---
title: Request for Testimonial (or Letter of Reference) Template - Limitless Mindset
description: One of my greatest assets as a professional is my letters of reference and testimonials for my services, they do a better job of selling me than I do.
author: Jonathan Roseland
url: https://www.limitlessmindset.com/blog/social-dynamics/699-request-letter-of-reference
---

# Request for Testimonial (or Letter of Reference) Template

| Ⓒ By Jonathan Roseland |  |
| --- | --- |

Applied Neuroscience Strategist, K-Selected Biohacker, Tantric husband, Promethean peaceful parent, Adventuring philosopher, Raconteur & Author. He spent +14 years researching the intersection of human performance enhancement and advanced personal growth in his obsessive quest to find real-life "NZT-48."

[Subscribe to the Limitless Podcast](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/LM-Podcast) To Listen on the Go

Without a doubt, one of my most significant assets as a professional and a business person is my letters of reference and testimonials for my services; *they do a better job of selling me than I do*.

Seriously, I challenge you to tell me you *don't want to hire me* after taking a quick gander at my third-party credibility [here on Limitless Mindset](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/about#Testimonials), for [my marketing firm](https://roselanddigital.com/) and my [recommendations on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-roseland-82b646357/) (**Update**: I had to create a new LinkedIn profile after they banned me for a very silly reason - want to leave me a recommendation?)

![Willie Davis](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/media/reviews/photos/original/16/28/cf/request-letter-of-reference-35-1745685559.png)

## Building an impressive body of 3rd party credibility takes five things...

1. **Boldness** to ask your coworkers, boss, friends, or clients who have paid you money to write you references. Honestly, it's awkward, and it takes guts to ask for a reference, but it's absolutely worth it. *Get over yourself and just do it!*
2. **A good template**; most people have no idea how to write a good letter of reference. Make it easy for them by sending an outline of what content you would like their testimonial to cover. [Feel free to steal the template](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/#Template) I have below.
3. **Persistence** is super important. Pretty close to 100% of those you ask for a reference will say "yes"; however, very few will actually follow through and write it up and send it to you promptly. On average, you will have to remind people three times to write a letter of reference. One of my very best letters of reference came from a client I had to remind nine times over several months.
4. **Photos **- In the digital age, it's easier than ever to fake testimonials, so indicators of authenticity are important. The most effective is a 200x200 pixel thumbnail image of the testimonial author. If appropriate, I will include their full name, title, and link to their company.
5. **Reciprocity -** Make this a win-win for the other party. Write them a testimonial or letter of reference in return. If they are dragging their feet on your reference, write theirs first and send it to them.

Notice that I did not include "hard work" as an essential ingredient in building a body of 3rd party credibility. Third-party credibility is quintessential life hacking, and it is, by nature, high** **leverage. *Hard work is not always required.*

![testimonialtemplate](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/images/stories/blog/testimonialtemplate.jpg)

Requesting a letter of reference occurs in two steps...

**1. Request for reference**

This is, most importantly, a brief message where your goal is to get them to agree to write a letter of reference for you.

> *Hey _____,*
>
>
>
>
> *I thought I'd drop you a line and ask if you could write me a letter of reference for the ________ project*
>
>
>
>
> *If you're open to that, I can provide a simple template/outline that will make it a breeze to do (I'm sure you can write great letters of reference without a template, but I find that my clients get them done a lot quicker with the template.)*
>
>
>
>
> *Let me know and I'll be sure to return the favor.*

They will respond in the positive, follow up with...

**2. Letter of reference details**

*In my letter of reference, please hit as many of these bullet points as you can...:*

- *About you - your professional background. *
- *How you found me.*
- *Any positive personal or professional results from our relationship - especially unexpected positive results.*
- *My communication style, understanding of your goals, my solutions, and ease of dealing with me.*
- *The quality of my workmanship and ability to work quickly to accomplish your goals.*
- *Any positive results you've had in your business as a result.*
- *If possible, mention specific numbers (e.g., increased revenue three times, brought in a $5,000 client, moved us to the #1 spot in Google, etc.) when describing the results.*
- * Specific **problems or pain points that I solved. *
- *My prompt professionalism, getting things done quickly and accurately. *
- *Mention my range of expertise and knowledge in areas helpful to you.*
- *Any doubts or uncertainties you had before starting to work with me.*
- *How long we've worked together. *
- *Anything else you want to mention.*

*This letter of reference or testimonial can be as short or as long as you want.*

*If you have a LinkedIn account, please add a recommendation to my LinkedIn profile (I'll be sure to return the favor); if not, you can send it to me via email.*

*Finally, I need your permission to use your full name (if not, I'll use your first name and the first initial of your last name) and a photo of you in the testimonials section of my website. Can you provide a photo, or shall I find one of you?*

Let me know what success you have from tweaking this testimonial request template...

*CORRECTION to [the podcast](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/#podcast): I dove directly into my career upon graduating high school, NOT college - I didn't go to college. For more of my instructive origin story, check out: [Get a Job 👷 Entrepreneurial values you gain from jobs](https://www.limitlessmindset.com/blog/44-get-a-job-entrepreneurial-values)

## **Finally**...

{{title}}

{{#ratings}}

{{#editor}}

 

({{count}})

{{/editor}}

 {{#user}}

 

({{count}})

{{/user}}

{{/ratings}}

{{title}}

{{#ownerCreatedBlock}}

- {{#url}} {{#avatarSrc}} {{/avatarSrc}} {{^avatarSrc}} {{& avatar}} {{/avatarSrc}} {{name}} {{/url}} {{^url}} {{#avatar}} {{& avatar}} {{/avatar}} {{name}} {{/url}}
- {{/owner}} {{#created}}
- {{created}}

{{/ownerCreatedBlock}}

 {{#category}}

Category: {{category.title}}

{{/category}}

{{#fields}}

{{#showLabel}}

{{label}}:

{{/showLabel}}

{{& text}}

{{/fields}}