A glowing testimonial from a current or former boss can be a game-changer for your career. Whether aiming for a promotion, transitioning to a new industry, or applying for a specific role, a testimonial is often the golden ticket to standing out in a competitive job market.
But how do you go about asking for one? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about obtaining a testimonial from your boss, including actionable steps, tips, and examples.
A testimonial is a written statement highlighting your skills, achievements, and contributions, often from someone who has worked with you firsthand. In the professional world, testimonials are credible endorsements that can boost your career prospects.
A testimonial from a direct supervisor – especially a current or former boss – carries considerable weight. It speaks volumes about your work ethic, reliability, and ability to contribute to a team. A well-crafted testimonial can improve your credibility and set you apart from other candidates.
A testimonial from your boss provides clear evidence of your skills and accomplishments. It shows future employers that someone in a position of authority values your contributions. A testimonial that describes your role in successfully leading a project establishes your expertise far better than a simple claim on your resume.
Pro tip: Make a habit of documenting your accomplishments. Record key projects, challenges you’ve overcome, and measurable results. This will help your boss write a detailed and credible testimonial. |
In many cases, employers value recommendations from credible sources. A boss’s testimonial can act as a recommendation that opens doors to promotions or new job opportunities. A testimonial about your leadership abilities can greatly strengthen your application if you’re eyeing a managerial position.
Pro tip: Communicate your career goals with your boss early on. Let them know about the roles you aspire to, so they’re more likely to tailor their testimonial to align with your ambitions. |
A collection of glowing testimonials from your current and former bosses can help you build a strong personal brand. Including these testimonials on your resume or portfolio shows you consistently perform and are reputed as a dependable professional.
Pro tip: Dedicate time to creating an online presence, such as a personal website or an online profile, where you can showcase these testimonials. Pair them with examples of your work to provide a complete picture of your professional abilities. |
What happens if you face challenges while asking for a testimonial? Having a systematic approach can make it easier. Here’s how to do it:
Timing is everything when it comes to asking your boss for a testimonial.
Pick a time when your boss will likely be in a good and relaxed mood. Ideal moments include:
After a successful project you led or contributed to
During or shortly after a performance review
Avoid asking during busy or stressful times,like year-end deadlines.
Pro tip: Pay attention to your workplace’s rhythm and your boss’s schedule. Be mindful of busy times, such as quarterly reporting or major deadlines. Build a mental calendar of best times for your request. |
Observe your boss’s mood and body language. If they seem preoccupied or stressed, hold off on making your request. If your boss sees you’re adaptable and considerate of their time, they’ll most likely respond favourably.
Pro tip: Practice interpreting subtle cues in your boss’s behaviour. If they engage in casual chitchat or appear relaxed after a team celebration, that’s probably a good time to approach. |
When you’re ready to ask, approach your boss professionally and courteously.
Explain why you need the testimonial and how it aligns with your career goals. For example, you might say: I’m applying for a leadership role that needs a recommendation from a former manager. Your insights on my teamwork and leadership skills would mean a lot.
Pro tip: Prepare a brief explanation in advance. Practice expressing your request in a way that ties the testimonial to your aspirations and highlights why their input is valuable. |
Keep your request clear and concise. Here’s a sample script: I’m updating my professional portfolio and would appreciate a testimonial highlighting my contributions to ID8 International. Would you be comfortable providing one?
Pro tip: Rehearse your approach beforehand to ensure you feel confident and composed. Maintain a professional tone, even if you have a friendly relationship with your boss. Remember: Always ask politely and make it easy for your boss to say yes. |
Make it easier for your boss to write the testimonial by giving them guidance.
Mention certain accomplishments or skills you’d like them to focus on, such as your leadership during a project or your problem-solving skills.
Pro tip: Reflect on your strengths and what sets you apart. Share examples of these qualities with your boss to help them craft a meaningful testimonial. |
Providing a draft can help your boss cover the points you want to highlight, plus it saves their time. For example: To make this easier, I can provide a draft with some key points about my role and contributions. You’re welcome to tweak it as you see fit.
Pro tip: Write a professional, straightforward draft with examples of your achievements. The tone should align with your boss’s communication style. |
Bosses are often busy. Gently follow up so they won’t forget your request.
Be patient and give your boss time to write the testimonial. Wait at least a week or two before following up.
