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Careers & workplace advice from Hays

Knowing how to work well as a team and being able to collaborate is a vital part of any work environment. As such, effective teamwork is one of the many soft skills that can help you to succeed in your career.

For some, these important teamwork skills come naturally. For others, being an effective team player can be challenging. Whatever level your collaboration skills may be at, or your level of experience, there’s always room to improve.

Take a look at our five top tips for improving your teamwork skills.

Why are teamwork and collaboration skills so important?

Working well as a team and cooperating with one another allows individuals to contribute to a common goal. The ability to work well together remains a priority for employers, even if you take on mainly remote work.

Collaboration tools such as Slack, Asana and Microsoft Teams are enabling teams to break out of their silos, even when working remotely, and come together to brainstorm ideas and work on projects.

What does effective collaboration entail?

Collaboration is an important interpersonal skill in itself, but it also includes many other skills too, such as:

Strong communication skills
Active listening
Emotional intelligence
Conflict resolution

To truly hone your teamwork skills, consider how effective you are at each of these parts in isolation. Could you take time to improve your people skills across the board?

Our five top tips for improving collaboration skills:

1. Build your emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (or EQ) is your ability to identify and manage your emotions. With good emotional intelligence, you’ll be more understanding of your colleagues. In turn, you can better respond to your colleagues’ needs in a productive manner. Emotional intelligence is helpful when trying to resolve conflicts or bridging the gap between different communicative styles.

To build a better understanding of your triggers, feelings and reactions, try naming your emotions. By practising mindfulness you can take time out to reflect on how different events made you feel.

Employers look for emotional intelligence as this soft skill helps promote cooperation within the workplace.

2. Set clear common goals and objectives

Working as a team to prepare a clear goal for your project allows everyone involved to have a clear stake in the outcome. Once everyone agrees on their objectives, delegating tasks that each team member is accountable for encourages ownership.

3. Recognise the efforts of other team members

Most people love receiving recognition for a job well done. So when collaborating with others, make sure to praise your colleagues either privately or in front of the whole team.

Recognition is a key part of creating a positive work environment. If you give credit where it’s due, you’ll be more enjoyable to work with. You will also be helping to create a healthy culture of collaboration.

4. Seek out different perspectives and keep an open mind

Being able to work with a wide range of people is a key part of having good collaboration skills. You need to be willing to seek out new perspectives at work. In doing so, you’ll be able to see all sides of an issue and find the best solution.

Other members of your team will have skills, experience and insight that you may not. As such, it’s good to talk to people who are experts in certain areas, or come from an industry or background you’re less familiar with.

By demonstrating an inclusive attitude and effective teamwork mentality, you’ll only improve the outcome of your projects and increase the chances of their success.

5. Be an active listener

As Marc Burrage, Managing Director for Hays Asia, discusses in his bl o g on improving your communication skills: “Success in the workplace is about collaboration, which is extremely difficult to achieve when one colleague refuses to listen to another’s point of view”.

Active listening involves more than just paying attention to a speaker. By giving the speaker your full attention and minimising distractions you can better interpret their tone, word choice and body language. This will help you to better understand your team members’ thoughts and avoid conflict with those around you.

If you’re not in the same physical workspace as your team members, it’s easier to do this through regular calls, rather than via written message or email. Add milestone meetings into your diaries to ensure that everybody’s voice is heard and stay on track with the tasks that have been delegated.

Want to learn more about building your teamwork skills and other essential soft skills?

The first day at a new job can be both daunting and exciting. You want to make a good first impression and set the ground running for a smooth transition to the organisation.

This guide will help you prepare for this important day. Our complete checklist includes what to bring, questions to ask and expectations to set as you start your new job on the right foot.

What to bring with you on the first day of your job

1. Necessary documents

Make sure you have all required documents, such as identification, work permits, tax forms, and banking information. Human resources (HR) will usually request that you bring these documents on your first day. Double-check with the HR team if you’re still unsure what you will need to bring.

