Management Tip of the Day: How to Ask for a Reference Letter

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JULY 19, 2010 How to Ask for a Reference Letter Asking someone to take the time and energy to write down all the ways in which you're great can feel like an inconvenience at best and a true imposition at worst. Here are three ways to ease the process and ensure your mentor, boss, or colleague writes a rave review: Highlight her qualifications. Be clear about why you are asking this person for a reference and what uniquely qualifies her to speak on your behalf. This should be flattering and truthful. Provide a draft. The only thing worse than asking for a reference letter is writing one. Make it easy on your mentor or boss by providing a draft. However, be sure that she knows that she doesn't need to use it. Give her an out. Be sure to allow your colleague a way to gracefully say no — for any reason. You aren't likely to get a glowing review from someone who feels forced to write one. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Ask for a Reference Letter" by Jodi Glickman Brown. Read the full blog post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Guide to Getting a Job NEW! Special 11-Article Collection Need a new job? Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change on your own, you need to search efficiently and effectively. Don't lurch from one job to the next. Use this guide to ensure that your next move is a carefully considered one. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Things to Do if You Feel Stuck in Your Job 2 Steps to Changing Your Bad Habits 3 Tips for Strengthening Your Big-Picture Skills 4 Things Your Employees Need From You Know the 3 Ingredients of Important Conversations 3 Tips for Defending without Being Defensive Get Yourself a "Bitsmith" Remove the Mental Barriers to Career Success Don't Let a Tight Budget Stop Your Professional Development 3 Ways to Handle Disruptions BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)