Most of us spend an entire workday on email each week. Seriously. Microsoft tracked its business users and found that the average person spends close to nine hours per week on email.
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If only. Some emails are still really hard to write—and that includes politely asking for a professional favor.
You might have a little voice in your head deriding you: What if they say no? What if they’re too busy? Your voice might even be a catastrophizer: What if they ghost me and never speak to me again? These thoughts are normal, experts say.
“People are often afraid of asking for favors due to a fear of rejection or of appearing vulnerable,” says Rachel DeAlto, a communication and relatability expert and author of Relatable: How to Connect With Anyone, Anywhere (Even if it Scares You). However, youve got to remember that asking for help shows self-awareness and strength. “It allows colleagues to reciprocate your efforts and feel good about themselves in the process,” she adds.
In other words, the worst-case scenario rarely happens. Like any other professional request, it can actually bring you closer to the other person—so long as you go about it the right way.
Asking someone for a favor can feel awkward. You don’t want to impose or come across as needy. At the same time, we all need help sometimes. Knowing how to politely and professionally request assistance via email is an invaluable skill.
I’ve asked for many favors over the years, both personally and professionally. Through trial and error, I’ve learned strategies that work. In this article, I’ll share tips, email templates, and examples to make asking for favors stress-free and effective.
Why Asking for Favors is Important
First let’s explore why asking for help is beneficial
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It builds relationships. When you request assistance it gives people a chance to support you. This strengthens bonds.
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It’s flattering. Asking someone for a favor implies you think highly of their skills and value their input.
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It’s an opportunity to learn. You gain knowledge and experience from others’ expertise.
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It saves time. Getting help from someone proficient can expedite the process.
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It allows you to focus on your strengths. Delegating tasks allows you to prioritize your core competencies.
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It makes people feel valued. Giving others a chance to assist you makes them feel needed.
The key is asking in a way that makes the other person feel respected, not burdened With proper etiquette, requesting favors via email can benefit all.
How to Ask for Favors Professionally
When asking for assistance over email, follow these tips:
1. Make it personal
Address the person by name and reference your relationship. This gives context and avoids seeming anonymous:
- “Hi John, as you know from working together on the Miller account…”
2. Be direct
Don’t beat around the bush. Clearly state what you need right away. Being straightforward shows respect for their time.
- “I am writing to request your assistance with…”
3. Explain why you need help
Provide background on the situation and why you can’t accomplish it independently. Give the reason it would be beneficial.
- “This project requires coding expertise which I lack. Your programming knowledge could really help us meet our launch goals.”
4. Give options
Phrase it as an open-ended question, offering flexibility. Don’t demand they assist a specific way on your timeline.
- “Would you have availability to assist with any aspects of this project?”
5. Use time wisely
If asking to meet, give a reason to say no by listing possible times. Don’t force them to decline blindly.
- “Could you spare 30 minutes to meet sometime next week, perhaps Tuesday or Friday afternoon?”
6. Use humility
Acknowledge you’re asking for a favor and appreciation for their consideration. Don’t assume or demand.
- “I understand if you’re too busy, but if you could assist, I would greatly appreciate it.”
7. Offer reciprocity
Note your willingness to return the favor down the road. Reciprocity in relationships creates goodwill.
- “I’m happy to help you any way I can in the future.”
8. Say thanks
Express gratitude and appreciation, even if they say no. Thank them for considering it.
- “Thanks in advance for your time. I appreciate you even considering my request.”
These tips will make the experience smooth for both parties. Next, I’ll share email templates and phrases to use.
Email Templates and Example Phrases
Utilize these pre-written emails and suggested phrases when crafting requests:
Email Template for General Favor
Dear [name],
I hope you’ve been well! I wanted to reach out with a request. [Explain relevant background and relationship]. I’m currently working on [project] and could use some help with [specific favor needed]. Your skills in [area of expertise] would be extremely helpful. Would you have any availability next week to assist?
Best,
[Your name]
Asking a Colleague for Help
Hi [name],
Either way, thanks for considering my request. I look forward to catching up soon!
Best,
[Your name]
Asking a Mentor for Career Advice
Hi [name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out for some career advice. As my mentor, I’ve always valued your guidance when making important professional decisions. [Give brief background if they aren’t currently your direct mentor].