2. Notebook and pen

A notebook and pen are essential for jotting down important information. Don’t feel embarrassed about needing to take note of names, procedures and answers to your questions. If anything, this shows interest and your eagerness to learn.

3. Lunch and snacks

Pack a lunch and some snacks, particularly if you don’t know what options are available around the area. Additionally, you may not be familiar with the company’s canteen situation, so it’s always best to prepare. Preparing your own food ensures you won’t go hungry if your lunch break is shorter than expected or local options are limited.

4. Personal Items

Don’t forget essential personal items. Bring a water bottle, mints, a phone charger and anything else that will help you stay comfortable and focused throughout the day.

Questions to ask on your first day at work

Your new company will try to provide all the information that you need on the first day of your job. However, it’s good to prepare a list of questions that you may have. You can use the below topics and question ideas to start forming your list.

1. Clarify your role and responsibilities

According to a Hays poll on LinkedIn, this is the priority for our followers on their first day. Understanding your specific duties and how they fit into the bigger picture is key to a successful start. Ask your supervisor to clarify your role, immediate tasks, and long-term goals.

2. Ask about team dynamics

Take the time to learn about the team structure, who you’ll work with directly, and their roles. As well as asking questions is a good place to start, listen to and observe your team to get a feel for how they operate and will help you to integrate more smoothly.

3. Understanding company culture

When starting a new job, it’s a good idea to ask about the company culture and values. Understanding these aspects will help you adjust your behaviour and attitude to align with the company’s expectations.

4. Technology and tools

Find out which tools and software you’ll need to use. Ask if there are any training sessions or resources available to help you get up to speed.

How to make a good impression on your first day at work

Body language, following the dress code and remembering names can set the tone for your first day at your new job.

Making a great impression on your first day is easily achieved with a few simple steps:

1. Keep body language open and calm

Your body language can help give the impression of confidence and calmness, even if that’s the opposite of how you feel. Maintain an open posture by keeping your arms uncrossed and by making eye contact with the people that you speak to. Smiling can also go a long way in showing you are engaged and receptive.

2. Follow the dress code

Following the dress code is an important factor to consider for your first day. What you wear shows the company that you take your new role seriously, while also helping you feel like you fit in with your team.

If you’re unsure about the dress code, opt for something more smart than casual – it’s better to be overdressed, particularly in an office environment. Then, on your first day, you can take note of what people are wearing and adjust your outfit accordingly.

3. Remember the names of key people

Show your new colleagues that you are attentive and considerate by taking the time to commit their names to memory. This small gesture can really make the difference in helping you connect with your new team on your first day. Remember, it’s ok to take a note of names during any inductions to help with this.

4. Listen actively and take on board important information

Active listening is a critical skill that demonstrates your willingness to learn. Pay attention during introductions, training sessions and meetings. Take notes on key points to help you remember important details. Doing so will help your learning process and show your new team that you value their input and are committed to your role.

Your first day at work is your chance to set a positive tone for your time at the new job. Be prepared, ask the right questions and work with your new team to set clear expectations on both sides. Remember that your demeanour and appearance can make all the difference in making a good first impression. Keep an open mind, show your team members you have a good work ethic and be enthusiastic.

Learn more about how to ace your first day at a new job

To put your best foot forward as you dive into the working world, see more from Hays:

Leaving a company for a new opportunity can be exciting for many reasons. In your new role you may be moving up the career ladder, increasing your pay or developing your skills.

Even though you are looking to the future there is still plenty to do at your current role. It’s important to make sure you leave on a positive note by preserving the good working relationships you have.

Take a look at our top etiquette tips for leaving for a new role. In our blog we offer advice on everything from giving your notice to sending a goodbye email to colleagues.

Why is it a good idea to leave your company in a professional way?

Whether your experience with your current employer is positive or negative, it pays to be gracious for many reasons:

Upsetting your boss or colleagues may damage your chances of getting a positive reference.
Any negative comments on social media about your current employer may make it back to your new employer. Be careful what you post online.
Leaving on good terms allows for networking opportunities and future recommendations.
Working your full notice and being professional until your last day will emphasise your positive work ethic.

