Laser polishing is achieved by directing laser beam perpendicular at the fiber end face in a connectorized optical fiber having a metal ferrule. The spot size of the laser beam is larger than the bare optical fiber diameter, providing a more uniform spatial distribution of the radiation energy over the fiber end face. The metal ferrule provides heat conduction to prevent excessive heat built up at the fiber tip, which would lead to undesirable surface defects and geometries. The connectorized optical fiber may be pre-shaped prior to laser polishing. Subsequent laser polishing flattens the fiber end face.