Advice on Letters of Recommendation
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Advice on Letters of Recommendation
Advice on Letters of Recommendation
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As a technical writer and as a resume & vocational preparation consultant, I often get questions about letters of recommendation. Clients ask how to get them, how to use them, and what to do if the recommendation doesn't sound as good as expected. Here's a little of the advice I have given in the past which I hope will prove useful on this platform.
Reasons for request
There are many reasons why you might want to request a letter of recommendation (LoR) from a colleague or supervisor. Try not to think of a LoR as only being a one-shot document used to gain a particular position. A LoR can be just as useful during a salary review or a promotion board as for a new position. Also, a LoR which is written more generally than you might think of as beneficial can come in useful as additional support for a very specific LoR.
How to ask for a LoR
Depending on the person you are asking, there are several methods available. If you know the person very well, and have performed well around them doing the same functions you'd like to have in the LoR, simply word a polite email, phone, or in-person question about their willingness to write a LoR for you. As some people feel uncomfortable writing recommendations, it's always best to ask if they would feel comfortable writing one for you. This is a very elegant way of leaving the other person an "out." Also, be sure to ask for a response even if they do not wish to write the recommendation for you so that you "can begin to look for an alternate recommendation."
In the request, you should include the date you would like to receive the LoR. The expected date should be set for at least 7-10 days out from your request. If you haven't heard back after 3-4 days, you should follow up with a question about any additional support you might be able to offer. Always be gracious, even if refused, and be ready to meet with the person if they would like to discuss your particular LoR needs. If the person you've asked doesn't have much experience writing recommendations, you may want to include a short list of things you think would be appropriate to include in the LoR.
Whether or not you receive a LoR, ask the person if you can use them as a personal reference. It is often assumed that a person willing to write a LoR is also willing to be contacted as a personal reference, but it's best to ask. Within 3-4 days after receiving a LoR or a refusal, send a short thank you note to the person. It will be appreciated.
Usage or non-usage
While a potential position you're applying for may ask for Letters of Reference to be sent directly to them from the letter writer, most positions simply ask you to provide them yourself. This allows you the opportunity to select from any recommendations you have on hand and use only those you feel best represent your needs. If in doubt about whether to use a LoR or not, err on the side of providing it.
Thank you for reading and good luck!