How and when should you give your notice?

Once you have a firm offer in place from your new employer and have chosen to accept, set up a meeting with your manager. Have a letter of resignation ready to formally give notice after discussing it in person.

Find out more about how to write a resignation letter here.

Can I resign by sending a farewell email and resignation letter?

Handing in your notice can be one of the most stressful parts of leaving a job. However, it is courteous to inform your manager that you are leaving face-to-face. If you work remotely, arrange a virtual meeting instead.

A busy manager may miss an email or misinterpret any well-meaning messages. Try to keep these initial discussions in-person.

Leaving a job isn’t an opportunity to air grievances

If being unhappy in your current role is your reason for leaving, remember that this isn’t the time to vent.

You may have an exit interview with senior management or HR. This presents a chance for you to suggest any improvements the company can make in a professional capacity. In this instance, try to keep your suggestions solution-based rather than anything personal.

Similarly, writing a farewell email to coworkers that is insulting won’t help your career in the long term. Make sure you exercise restraint when writing your farewell messages.

How to approach a goodbye message for your boss

It’s always polite to let your current manager know the positive impact that the role has had on you. This is true regardless of whether you have a good relationship or not.

This doesn’t have to be a lengthy appreciation letter to your boss. All you need to do is choose some specific reasons why the opportunity to work with them has been beneficial. For example:

Did you develop any skills that will help in your future career?
Have you formed good relationships with your colleagues?
Were you given any valuable opportunities during your employment?
Did you receive support at a crucial time in your career?

Offer to stay connected in your farewell letter to colleagues

Your relationship with your colleagues doesn’t have to end with a final goodbye message to your workmates. In fact, if you are staying within the same industry your paths might continue to cross in the future.

It is worth taking a few extra steps to let everyone know you are open to staying friends. Or if not friends at the very least remaining part of the same network.

Prepare a goodbye email to coworkers

Writing a farewell letter to colleagues is the ideal way to say how much you have enjoyed working with them. , Taking the opportunity to wish them good luck in their future endeavours demonstrates that you still value your team members even though you’re leaving.

Consider exchanging personal contact information

It’s never been easier to keep in touch with former colleagues and continue your professional relationships.

You can provide your personal email address in your leaving message, or a link to your LinkedIn profile. Sharing professional profiles or email addresses is a great way to stay connected with your former colleagues.

Offer to assist during the transition period to make it as smooth as possible

You may be able to craft the best farewell email to your colleagues that the company has ever seen. However, what your company might appreciate more is your help.

Be proactive and try to help as much as possible to ensure the continued success of your team. Providing support is one of the most important things to do before you finally bid farewell.

Make sure to provide a thorough handover

Your current employer may ask you to work on a handover for your replacement. Even though you won’t necessarily be working with this person, it’s in your best interests to help.

Hosting handover meetings or documenting your duties will help maintain a good relationship with your current employer.

Remember that your notice period isn’t the time to switch off

While you’re working your notice, make sure you stay alert and continue to make an effort. It can be easy to switch off and begin the countdown until your last day. However, this period is not the time to relax – ensure your reputation as a reliable and conscientious employee stays intact.

Don’t feel guilty about leaving a company

Resigning can make you feel guilty for leaving a previous employer and supportive colleagues behind. Remember: this is a perfectly normal and very common occurrence. Your colleagues are probably excited on your behalf.

Take time to reflect on the success of securing a new position. Now is the time to regroup and focus on the opportunities that your new role may bring.

Want to put your best foot forward in your new role? Let Hays show you how:

A lucrative market awaits people pursuing a career as a contractor. People with the right specialist skills can find work in a lot of organisations and enjoy plenty of benefits.

In this blog, you’ll learn all about the world of contracting. We discuss everything from the benefits of being a contractor to the skills you’ll need and how to take your first steps.  

What are the benefits of working as a contractor? 

