What do you say after someone writes a recommendation?

Thank them for the time and care, then mention one detail you appreciated if you have seen the recommendation. If the reference was confidential, simply acknowledge that they provided it.

Should I tell the referee whether I got the job?

A brief update is usually considerate. Share the confirmed outcome and thank them again. Avoid claiming their reference was the deciding factor unless the employer explicitly told you that.

Is a public thank-you appropriate?

A private note is often the easiest choice, especially during a confidential job search. For a public professional endorsement, you can respond publicly if that fits your relationship. Ask before sharing a private reference.

Recognition messages

Thank You for the Recommendation: 10 Messages

A professional recommendation puts someone’s judgement behind your work. Thank the care they took with it.

Thank the evidence behind the endorsement

“Thank you for writing the recommendation. I appreciated the example you included from our project.” That is enough to recognise a thoughtful reference without adding praise you cannot substantiate. The examples below are fictional wording to adapt.

A recommendation and a referral are different contributions. A recommendation describes your work or suitability; a referral connects people. If someone introduced you to an opportunity but did not endorse your work, the referral messages fit better.

Make it easy to help you accurately

Before the reference, send the role description and a reminder of when you worked together. Ask whether the deadline is realistic. Afterward, thank the person and let them know the outcome when you can.

You do not need to offer a gift or a reciprocal endorsement. A recommendation should reflect the writer’s independent judgement. A considerate note respects that judgement and the time they gave you.

10 messages you can send

Thank you for writing the reference. The example you chose from our research project captured work I found difficult to explain myself.
After a written reference
Names the care in selecting evidence.
I appreciate you taking the call with the hiring team. Thank you for making time and speaking about the work we did together.
After a reference call
Thanks the action without asking for confidential details.
Your recommendation on my profile was thoughtful and specific. Thank you for mentioning the mentoring work as well as the launch.
After a public endorsement
Recognises a contribution that could otherwise be missed.
Thank you for agreeing to be a reference. I’ve sent the role description and the dates we worked together so you have the context.
Before the reference
Combines appreciation with practical preparation.
I’ve accepted the role. Thank you for supporting the application and taking the time to provide a reference.
After an offer
Shares a confirmed result without attributing the whole decision to the reference.
The application didn’t go further this time, but I appreciated your support. Thank you for the careful recommendation.
After an unsuccessful application
Keeps the value of the effort separate from the decision.
Thanks for recommending me for the project. I’ve spoken with the lead and understand the next step.
An internal opportunity
Gives an update without overstating selection.
I appreciated you checking the details with me before submitting the reference. Thank you for taking accuracy seriously.
On a careful process
Credits verification instead of flattering wording.
Thank you for describing what I contributed to the handover. It was a quieter part of the job, and I was glad you remembered it.
A personal note
Makes the acknowledgement specific to the relationship.
Thanks for the recommendation. Please let me know if the team needs any factual details from me; I appreciate the time you’ve already given.
Short follow-up
Offers useful help without requesting influence over the reference.

What makes one land

Ask before listing someone as a referee.
Provide accurate context and deadlines without scripting an endorsement they have not agreed with.
Keep confidential reference conversations private.
Send an outcome update even when the application is unsuccessful, if the person was closely involved.

Questions people ask

What do you say after someone writes a recommendation?: Thank them for the time and care, then mention one detail you appreciated if you have seen the recommendation. If the reference was confidential, simply acknowledge that they provided it.
Should I tell the referee whether I got the job?: A brief update is usually considerate. Share the confirmed outcome and thank them again. Avoid claiming their reference was the deciding factor unless the employer explicitly told you that.
Is a public thank-you appropriate?: A private note is often the easiest choice, especially during a confidential job search. For a public professional endorsement, you can respond publicly if that fits your relationship. Ask before sharing a private reference.