As you navigate your career, there may come a time when you need a letter of recommendation. Whether you’re applying for a new job, pursuing further education, or seeking professional development opportunities, a strong recommendation from a former boss can significantly enhance your application. However, asking for such a letter can be daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you last communicated with your old boss. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to effectively request a letter of recommendation, ensuring you maintain professionalism and strengthen your relationship.
Before reaching out to your former boss, it’s essential to understand why a recommendation letter is valuable:
- Credibility: A letter from a former employer carries weight, as it provides a third-party endorsement of your skills and work ethic.
- Personal Insight: Your old boss can offer specific examples of your contributions and strengths, making your application more compelling.
- Networking: Reconnecting with a former boss can open doors for future opportunities and strengthen your professional network.
1. Choose the Right Time to Ask
Timing is crucial when requesting a recommendation letter. Consider the following:
- Current Workload: Ensure that your former boss is not overwhelmed with work or deadlines. A busy period may lead to a rushed or less thoughtful letter.
- Recent Achievements: If you recently accomplished something noteworthy in your career, such as a promotion or successful project, this might be a good time to reach out.
- Personal Milestones: If you have maintained a friendly relationship, consider timing your request around personal milestones, such as holidays or significant events, to make the interaction more natural.
2. Reconnect With Your Old Boss
If it’s been a while since you last communicated, take the time to reconnect before making your request. Here’s how:
2.1. Send a Friendly Email
Start with a friendly email to reconnect. In your message, you can:
- Express Gratitude: Thank them for the guidance and support they provided during your time working together.
- Share Updates: Briefly update them on your career since leaving the company, including any achievements or changes.
- Ask About Them: Inquire about their current role and any recent developments in their career.
Example Email:
Subject: Hello from [Your Name]
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I’ve been thinking about my time at [Company Name] and wanted to reach out to express my gratitude for all the support you provided during my time there.
Since leaving, I’ve been working at [Current Company/Position], where I [briefly describe your role or achievements]. I’d love to hear how things are going for you and what you’ve been up to lately!
Looking forward to catching up!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2.2. Follow up With a Call or Meeting
If your former boss responds positively, consider scheduling a call or meeting to catch up further. This personal touch can help strengthen your relationship and make your request more meaningful.
3. Make Your Request
Once you’ve reestablished communication and rapport, it’s time to ask for the recommendation letter. Here’s how to do it effectively:
4. Be Direct but Polite
When you make your request, be clear and respectful. You might say something like:
“I’m currently applying for [specific opportunity] and was wondering if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. Your perspective on my work would mean a lot to me.”
4.1. Provide Context
Help your old boss understand why you’re asking for the letter. Share details about the position or program you’re applying for, and explain how their recommendation could be beneficial.
Letter of recommendation from boss
4.2. Offer Specifics
To make it easier for your former boss, provide specific information they could include in the letter. This could involve:
- Key Skills: Highlight the skills or experiences relevant to the opportunity.
- Achievements: Remind them of specific projects or accomplishments you were involved in during your time together.
- Deadline: Clearly state when you need the letter and provide any relevant submission details.
Example Request Email:
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out to you with a request. I’m currently applying for [specific opportunity] at [Company/Institution Name] and would be incredibly grateful if you could write me a letter of recommendation.
Given our work together on [specific project or responsibility], I believe your insights would provide valuable context about my skills in [mention relevant skills or attributes]. The deadline for submission is [date], and I can provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you so much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your support!
Best,
[Your Name]
5. Provide Supporting Materials
To assist your former boss in writing a strong recommendation letter, consider providing the following:
- Your Resume: Include an updated version of your resume that highlights your achievements and relevant experiences.
- Job Description: Share the job description or details about the opportunity you are applying for, so they can tailor the letter accordingly.
- Personal Statement: If applicable, provide a brief personal statement or cover letter that outlines your goals and why you’re pursuing this opportunity.
6. Be Gracious and Patient
After making your request, give your former boss ample time to respond. Remember that they may have other commitments. If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email.
Example Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Following Up on My Request
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding the letter of recommendation. I completely understand if you’re busy, but if you still have the time to assist me, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you again for considering my request!
Best,
[Your Name]
7. Express Gratitude
Regardless of whether your former boss agrees to write the letter, express your gratitude for their time and consideration. If they do write the letter, send a thank-you note or email to show your appreciation. Acknowledge their effort and let them know how much it means to you.
Example Thank-You Email:
Subject: Thank You!
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for writing the recommendation letter for me. I truly appreciate your support and the time you took to help me with my application.
I’ll keep you updated on how things go, and I hope we can catch up again soon!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
8. Keep the Relationship Alive
After your request and the subsequent thank-you, make an effort to maintain the relationship with your former boss. This could involve:
- Periodic Check-Ins: Send occasional updates about your career progress or simply check in to see how they are doing.
- Networking Opportunities: Share relevant articles, invite them to industry events, or connect on professional networking platforms like
When asking your old boss for a letter of recommendation you want to make sure that you ask in the right way so that they are more likely to say yes. Here are some email templates that you can use to request a letter of recommendation from your old boss. After asking for a letter of recommendation from your old boss, make sure you send them a follow-up email thanking them for their time and consideration.
Letter of recommendation from Your Boss
Example Email 1
Dear [Name],
I am reaching out to ask you for a favor that I hope won’t be too much trouble. I am in the process of applying for a new job and I would be extremely appreciative if you would be able to write me a letter of recommendation. Your word carries a lot of weight in the industry and I would be honored to receive your endorsement.
If you are unable to write a letter of recommendation, I understand. Thank you for taking the time to read this email.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example Email 2
Hello [old boss’s name],
I hope you are doing well! I am writing to ask if you would be able to provide me with a letter of recommendation. I am applying for a new position and it would be greatly appreciated. I enjoyed our time working together and I learned a lot from you. I think you would be a great person to speak to my qualifications.
If you are unable to write a letter of recommendation, I understand. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example Email 3
Hello [old boss],
I hope you are doing well! It was great to see you at the [insert event here]. I was wondering if I might be able to ask for a favor. I am applying for a new job and I would be very grateful if you would be willing to provide me with a letter of recommendation. Your insights into my skills and abilities would be invaluable. If you are unable to do this, or if you prefer not to, I understand completely. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example Email 4
Hello [old boss],
I’m writing to ask for a letter of recommendation from you for [position I’m applying for]. In my time here, I have found you to be a patient mentor and someone who is willing to go the extra mile to help others succeed. [State examples of how your old boss has helped you.] Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example Email 5
Hello [old boss],
Thank you for your time and consideration in this request. I was recently offered a new job and while working with my former company, I found myself growing both in my professional skills as well as the interpersonal relationships that I shared with the staff there. Your role as boss fell on a very crucial time during my career and play a major role in shaping who I am today as a professional.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example Email 6
Hello [old boss],
I am writing to ask you if you would be kind enough to provide a letter of recommendation for me in the application process for the [post] at [company]. I have worked with you on several projects and have learned [X]. You’ve also seen me progress through the company, so I thought it could be a good time to write you one more time. While I’m sure you have a lot on your plate, I would be so grateful if you could spare a few minutes to write a letter of recommendation for me.
Best,
[Your name]
Example Email 7
Dear [Name],
I wanted to reach out and thank you for writing such a great recommendation for me. It was such an honor to work with you and I hope we can stay in touch! If there’s any way I can return the favor, please let me know.
Best,
[Your name]
We hope that this blog post has been helpful in teaching you how to ask for a letter of recommendation. Good luck in your job search!