According to the respondents to a recent Hays poll on LinkedIn, the main benefit is getting to be your own boss. As an independent contractor, you can choose where you work, when you work and who you work for.

As a contractor, you can set your own rates. If you offer your services on an hourly basis, this could result in a higher annual income, which was rated as the second-best perk in the recent poll.

What steps should you take to become a contractor?  

1. Make sure working as an independent contractor is right for you 

Becoming a contractor has many pros and cons, so you need to make sure the move would be right for you. Try seeking out professional advice before making your decision.

Are you able to keep a calendar? Can you deal with professional indemnity insurance requirements? Do you know the best way to pay yourself? Are you proactive in finding projects?

James Milligan, Global Head of Technology Solutions, has compiled a list of questions to ask yourself here.

2. Prepare to move on from your full-time job 

Working as a contractor alongside a full-time role is a smart way of building up a portfolio, but with the safety net of a permanent position. Check that your contract with your existing employer allows for this.

You need to be ready to move on from your existing position. The world of contract work is fast paced, so you should be ready for new opportunities.

3. Clarify your tax position with your employers  

In the UK, contractors generally follow a set of tax rules known as IR35. IR35 tax rules help to make sure that companies can’t exploit permanent employees by employing them as contractors. Understanding IR35 tax rules is vital. HMRC regularly investigates companies to determine whether they’re in breach of these regulations. 

Similar rules apply in countries like Germany. The German government introduced a process for assessing worker status and ensuring that self-employed contractors are not permanent employees in disguise. Learn more about the AUG labour licensing system in Germany.

For workers in the US, there are additional processes for clarifying your employment status. If you are unsure whether you are an independent contractor or an employee, either you or the company can complete Form SS-8. This declaration allows the IRS to review your circumstances and determine your status. If an employer in the US incorrectly classifies an employee, the company may be liable for employment taxes. 

Make sure to clarify your contract status in line with your local laws and regulations.

4. Think of how you want to set up as a contractor 

As a contractor in the UK, you can set yourself up as an employee of an umbrella company or start your own limited company. Choosing an umbrella company can be straightforward and reduce admin. However, starting a limited company offers tax advantages and allows you to claim for more expenses.

Similarly, in the US, the most popular options are to operate a sole proprietorship or a limited company. Like umbrella companies in the UK, a sole proprietorship is the simplest option, but the main disadvantage is you’re left personally and financially liable.

5. Find an accountant and set up your banking 

Using an accountant may cost money, but they can keep your accounts in order and avoid any complications with your tax bill. Accountants are especially useful if you have set up a limited company, both for tax purposes and to make sure you have the right type of bank account. 

6. Create your contractor portfolio and online presence 

A Hays poll revealed that 52% of the 10,045 respondents believe the ability to build and maintain relationships is the most important trait for a contractor.

Are you active on LinkedIn and comfortable in reaching out to your network? Having a strong online profile and portfolio can make it easier to connect with new clients. Start with our personal branding checklist: 

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete: Choose a high-quality and professional profile picture, fully optimise your headline and create a summary that sets you apart.

Remember to show your personality: Use a friendly and authentic tone, add personal facts or hobbies and share your vision and values.

Have an active online presence: Post relevant content, engage with other users, join groups or communities and reach out to potential contacts to make your account more visible.

Consider creating a website or blog: Try purchasing your own name as a domain. Add examples of work, a brief bio, a contact email address and links to the rest of your online presence, such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

7. Start working as a contractor and seek out new contract roles 

As a contractor you must be proactive in finding new contacts and opportunities. Marc Burrage, Managing Director for Hays Asia, has written about the search process and how to stay positive . 

Can I learn more from recruitment agencies like Hays?  

The expert team at Hays can offer invaluable advice on becoming a contractor and how to establish your career. Read more of our blogs on this topic and reach out to us today.  

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First impressions matter, especially in the workplace. But if you’re feeling nervous about starting a new job, there are plenty of ways to make sure your first day nerves don’t get the best of you.

