You don’t just want any recommendation letter; you want a well-written and complimentary recommendation letter. And to make sure that happens, you have to approach your contacts in just the right way. After all, you can’t exactly write one yourself.
Depending on the position, you may need as many as three recommendation letters, preferably from people who have interacted with you in different contexts. That way, each writer will have something unique to say, and you can show your full range of skills.
It’s time to become a teacher’s pet. It may crush your popularity in elementary school, but all that charm really pays off in college. For a stellar recommendation letter from your professor, they need to know you as more than a student. So speak up in lecture, go into office hours, talk to them for a couple minutes after class. The more you open up, the better they’ll understand your learning style and the more they’ll have to say in their recommendation.
Recommendation letters from previous employers and colleagues are nearly priceless, especially if there’s a lot of crossover between the job you had and the job you want. The professional perspective shifts the focus from your qualifications to why your skills are conducive to a particular industry or position. That’s why, when asking an employer or colleague for a recommendation, you should mention those similarities.
Obviously, you have a life beyond school and work. That life is important because it’s a part of who you are, both in and out of your office. To assure human resources that you’re not a robot, ask a close friend to write a short recommendation letter for you. Choose a good writer who can distinguish your personality from the hundreds of other applicants, describing not only what you do or say, but who you are.
A company contact can be tricky to approach. Near strangers are difficult enough to talk to, let alone ask for favors. But if you went through all the networking protocol and established a relationship with someone at the company, meeting with them multiple times, there’s no reason they should refuse your request. Their recommendation, however short or vague, will have some serious influence because they know what the company is looking for better than anyone else– and if they think you’ve got it, then the hiring manager will know that you probably do, too.
Always ask for a recommendation letter in person if possible. Otherwise, ask over the phone, not via email or voicemail. It’s only polite, and much more personable. Once they agree, ask if they need any additional materials to make their job easier (i.e. resume, cover letter, information about the position, etc.), then send them the materials as soon as possible. Thank them in person when they agree to write the letter, and again with a thank-you note or small gift once it’s complete.
photo credit: JonathanCohen via photopin cc
