A letter of recommendation is often the determining factor in the success of a person’s application for a position.
The letter can help employers to understand that the person has very good skills and abilities, and that they would be an asset to the company. This will make it more likely for them to hire you over other applicants.
In this article we will learn how to ask for a letter of recommendation (LOR).
How to ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Employers want employees who fit well with their company culture, so if they like your letter of recommendation, you’ll have good chances of getting hired!
The letter of recommendation is one great way to get your foot in the door when it comes to any job opportunity.
Letters are important because they are more personal than a resume, especially if you are coming from outside the area or industry.
While not always necessary, many employers prefer at least two letters of recommendation when they are seriously considering an applicant.
If you’re applying for a managerial position or something that requires teaching, then three letters may be needed. When submitting your application documents, be sure to include an introduction with each letter that includes their name, relevant information about them and who they can speak on behalf of.
If your letter writer is someone who knows you well, it’s not necessary to over explain. Let them know what you are applying for and they can do the rest of the work for you. While asking for a letter of recommendation, be sure to follow these steps:
- Know who you want writing your letter of recommendation ahead of time so that there is no miscommunication between you two.
- Give the person writing your recommendation an updated resume, to which you want them adding their comments or experiences. If you are part of a school’s alumni association, they may have access to this information for all graduates.
- Have the writer sign a letter of intent stating that they agree to write you a letter of recommendation and using specific examples they will discuss.
- Follow up with your writer a month before your deadline; make sure you remind them of the specifics of what is expected in the letter and that it is due by such-and-such date. This reassures both parties that continued communication will be needed between you two until the end result is achieved.
- Request the letter of recommendation to be sent directly to you or to the appropriate individual at your future employer so that you have it for reference when applying for employment. If you are unsure, just ask if they can email it to you instead of mailing a hard copy because some employers do not allow personal letters that are not attached to your resume to be sent to the employer.