With our expert tips, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward with confidence.

What are new job nerves?

If you feel a sense of nervousness or trepidation before starting a new job, you may be experiencing new job nerves. You might be worrying about fitting in with your new colleagues or whether your performance will be of a high enough standard.

Remember that these feelings are natural and common, so try not to worry too much.

What causes people to have nerves before a new job?

You may feel nervous about starting a new role for many reasons. The experience can be different for everyone. For example, you may feel anxious about meeting new people or uncertain about what to expect.

Through understanding your job anxiety, you can then work on how to overcome it.

Tips for keeping your first day at work nerves in check

To help you keep your nerves in check, read our top tips to help you stop feeling nervous. We’ll help you start your new role on a positive note.

Understand it is natural to feel nervous on your first day

Remember that what you’re feeling is temporary. Feeling nervous is natural, and it will likely only last for a day or two. Focus on what made you want the job in the first place:

Is this the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your career?
Will you have the chance to learn new skills?
Are you going to be working alongside like-minded people?

By focusing on the positives, you might help calm your fear of the unknown and remember why you’re there.

Keep your impostor syndrome in check

If a voice in your head tells you “you’re not good enough”, remember that’s simply not true. Remind yourself that you deserve this opportunity and that the company chose you for a reason.

Your new employer chose you over many other applicants because of your skills and experience. When you’re nervous it can be easy to lose sight of this.

Try to stop worrying that you’re not as good as your interview. Or that you might not be as capable as your new colleagues. Remember the excitement of getting your job offer and use that positive feeling to fuel your confidence.

Reach out to your new manager

Building a connection and relationship with your new boss will help you feel more prepared and involved. With that in mind, there’s no harm in sending them an email the week before you start, reiterating how much you’re looking forward to starting your new role. You could even ask whether there’s anything you can do to make your first day easier (that doesn’t mean starting your job or onboarding early, though!).

Before starting a new job, prepare for your first day

Preparing for your first day in advance can help reduce any uncertainty. Research your new company and take time to learn about your new role. Try to get a feel for the type of tasks you might be doing on your first day.

You can also take extra steps like choosing what you’re going to wear. By testing the best route for your commute you can also make sure you arrive on time.

Distract yourself

Spend the day beforehand doing something fun that makes you feel confident and content. The idea is to distract your mind from starting your new job tomorrow. Alternatively, exercise can help to release endorphins, which relieve stress and boost happiness. All in all, do the things that, and you’ll likely feel much calmer and readier to take on whatever challenges your first day in your new job may bring you.

Take notes when you can

It’s likely your employer will give you a lot of important information on your first day. Rather than worry about remembering everything, make sure you take notes that you can refer back to.

Keeping a notepad to hand will help you stay in the moment, and prevent you from being overwhelmed. You can use your notepad to write down login details, passcodes or instructions.

Seek support for your mental health

It’s natural to experience feelings of new job anxiety. But if you are feeling anxious to the point that it affects your health or is beginning to escalate, seek advice from your doctor. You can also consult a mental health professional if needed.

Are you due to start in a new role? These blogs can help you make a great impression at work:

Has an employee come to you asking for a recommendation letter ahead of starting a new role? How are you going to make sure you give them the best reference possible?

Alternatively, what if you’re unwilling to write a positive reference letter when the employee hasn’t impressed you? Is there a way that you can fulfil your role as a referee without compromising your professionalism.

If you find yourself in either position, you’re not the first person to wonder how to go about things. Here’s our handy guide to writing a recommendation letter for an employee, along with samples.

If you’re asking somebody to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, read our advice here.

What to include in a recommendation letter for an employee

The key things that a hiring manager will want to know from reading your reference letter will be:

The employee has done the things they’ve claimed
The employee has made a positive impression

You should try to make each recommendation letter specific to the employee. That said, there are several points that every professional reference should include. These are:

Dates you worked together
Their responsibilities
Their skillset and abilities
Their professionalism

As a general rule, your letter of recommendation should be up to one page. The closer to one full page, the better – a very short reference will imply that you’re less willing to make an effort to endorse the employee.

