with your job performance, among other reasons.While you can always inquire about your boss's motivations, don't try to convince or persuade him or her to write the letter.
   • If your boss refuses (via email or in person) to write you a letter, always stay polite and don't get angry.
   • Say something short, such as, "I understand your reason for refusing." Thank you for considering my request. "