Recommendation is a big deal.
When you recommend someone for anything—a job, a relationship, a scholarship, a professional fellowship, a speaking engagement, et cetera—you place your reputation on the line.
By recommending them, you’re communicating something. You’re saying that you know them well. That you’ve seen them prove competent in similar or related roles, and are confident that they will excel or add value in the space you’re vouching for them.
But here’s the thing…
People are people. When someone is jobless, single, or actively seeking opportunity, they’re often in survival mode—knocking on every door and pulling every possible connection. Some treat the privilege of a recommendation with honour, carrying both their name and yours with diligence and care. But others… forget too soon. And when things go wrong, it’s not just them that gets questioned—it’s you.
That’s why you must take your recommendations seriously. The fact that someone wants or needs an opportunity isn’t enough. You must be ready.
And here are five things you must be ready for before you recommend anyone:
1. Be Ready to Stake Your Reputation
When you recommend someone, you are vouching not only for their skills but also for their values. Whether it’s an employer, client, or partner, your credibility is now tied to how that person behaves in the opportunity you helped them access.
The Bible makes it even clearer:
“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1, NLT)
That includes your name.
So before you speak up for someone, ask: Am I comfortable with this person representing me, even when I’m not in the room?
Recommendation is never a neutral act. It is either building your reputation or denting it. And your reputation is a currency that you must spend wisely.
Never recommend out of pity or pressure. Only recommend people whose track record you have personally experienced, and not just people you like.
2. Be Ready to Be Disappointed
Even with the best intentions, people can fall short. They may change under pressure, become complacent, or fail to meet the expectations set.
It doesn’t mean your judgment was wrong. It just means life is unpredictable, and people are human. Even the apostle Paul had to part ways with John Mark for a time (Acts 15:36-40) because he felt he wasn’t ready for the mission.
Leave room in your heart for grace and growth, but don’t ignore red flags in the name of loyalty.
3. Be Ready to Provide Context and Clarity
Vague recommendations are risky.
Saying, “She’s great!” might be nice, but it doesn’t help the person evaluating her. Be specific. Provide examples of how the person has performed in related settings, what unique strengths they bring, and what areas they thrive in.
A clear recommendation gives both the individual and the opportunity provider a solid footing.
Share how you know them, what impressed you, and why you believe they’re a fit for this opportunity in particular. If you find yourself struggling to put together a case for them, it could be a telling.
4. Be Ready to Follow Up
When you recommend someone, your role doesn’t always end with the introduction. Sometimes, people will circle back to ask for additional information, updates, or even to raise concerns.
And when that happens, you’ll want to be informed, not blindsided.
Stay in light touch with the person you recommended. Ask how things are going. Offer gentle guidance if necessary. Your continued interest shows maturity and responsibility.
5. Be Ready to Say “No” (Gracefully)
This might be the hardest one, but it’s just as crucial.
Not everyone should be recommended. And sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for both the opportunity and the person is to say “not yet.”
Saying “no” doesn’t have to be harsh. It can be honest and helpful. After all, even Jesus didn’t commit Himself to everyone who believed in Him, because He knew what was in their hearts (John 2:24-25).
And He even refused to work with some volunteers.
But how do you do that? Here is a sample script:
“I see your potential, but I don’t think I’m the right person to speak for you in this context at the moment. I’d love to support you in another way, perhaps by reviewing your application or helping you prepare.”
Silence or restraint is better than a dishonest “yes.” You don’t owe anyone your endorsement.
Your Name Is a Bridge; Don’t Let It Collapse
Recommending someone is more than filling a gap. It’s about stewardship, guarding both your name and the doors you’ve been trusted to open.
Every name you speak in a room is a seed. Some grow into strong trees that provide fruit and shade. Others, unfortunately, wither and damage the soil.
Be a sower of wise seeds. And if you ever doubt whether to vouch for someone, remember: it’s not unkind to pause. It’s responsible.
Your reputation is a recommendation, too. Handle it with care.
Do you want to make better recommendations, starting with yourself?
Then, you can’t stop here.
Visit the Employment Section of The Cleaver for Bible-based, practical wisdom on building a career that aligns with purpose, integrity, and lifelong impact.
Start with these insightful reads:
- Skilled but Unemployable: Where Is the Problem? – Learn why skills and talent alone are not enough to exert the right impact at work.
- A Capital Better Than MONEY – Learn about something else you need to launch your enterprise, that will be useful beyond initial financial outlay.
- Three Things That Will Make You Employable Anywhere – Learn life hacks that will make employers long to have you in their team.
So, don’t just recommend well, be recommendable as well. All the best in your next venture. Commit to recommending well and give your best when recommended by others. Your best is good enough!
The Cleaver 