Letters of Recommendation

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Sometimes an employer may ask for you to supply them with a letter of recommendation either with your resume or before or during the job interview. You can easily request a letter of recommendation from a trusted manager or colleague to use through out your job search.

Employers heavily weigh letters of recommendation and references for the main reason that you have no control over the conversation your potential employer will have with a former employer. Let's face it, you can write whatever you want on your resume. The employer will not know that you are lying for the most part until they hire you and ask you to perform the skill you said you had that you really don't.

It also shows work history and building good relationships with previous employers. I know a major strength that I posses when I do a job search is that I can use all my previous employers as references. It shows that I don't burn bridges and leave companies professionally but most importantly do good work.

Follow the guidelines below as you consider a letter of recommendation:

Have your reference letters compiled before someone asks you for them. These are letters that can be used over a long period of time. Just like the Boy Scouts say "be prepared". It is better to have two or three references letters ready that no one asks for then having a potential employer ask for reference letters and not having them prepared. Having those letters ready will show that you are prepared and a real professional and give you a leg up on other applicants for the position.

When asking some one to write a letter of recommendation, give your reference a specific time when you would need the recommendation letter by. Try to give them at least two weeks to complete your recommendation letter. By leaving it open ended on when you will need the recommendation letter by, their is a very good chance your reference may never get it done.

Give your reference who will be writing the recommendation letter a copy of your resume or a list of your skills to use when writing the recommendation letter. Even if you worked closely with the person and feel they are very familiar with you work skills and abilities, they will appreciate having your resume to refresh their memory.

If you are sending the recommendation letter in response to a specific job opening, give the recommendation letter writer a copy of the job posting. This allows your reference to tailor the recommendation letter to address the employer's needs.

Write a thank you note to each reference who took the time to write a recommendation letter for you. If they can take the time out of their busy day to do you a favor, it is important for you to show your appreciation. This person may also be called upon to give a verbal recommendation.