Your recommender's insights on your abilities and work performance are valuable to prospective employers. You can benefit directly from them, too.

Ask your recommender, frankly, if they think the position or positions you're applying for are a good career move for you. Do they think you're ready for this level or responsibility? Or do they think it's a lateral move, or even a step down? Do they think you would benefit from gaining additional skills before seeking that kind of work?

This might prove to be one of the most valuable parts of your job-hunting process, if someone whose judgement you trust warns you away from an unwise career move.

Return to the Tips on Recommenders home page.