This brings us to the next point that is very important – you’re under no obligation to champion anybody as a strong candidate if you don’t believe that to be the case. In the examples below, we’ll look at what to do in this position.

Check your company’s policy relating to references

At some organisations, references will be supplied by the HR Department and will simply confirm the employee’s active dates and role titles. In this instance, you should make it clear that your letter of recommendation comes in your name and is not written on behalf of the organisation.

Reference letter template for an employee

Below is a reference letter template you can use for the next time you’re asked to make a referral.

State your relationship to the employee

Start your reference letter by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the employee. If you are providing a reference for an employee at a previous employer, make this clear:

“My name is [name] and I am the [role] at [organisation]. I supervised [name] from [date] to [date] at [organisation], during which time they worked in the [team/department].”

Highlight any relevant skills

Give examples of the employee’s strengths and skills. This should be a combination of soft skills and more technical capabilities:

“[Name] is a fast learner and was soon confident in carrying out their role. They are strong in communicating ideas to the team and wider business, which has helped us to achieve [X]. Their [technical skill] came in use throughout their time at [organisation].”

This is just a brief sample – the more examples and detail you provide, the stronger your recommendation. If you don’t want to stake your reputation on this person, keep it brief but don’t be negative.

Reference any responsibilities and projects

It’s time to add more on their responsibilities and achievements. The hiring manager will want you to confirm that they actually did the things they’ve claimed on their CV or during an interview.

Mention any stakeholders the employee may have worked with, including their relationships within your team. Here are some samples you can use in your reference letter:

“[Name] has been a highly valued member of the team, where their main responsibilities have evolved from [responsibility] to [responsibility]. They have proven to be a team player on numerous occasions by assisting in other responsibilities outside of their remit, such as [responsibility].”

“[Name] has shown the ability to do [ability], which has been especially beneficial to the business when working on [project] with [stakeholder].”

If you want to strongly recommend somebody, this part of the letter should contain three to five examples. Also, ask them about the new role and pick out any past experiences together that would be relevant.

If you’re less comfortable making an endorsement, you can reference the responsibilities without mentioning their performance or achievements/outcomes.

Sign off your letter of recommendation

Finally, express whether you’d actually recommend your employee for the role. Then provide contact details for the hiring manager to reach you if they have any further questions. For example:

“I greatly enjoyed my time working with [name] and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for future opportunities. They have demonstrated professionalism throughout their career at [organisation] and I’ve observed first-hand that they possess the skills required to succeed in the future.

If you require any further information about the points above, or wish to know more about [name]’s previous responsibilities or experience, please contact me at [email address].”

This is important: you shouldn’t speak negatively about the employee. Instead, failing to explicitly endorse them will send the message that you don’t rate them particularly highly. If that’s the case, then you can make your sign-off more concise.

Writing a letter of recommendation for a friend

Of course, not every request for a letter of recommendation will come from an employee. What if a friend asks you?

There are a few key differences you’ll have to make when writing a reference letter for a friend. Just as outlined in the reference letter template above, you should start by explaining how you know the person and for how long.

Remember, unless you’ve worked together previously, you probably shouldn’t discuss their professional experience. However, you can reference any accomplishments, as well as relevant traits that an employer would want to know about.

Lastly, while the template above is for a recommendation letter of up to a page, a reference letter for a friend should be shorter. Keep it around three to four paragraphs.

Final thoughts on writing a recommendation letter

The amount of effort you put into writing a recommendation letter for an employee or friend will reflect your opinion of them. By offering more examples of their skills and achievements, as well as their impact, you’ll be able to give them the ringing endorsement they deserve.

Are you leading a team or hiring for a new role? Here’s more advice on navigating common challenges:

If you’re planning on leaving your current job, you might be worried that asking for references will be awkward. It might involve speaking to someone you’re about to leave behind, or reconnecting with former colleagues you’ve not communicated with in years.

