To effectively ask someone to put in a good word for you, be direct, clear about the opportunity, and make it easy for them to provide a positive endorsement. The process involves selecting the right person, making a clear request, providing necessary details, and expressing gratitude.
1. Choose the Right Person
Select someone who knows your work ethic, skills, and character well, and who genuinely respects you. This could be a former manager, a mentor, a respected colleague, a client, or a professor. Their credibility and positive relationship with you are crucial.
2. Make a Direct and Clear Request
When you approach them, be straightforward. State your purpose clearly, mentioning the specific position or opportunity you are pursuing. It's perfectly acceptable to directly ask if they are comfortable providing a positive recommendation.
- Initiate contact: Reach out via email, phone, or in person, depending on your relationship.
- State your intention: Clearly explain that you are applying for a specific role and would appreciate their support.
- Confirm their comfort: Ask if they are able and willing to offer a positive endorsement. This ensures they are genuinely supportive and can speak highly of you without reservation.
3. Provide Essential Information
To enable them to speak highly and accurately on your behalf, furnish them with all the relevant details. This minimizes their effort and ensures their "good word" is impactful.
| Information Type | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| The Opportunity | Company name, specific job title, a copy of the job description, and the deadline. |
| Your Application | Your updated resume/CV, and perhaps a copy of your cover letter. |
| Key Highlights | Specific skills, projects, or achievements you'd like them to emphasize. This helps tailor their message. |
| Their Role | Explain how their "good word" would be delivered (e.g., an email introduction, a formal reference, an informal mention). |
| Context | Briefly remind them of your past interactions or shared projects that showcase your abilities relevant to the opportunity. |
4. Craft Your Request (Examples)
Your approach should be professional and considerate of their time.
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Via Email:
"Subject: Request for a Good Word - [Your Name] for [Job Title] at [Company Name]""Dear [Person's Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to you today because I'm applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I believe my skills in [mention 1-2 relevant skills] would be a great fit. Given your experience with my work on [mention specific project/task], I was hoping you would be comfortable putting in a good word for me.
I've attached my resume and the job description for your review. I'd be happy to provide any further information or discuss the role briefly if that helps.
Please let me know if this is something you'd be able to do. No pressure at all if not, but your support would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]" -
In Person/Phone:
"Hi [Person's Name], do you have a quick moment? I'm applying for a [Job Title] role at [Company Name], and I was hoping you might be willing to put in a good word for me. You saw my work on [specific project], and I think my [skill] would be really valuable there. Would you be comfortable doing that?"
5. Follow Up and Express Gratitude
Regardless of the outcome, always send a sincere thank-you note or email. If they do provide the good word, update them on the status of your application. This not only shows your appreciation but also maintains a positive professional relationship for future interactions.
- Send a thank you: A prompt email or handwritten note expressing your gratitude.
- Keep them informed: Let them know if you get an interview or the job, or if the opportunity doesn't pan out.
By being organized, respectful of their time, and clear in your communication, you significantly increase the likelihood of receiving the positive endorsement you need.
