Saying “can you write me a recommendation” at work
Why it can fall flat
“can you write me a recommendation”
The other person is likely to hear a big favor dressed up as a quick errand, with no context, no deadline and no easy way to say no. You want a strong, specific recommendation, so make it easy for them to agree and know what to write.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Stephanie, I'm applying for new roles and would be grateful if you could write a recommendation for me. I can send my CV and a few notes on the projects we worked on together.
Boss · Email
Fits a manager who knows your work, since it explains why you're asking and offers material that saves them time.
- 02
Hi Emerson, do you have a few minutes this week? I'm job hunting and wanted to ask if you'd feel comfortable being a reference for me.
Boss · Chat
Opens the conversation gently, and “feel comfortable” lets them decline without awkwardness.
- 03
Hi Lena, I have an application due on March 14. Could you write a recommendation for me by March 10? If that timing doesn't work, just tell me.
Boss · Email
Use it when a deadline exists, because a clear date and an easy way out make a reply more likely.
- 04
Would you be open to writing a short LinkedIn recommendation for me? I can send a few bullet points about what we worked on to make it easier.
Coworker · Chat
Peers will appreciate how small the request is and how the bullet points speed up the writing.
- 05
Hello Mr. Lambert, it was a pleasure working on your website project. Would you be willing to write a few lines recommending my work? A short note is plenty.
Client · Email
Suits a client whose project you've finished, and “a short note is plenty” keeps the effort low.
- 06
Hi Jyoti, thanks for choosing us. Would you write a short recommendation of my work? Even a couple of lines would mean a lot.
Customer · SMS
Happy customers can answer this right after good service, and it is short enough for a text.
- 07
Hi Neha, as I'm moving on from the company, would you be willing to write a short LinkedIn recommendation about working together? No pressure if you'd rather not.
Someone you manage · Email
Since you manage this person, the explicit “no pressure” keeps the request from feeling like an order.
Examples
Hi Stephanie, I'm applying for product marketing roles and would be grateful if you could write a recommendation for me. You saw my work on the spring launch up close, so your view would carry real weight. I can send my CV and a few notes on that project if it helps. Thank you for considering it. Best regards, Charlie
Hi Emerson, I'm starting to apply for new roles. Would you be comfortable giving me a reference? I can send my CV and a few points to help, whenever suits you.
What to avoid
- Asking with no context leaves them guessing, so say what role you're applying for and why they're the right person.
- Leaving out the deadline makes planning hard, while a date lets them fit the task in.
- Assuming a yes puts pressure on them, so give them an easy way to decline.
- Expecting them to write from scratch with no help is a lot to ask, so offer your CV or a few notes.
- A rushed message sent the day the recommendation is due rarely gets a thoughtful answer.