I recently received a job offer from [company] for a [title] role. It seems like a great opportunity, but I have some concerns around [be specific about your concerns – commute, work-life balance, etc]. I would love to get your insight.
Would you have 30 minutes sometime next week to connect? If not, I’m happy to send more details over email for your perspective. I know your time is valuable, so I appreciate any wisdom you could offer.
Thank you for considering my request. Your mentorship has been so important to my career evolution.
Best,
[Your name]
Follow Up Politely
If they haven’t responded after a few days, follow up. Be understanding and reiterate gratitude:
- “Hi [name], just wanted to follow up on my earlier email requesting your assistance. No pressure at all, I know you’re very busy. I just wanted to be sure you received my message. Please let me know if you have availability or suggestions. Thanks again for your time.”
However, don’t aggressively follow up multiple times. You risk seeming entitled or rude. If they can help, the ball is in their court.
Graciously Accept a “No”
Understand if they decline or ignore your request. Respond politely, leaving the door open:
- “No problem at all, I understand you have a lot on your plate. Thanks for your consideration and please reach out if I can ever return the favor!”
Getting defensive or upset will only strain your relationship. Be mature and take the high road.
Email Favor Request Examples
Next, I’ll share real-life examples of emails I’ve sent soliciting favors. Use these as inspiration when crafting your own requests.
Requesting a Colleague’s Technical Expertise
I managed a project involving a complex database my skills couldn’t support. A coworker had the perfect expertise, so I emailed:
Hi Leena,
Best,
Alice
I explained the situation, her relevant skills, my constraints, and multiple options. This gave her control to assist how she preferred.
Requesting a Referral from a Former Boss
I wanted to work for a company where a former manager had connections. I emailed:
Hi Marc,
I hope retirement is treating you well! I wanted to reach out with a request. I saw Acme Co. is hiring for a Marketing Director. I recall when I worked for you that you mentioned having previously contracted with them. I’m very interested in the role and, given your familiarity, I’d love if you could refer me to the appropriate hiring manager. If you could connect me directly or even CC me on an intro email, I would greatly appreciate it.
*Thank you for considering my request
Why it’s OK (and important) ask for help
Pop quiz: Would you rather work on a project with a know-it-all or the colleague who admits when they could use a hand? Pretty sure most of us would pick the latter.
When people ask for help, it gives us more faith in them, because we know they’re self-aware and putting the good of the project above keeping up the facade that they can do it all themselves.
“Fake it ’til you make it” only works if you make it. If you fall short, you’ve sunk time and money that could’ve been better allocated had you asked for some additional guidance, support, or whatever the favor would’ve been. Good leaders, smart managers, and valuable contacts all know this—they’ll be impressed with your initiative to reach out.
Offer to return the favor
Reciprocity is key, although it might not always seem feasible—especially if you’re asking someone with more knowledge, experience, or connections. Don’t discount who you are, what you know, and where you’re going in this world.
A simple, “I greatly appreciate it, and if I can ever return the favor, please let me know,” shows a spirit of gratitude and generosity.
Email | How to ask for something POLITELY | 2021
How do you ask for a favor in a formal email?
Here are some tips for asking for a favor in a formal email: Be clear and concise in your request. The person you’re emailing is likely very busy, so you want to make sure your request is easily understood. Be polite and humble. You’re asking for a favor, so it’s important to be polite and humble in your request. Keep it short.
How to ask for a favour over e-mail?
If you’re wondering how to ask for a favour over e-mail, you can follow the steps below: 1. Ask the right person Before asking anyone for a favour, ensure you’re asking the person who has the authority to grant your request. This can save both you and the recipient time.
How do you write a good email requesting a favor?
When requesting a favor, it’s polite to take up as little of the recipient’s time as possible, and the proper formatting makes it easier for them to quickly read the email. Using a formal style also demonstrates your respect for the reader and appreciation of their thoughts and efforts.
How do you ask for a favour?
Tell them your job title, what department you’re from, what your role is, and why you’re the person asking for this favour. For example, you might write, “I’m Sunyi, and I’m the marketing coordinator for the construction division. I have a project I’m overseeing and was wondering if you’d be able to offer guidance.” 8. Politely ask the favour
