What to Ask for in a Letter of Recommendation
You've establish your dream visitor. The even better news? They're currently hiring for a position that's perfect for you.
You lot've already tackled all of the application basics. You did your research, tailored your resume, wrote an impressive encompass alphabetic character, and even sent the department head a friendly LinkedIn request.
SEARCH Open up JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who'southward hiring hither, and you tin can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more than. Then, sign upward for our newsletter and nosotros'll deliver advice on landing the job right to you lot.
Simply, with all of that under your belt, y'all're looking for ane more way that you can stand out and drag yourself higher up the competition.
We have three words for you: letter of recommendation.
Is it Common for Employers to Ask for Letters of Recommendation?
Honestly? It's rare that you'll be explicitly asked to paw one of these over. (Information technology'south much more likely that you lot'll be asked for references.)
"Except for junior roles where someone lacks experience or senior roles where graphic symbol is as important as skill fix," clarifies Tara Padua, a Muse Career Coach.
Should You lot Have These Letters in Your Back Pocket Anyway?
I know what you're thinking: If these letters aren't an expectation, why would I go through the trouble of getting them?
Well, just because an employer won't need them doesn't hateful you can't use them to split up yourself from the task search competition.
"If you lot take a letter, hiring managers could get more of a sense of your skills if they aren't able to connect live with your former supervisors for any reason and only get the basics from Hr," explains Muse Career Coach Kelly Poulson.
Beyond giving you the opportunity to emphasize what makes you a no-brainer for that role, these messages can also serve as an awesome conviction boost.
"It certainly doesn't hurt on days when you're doubting yourself (we all have them!) to have something to refer to that reminds you lot of how valued you truly are," Poulson adds.
How Should Yous Get About Request Someone to Write Y'all One?
You might be convinced of the power of a solid letter of recommendation—but, that doesn't necessarily mean request is any easier. Fortunately, there are means to make this request a little less nervus-wracking.
Start things get-go, retrieve carefully nigh who you're asking. Poulson warns that you don't want to request too much of whatsoever one person—meaning yous might want to stay abroad from your references when thinking about who to ask for a letter. "Exist mindful of your asks and pick folks to write letters who likely won't be doing calls as well," she adds.
While a alphabetic character of recommendation from someone who'southward high up the ladder can be impressive, brand sure that you lot're asking people who actually know you lot and your work. "Having a senior person write a generic letter of the alphabet of recommendation without any real cognition of you and your skills will produce the contrary effect," explains Padua. And even if it doesn't injure, it won't help.
In terms of actually making the inquire, Poulson shares that a little bit of flattery tin get a long style. "Starting time out with how much y'all've enjoyed working with them and how much you value their opinion," Poulson adds.
Finally, make the process of writing the letter as painless as possible by empowering them with the information they need. "Brand information technology piece of cake for the person to recommend you," Padua says, "Tell them specifically what you would like to highlight."
That might mean looking back at your work ethic or impact on the team in a previous position, or emphasizing a specific skill set that matches the blazon of roles you're targeting in your search. Whatsoever it is, make certain you're articulate about what yous're looking for.
And that includes being clear near your timeline also. Retrieve, you're request this person for a favor, so you need to exist realistic with your expectations. It'due south smart to give contacts at least a week (simply ideally more) to get the letter drafted and returned to yous.
Make sense? Great—let'south pull all of those tips into an easy-to-apply template.
Electronic mail Template Asking for a Letter of the alphabet of Recommendation
Hi [Name],
I hope y'all're having a great week!
I'm reaching out because I'1000 applying for [type of role] with [type of company] and am pulling together a few letters of recommendation to emphasize why I'one thousand a qualified fit for this kind of position.
I really enjoyed our fourth dimension working together at [Company]—particularly when nosotros were able to collaborate on [project]. With that in mind, I thought you'd be a great person to vouch for my expertise in [key skill expanse] and my ability to [impressive issue].
I know you're busy. So, if it'd aid, I'm happy to pass along some boosted talking points and information to brand writing this letter a little easier.
Would yous be comfortable writing a alphabetic character of this nature for me? Delight let me know if you have whatever questions about this, [Proper name]. Let'south grab upwardly over coffee shortly—my treat!
All the best,
[Your Name]
No, messages of recommendation aren't a task search staple the way your resume or your cover letter is. Only, that doesn't mean you lot can't use them to your advantage.
If the only thing belongings you back is the fact that asking for these messages can feel more than than a little awkward (believe me, I get information technology), have a deep breath, use these tips and this template, and only send that email.
You lot'll exist armed with an impressive letter or two in your back pocket that you tin can use to bear witness to employers that you're the candidate they've been searching for.
Source: https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation-template
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