How To Get (and Give) Great Recommendations
A reference can make or break your job search. Whether you're the person getting or the person giving the reference, how you handle it matters. A terrific recommendation can help someone get hired, while a bad one can cost someone a job offer.
When you need to request a reference, the first and most important thing to do is to ask the person if they are willing to recommend you. That way, you're giving the person an out if they aren't comfortable recommending you for a job. If they say yes, you can share your resume and the job description so they can highlight your qualifications when they speak to an employer or write a letter endorsing you.
On the flip side, if you're the person providing the reference, be sure you can give a positive endorsement before you say yes. If you're not, and it happens, it's much better to decline than give someone a lukewarm (or even negative) reference.
Here's information and advice on getting—and giving—recommendations for employment, along with examples and templates for requesting and writing references.
How To Get the Best References
It's always a good idea to line up some references who can attest to your credentials when you start a job search. Having a list of references ready to share with a prospective employer is much easier than having to rush at the last minute. But if you do need to scramble, don't stress. Follow the steps below to get your references in order.
Who To Ask for a Job Reference: Previous employers and managers are typically used as references, but you can also use teachers, volunteer leaders, colleagues, and even friends. That can be especially helpful if you didn't have great relationships at prior companies.
How To Ask for a Recommendation: You'll most likely be asked for three references, so make sure you have that many lined up. Be sure to select people who will give you a strong endorsement and who can speak to your qualifications for the role. Ask in advance if they are comfortable recommending you, so they have an out if they aren't.
What Information To Provide to Your References: When you need a reference for a specific job, give the reference writer as much information as possible so they can target their letter to the job you're applying for. Share the following with them:
Your resume
Your cover letter
The address of your LinkedIn profile
A summary of the job duties and accomplishments
A copy of the job posting
What To Include in a Reference List: When you're compiling a list of references to give to a prospective employer, include your name at the top of the page, and for each of your references, list their name, job title, company, and contact information. Here's a sample reference list to review.
Reference Thank-You Note Examples: Don't forget to say thank you. If you take the time to share your appreciation, your reference providers will be more likely to say yes next time you need a reference. Plus, everyone likes to be thanked!
How To Give a Great Reference
It can be easy to give a terrific reference when you’re endorsing someone you know well and think highly of. It’s not always so simple, and there may be times when you don’t want to give a recommendation.
Or you may need help with what to say to help move the hiring process forward for your connection. What you write or say will depend on who you’re recommending, your relationship with them, and the position they are applying for.
How To Decline a Reference Request: It’s much better to decline giving a reference if you can’t give a good one. Saying no is better for the job seeker as well as yourself if you’re struggling with what you should say or write. There are ways you can politely decline without offending the person who requested the reference, and stretching the truth a little can work, too.
What To Include in a Recommendation Letter: Here’s what to include in a letter of recommendation, what not to include, how to format your letter or email, and examples and templates. Also, review these tips for writing a reference letter that will help someone get hired.
Reference Examples and Templates
There are many different types of reference letters. Here’s an overview of each, when to use them, and samples to use as a starting point for your correspondence.
News & Noteworthy
Warning Signs for Younger Workers: The New York Times reports that there are signs that AI is threatening many of the jobs that traditionally hire entry-level candidates. A LinkedIn survey reports that 63% of surveyed executives agree that AI will take over at least some entry-level tasks, and the unemployment rate for college grads is up 30% since September 2022, compared with about 18% for all workers. A warning also comes in an Axios article that includes a prediction of a 10-20% spike in white collar unemployment thanks to AI.
Older Workers Can Extend Their Career: On the flip side, CNBC reports that older workers are benefiting from company policies that will help them extend their careers, including phased retirement plans, part-time schedules, and remote or hybrid work options.
What Happened to Happy Hour? Going to happy hour after work used to be a thing. It’s not anymore. Slate reports that happy hours stopped during the lockdown and haven’t started back up again due to various factors, including more people working remotely, the separation of work and personal lives, and people drinking less alcohol. Maybe most importantly, “Perhaps the only way the happy hour can be rejuvenated is if Americans fall in love with work again.”
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