Blog — professional networking

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter (Without Making It Weird)

TL;DR

  • Pick someone who actually knows your work, not just the person with the fanciest title.
  • Ask early. Two to four weeks minimum. Last-minute requests put people in a bad spot.
  • Ask in person or over a real conversation first, then follow up in writing with specifics.
  • Give them a "brag sheet" — your resume, the role or program you're applying to, and a few concrete accomplishments they can reference.
  • Make it stupid easy to say yes: deadline, submission method, formatting requirements, all spelled out.
  • Say thank you. Then say it again when you land the thing.
  • If you...


How to Pivot Careers in a Recession (And Use Strong Recommendations to Make It Happen)

Nobody plans a career pivot in a calm, steady economy.

It usually happens when the ground shifts. When the emails get colder. When your manager starts speaking in vague timelines. When the word “restructuring” gets dropped like a warning flare and suddenly your future feels like a fogged-up windshield.

I’ve been there.
Not reading about it. Living it.

And if you’re here, you probably feel that same pressure. Not panic—just that quiet, tightening sense that it’s time to move before the door closes.

So let’s talk about how to...