Pro tip: Send a polite calendar reminder or note to check in after some time. Use language that acknowledges your boss’s busy schedule. |
When following up, be polite and professional. Here’s a sample email:
Subject: Friendly reminder for testimonial request Hi Mr. Johnson, I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my recent request for a testimonial. I completely understand how busy things can get, so please let me know if I can do anything to assist with this process. Thank you again for considering my request. Best regards, Oliver |
Pro tip: Draft a template for personalised reminders for different situations. Show that you’re grateful and offer to help if needed. Once your boss provides the testimonial, follow up with a ‘thank you’ note – this keeps the relationship positive while being appreciative.
Once you’ve received your testimonial, use it strategically to improve your professional profile.
Create a dedicated section in your resume to show your employer’s testimonials. This presents your skills and achievements credibly.
Pro tip: Format testimonials to make them stand out, such as using quotes or a testimonial box. Keep them relevant to the roles you’re targeting. |
A testimonials page can be a powerful addition to your professional website or portfolio. Pair testimonials with examples of your work to make your skills known.
Pro tip: Use a clean and professional layout. Organise testimonials by relevance or skill to make it easy for viewers to navigate. Remember: Keep testimonials relevant and recent. They should reflect your most current skills and experiences. |
When requesting a testimonial via email, make sure your message is clear, concise, and professional. Here’s an email template you can use:
Section | Sample copy |
Subject line Use action-oriented language that clearly states the purpose of your email. Avoid vague or generic subject lines. | Request for a professional testimonial |
Opening Set a positive tone with a polite greeting. Address your boss by name and use a friendly yet professional tone to establish a positive connection. | Dear Mr. Johnson, I hope you’re doing well. I have a request that could help me in my professional journey. |
Body Explain the purpose of your request and provide context. If helpful, mention specific skills or projects you’d like highlighted and offer to provide a draft. Structure the body of your email into short paragraphs to make it clearer to your boss. Highlight key points to make the email easier to read. | I’m updating my portfolio and would appreciate a testimonial highlighting my contributions to B2Y Tech. Would you be willing to provide one? To make this easier, I can provide a draft highlighting some key points about my role and contributions. You are welcome to tweak it as you see fit. |
Closing End with gratitude and leave the door open for follow-ups. Use a warm and appreciative tone to leave a positive impression. Ensure your closing aligns with the overall professionalism of the email. | Thank you so much for considering this request. I sincerely appreciate your time and support. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to make this easier. Best regards, Oliver |
During her time at XYZ Ltd., Jane successfully managed the launch of our new product line, which increased revenue by 20%. Her ability to lead cross-functional teams and meet tight deadlines was remarkable. |
Pro tip: Share detailed examples with your boss that they can reference when writing a testimonial.
John’s innovative sales strategies increased client acquisition by 25% within six months. His analytical skills and customer-focused approach were key drivers of this success. |
Pro tip: Provide measurable achievements and statistics to help your boss craft a results-oriented testimonial.
Emma’s dedication and creativity set her apart. Her redesign of our marketing campaign not only boosted engagement but also reflected her unique understanding of our brand. |
Pro tip: Include special contributions that show your personal strengths and approach.
Testimonials from your boss are invaluable tools for career advancement. They improve your credibility, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your professional brand.
Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently request and present powerful testimonials highlighting your skills and achievements. Start building your collection of testimonials today to set yourself apart in the job market.
Managers may hesitate to provide a testimonial due to company policies or uncertainty about what to write. To make it easier, explain why it’s important, offer a draft or key points, and highlight specific achievements. If they’re still unsure, consider asking a colleague who has worked closely with you.
Yes, if your boss is short on time, it’s common to draft the testimonial yourself. Keep it authentic, using their voice, and highlight specific achievements like measurable results. After drafting, share it with your boss for feedback and ask if they’d like to make any changes.
There’s no set number of testimonials, but aim for two to three strong ones that highlight different skills. For example, include one from a manager for leadership, one from a colleague for teamwork, and one from a client (if applicable) for customer service or problem-solving.
Former bosses can provide valuable testimonials, especially if you had a strong working relationship. Be specific about what you’d like them to highlight, express gratitude for their time, and make the request professionally via email with context for its use.
Testimonials can come from colleagues, clients, or mentors, each offering unique insights into your skills and work ethic. Colleagues can highlight teamwork, clients can focus on results and relationships, and mentors can speak to your growth and potential. Just ensure the testimonial aligns with your career goals and strengthens your application.
You can ask for a testimonial after leaving a company, ideally soon after your departure. Reconnect with a friendly email, explaining you’re updating your portfolio and would appreciate their feedback. Provide context on how you’ll use the testimonial and suggest specific achievements to highlight. If your former boss is too busy, ask someone else who worked closely with you.