Recommendation

Yesterday, my colleague Victor Fleafe invited me to accompany him as he delivered a certificate to the College of Humanities Secretariat at the University of Ghana Business School | UGBS . While waiting in the reception area, I noticed a sign on the wall that read:

"For recommendations, come after April 20."

This simple notice sparked a deeper reflection on the nature of recommendations—how they are given, when they are granted, and, most importantly, why they matter. In today’s interconnected world, where career and academic success often hinge on relationships, understanding the nuances of recommendations is essential.

The Role of Recommendations in Professional and Academic Success

Recommendations have long been a powerful tool for career advancement. Research by Mark Granovetter (1973) on the "strength of weak ties" suggests that professional opportunities often emerge from loose, informal connections rather than close personal relationships. This principle applies to both formal and informal recommendations.

Formal recommendations are structured endorsements from professors, mentors, or employers, often in written letters or direct evaluations. A 2019 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that

91% of employers value recommendation letters as part of the hiring process,

making them a key differentiator among candidates with similar qualifications. In academia, many institutions now require electronic references where recommenders answer specific questions about applicant's skills, leadership potential, and work ethic—responses that can significantly influence admissions decisions.

Beyond formal recommendations, informal endorsements can be just as influential. Studies on professional networking (e.g., Kathy Kram , 1985) highlight the importance of sponsorship—when senior professionals informally advocate for a junior colleague. These informal recommendations, which occur through casual conversations or unstructured referrals, frequently lead to career-defining opportunities.

My Personal Experience with Informal Recommendations

During my undergraduate years, a professor suggested I connect with a colleague of his who runs a university abroad. I reached out, but weeks passed without a response. Frustrated, I informed my professor. Minutes later, my request was accepted. The professor had reached out on my behalf, and the connection was made. That once-distant academic is now one of my mentors.

Similarly, I have met CEOs of major corporations not through structured applications, but because my supervisor casually mentioned my name during a dinner conversation. These seemingly small interactions illustrate how informal recommendations, built on trust, can open doors that formal processes sometimes cannot.

The Hidden Currency of Recommendations

Why do some individuals readily endorse others? The answer lies in one key trait: Character.

Character serves as the foundation of professional relationships.

Research from 美国哈佛商学院 ( Tiziana Casciaro , Francesca Gino & Maryam Kouchaki , 2014) shows that individuals are more likely to recommend or advocate for those they both trust and like—a phenomenon known as the likability-competence tradeoff.

While competence is essential, likability and trustworthiness often determine whether someone is willing to risk their reputation by recommending another person.

This is why some recommenders place restrictions on when and how they provide endorsements. The sign I saw—"For recommendations, come after April 20"—suggests an effort to regulate these requests. However, the most impactful recommendations are not just about availability; they are about credibility.

People recommend those whose integrity, work ethic, and professional conduct they can vouch for.

How to Build a Reputation Worth Recommending

In a world where opportunities increasingly come through networks, building a strong professional reputation is one of the best career investments you can make. Here are three ways to ensure that when you need a recommendation, it is both willing and enthusiastic:

1. Demonstrate Consistent Integrity: People recommend those they trust. Be reliable, ethical, and respectful in all professional interactions.
2. Foster Genuine Relationships: Invest time in meaningful connections rather than only reaching out when you need something.
3. Deliver Excellence: Whether in school, work, or volunteer roles, show a commitment to high-quality performance that others will be proud to endorse.

Ultimately, qualifications may get you through the door, but character determines how far you go. Build a strong reputation, and the right recommendations will follow—both when you ask for them and even when you don’t.