However, there’s a right way to go about things that will leave all parties satisfied. You’ll not only receive a reference, but also maintain strong professional relationships for the future. With this in mind, let’s look at how to ask for a letter of recommendation or reference.

What is a reference letter or letter of recommendation?

When you receive a job offer from a new company, their HR department will typically request references from your past employers. This is a common practice to confirm that you’ve worked at past employers for the time period you’ve claimed and in the right role.

Alternatively, you might want to offer insight into your work ethic and performance through the form of a recommendation letter. These should come from someone who can speak positively about your abilities and performance. These are referees.

In the letter of recommendation, your chosen referee should discuss the following:

The time you worked together
Your characteristics
Your key skills
Any contributions you made to significant projects

Who can provide a reference for a job?

Now we’ve established what a reference is, it’s important to choose somebody appropriate to write it. In most instances, an HR department will be able to provide the relevant information, so it’s best to contact them. Should you be unable to contact them, a former manager might be able to help, though in most larger organisations it’s common practice for HR to handle this solely.

Who can be your referee for a letter of recommendation?

If you want or require something more detailed that indicates your suitability for the role, it’s better to ask somebody who can vouch for your professionalism or capability.

Be aware that this cannot act in place of an official reference – at larger employers, the below referees will not be able to write on behalf of the company.

In order of preference, these are your best options to ask for a letter of recommendation:

A current/former manager

Anyone you’ve reported to in your career so far can share insights. They are a chief authority on this matter and their opinion will be valuable to the hiring manager.

As a rule, you should ask somebody who has managed you as recently as possible. Of course, this can be awkward if you’re currently leaving their supervision for pastures new, but we’ll come onto how to ask for a letter of recommendation later.

A current/former colleague

Perhaps you’re disinclined to discuss your upcoming exit with management at your existing company. In some cases, employers may consider a letter of recommendation from a colleague, though it would carry less weight.

A current/former professor or teacher

If you’re at the start of your career, it’s ok to ask someone who’s taught you recently.

Friends/acquaintances

In some instances, a friend who holds a professional position (for example a legal, medical or education professional) may be permitted to provide a character reference. However, this should be a last resort unless specifically requested by your prospective employer.

How to ask someone to give a letter of recommendation or reference

Unless you’re reaching out to an HR department or friend, you might find it awkward to have this conversation. Here’s how to ask for a referee to write a letter on your behalf.

Don’t go in cold

Warm up the conversation before diving into things. If it’s somebody you’re working with currently (ideally a manager), make sure that your relationship is still amicable. Alternatively, reconnect with any potential referees whom you’ve not spoken to for a while.

Be clear on what you’re asking from them

When you’re ready to ask, be direct and specific. For example:

“Can I ask for a favour please? I’m currently in the process of starting a new job and I wondered if you’d be willing to provide a reference/letter of recommendation for me? I think you’d be able to offer accurate insights on our time working together at [Company].”

If you’re speaking to your current manager, this shouldn’t be how they learn that you intend to leave. Instead, it should follow on from an earlier conversation after you’ve handed in your notice.

Don’t make it an obligation

It might sound strange, but your objective here is to maintain a strong relationship. Even if your chosen referee can’t provide anything now, they might be able to offer a good letter of recommendation or reference in future. Acknowledge that they can decline for a number of reasons. For example:

“Of course, I understand if you’re unable to provide something.”

Prepare them

If somebody agrees to be your referee, you should make it as easy as possible to give a reference. Provide them with details about the new role and employer, plus any key skills or relevant experience to highlight if it’s for a letter of recommendation.

Show gratitude for any references

Keep your referee up to date with proceedings and be sure to thank them. After all, you might ask for another letter of recommendation in a few years!

Final thoughts on asking for a letter of recommendation

Bear in mind that this is a natural part of the process in changing jobs. Your chosen referee will have had to go through this themselves, just as you are now, and will probably have written references or letters of recommendation before. With that in mind, hopefully making your request doesn’t seem so daunting.

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