When you’re starting your career journey, securing strong recommendations can be the key to setting yourself apart. Many employers, especially for internships and entry-level roles, expect candidates to provide recommendations as part of the application. These may come in different forms—such as written letters, phone references, or even LinkedIn recommendations.
As you develop in your career you will have many opportunities to build professional relationships with colleagues, leaders, clients and industy peers, but how do you secure recommendations for your first Internship or job? Here’s a tactical guide to help you navigate the recommendation process and ensure you have strong references lined up.
1. Understand the Types of Recommendations Employers May Request
Employers may request various types of recommendations depending on their hiring process. Here are some of the most common:
- Written Letters of Recommendation: These letters provide a comprehensive, formal assessment of your skills and qualities. Professors, supervisors, or advisors usually provide this type of recommendation.
- Phone References: Some employers prefer a live conversation with a former manager or mentor to get a real-time feel for your strengths, personality, and fit.
- LinkedIn Recommendations: Recommendations on LinkedIn are public, making them especially valuable for networking. They can also give potential employers a quick view of your strengths and are very helpful as you look to optimize your LinkedIn account.
- Reference List for Employers to Contact: In some cases, employers request a list of contacts who can provide informal references on short notice.
Being prepared with multiple types of recommendations makes you adaptable and ready for various employer requests.
2. Identify Potential Recommenders
Finding the right people to recommend you is essential. Ideally, these should be people who know your work ethic and can vouch for your specific strengths. Here’s who you might consider:
- Professors or Academic Advisors: They’re ideal for speaking about your academic skills, commitment, and intellectual growth.
- Internship or Volunteer Supervisors: If you’ve interned or volunteered, these supervisors can highlight your relevant skills and reliability in a professional setting.
- Part-Time or Summer Job Managers: Even if the job wasn’t directly related to your field, managers from previous jobs can speak to your dedication, work ethic, and transferable skills.
- Student Organization Leaders: If you’ve been involved in student clubs, the organization’s advisor or leader can testify to your initiative, leadership, and teamwork.
Tip: Make sure each recommender knows which skills or qualities you’d like them to emphasize, especially if the recommendation type differs, as each may require a unique approach.
3. Reach Out and Set the Stage for Your Request
The way you ask matters as much as who you ask. Be polite, clear, and specific about the type of recommendation you’re seeking. Here’s a sample email template to help:
Sample Email Template
Subject: Request for a Recommendation for [Internship/Job Title]
Dear [Professor/Advisor’s Name],
I hope you’re well! I’m preparing to apply for [specific role or internship, e.g., “a software development internship”] and believe a recommendation from you would help me stand out.
Working with you in [course/project/role] taught me a lot, and I value your perspective on my strengths and growth. If you’re open to it, I would be very grateful for your support, either through a written recommendation or by being available for a potential reference call.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can provide to make the process easier, such as my resume or details about the role. Thank you very much for your consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Pro Tips:
- Specify the Recommendation Type: Mention if you’re requesting a written letter, a potential reference for a call, or even a LinkedIn recommendation so they understand the format and time commitment.
- Personalize Each Request: Reference a specific instance when you worked together to make it clear why you’re asking them.
- Offer to Provide Supporting Materials: Provide a resume or job description to make it easier for them to align their recommendation with the role.
4. Give Your Recommenders Time
Don’t wait until the last minute to request a recommendation. Give your recommenders at least a few weeks to write the letter or prepare to act as a reference, especially if you’re asking them to be available for a phone call. Planning early shows respect for their time and increases the likelihood of a positive, well-prepared response.
5. Offer Context for the Recommendation
To help your recommender focus on the most relevant strengths, provide some context for the role you’re applying for. Here are some pointers:
- Focus on Key Strengths: Politely suggest they highlight certain skills if they’re relevant to the role, such as your attention to detail, leadership, or problem-solving.
- Provide Background on the Role: Briefly explain what the role entails so your recommender can speak to the specific qualities that will resonate most with employers.
- Be Clear About the Format: If the recommendation is for a LinkedIn recommendation or a reference call, make sure they know so they can adjust their response to fit the setting.
6. Show Appreciation for Their Support
Writing a recommendation takes time, and it’s always a thoughtful gesture to thank them for their efforts. Send a follow-up thank-you email to show appreciation, and consider a small gesture if they’ve supported you with multiple recommendations.
Sample Thank-You Email
Subject: Thank You for Your Recommendation
Dear [Professor/Advisor’s Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to support me with a recommendation. I really appreciate your encouragement and guidance, and I’m grateful to have you in my corner as I take this step forward in my career. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my progress!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Additional Tips:
- If you receive the position, consider sending a follow-up thank-you email note, letting them know how much their support meant to you.
- If they helped in multiple ways (such as providing a phone reference and a written recommendation), a small token of appreciation, like a handwritten note or even a small thank you gift, can go a long way.
7. Be Prepared with Alternatives if Needed
Sometimes, your first choice may not be available for a recommendation. In these cases:
- Request an Alternate Type of Recommendation: If they can’t write a letter, they may be willing to offer a brief phone recommendation instead.
- Broaden Your Network: Consider others who can speak to your skills, such as mentors, volunteer coordinators, or leaders of organizations where you’ve contributed.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for recommendation requests is an essential part of launching your career. Employers value recommendations that show you’re reliable, adaptable, and motivated—qualities that your recommenders can help showcase. With these tactics, you’ll have everything you need to approach recommendations confidently and make a strong impression.
Good luck, and remember that each recommendation helps you build a foundation of support for your career journey!
