A legacy job search item that is still relevant today is the “Letter of Recommendation”. By definition, a letter of recommendation is a document in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. For our purposes, it would be related to a person’s ability to perform in a work role.
There are a variety of reasons or situations where you may be asked (or wish to provide) if you have any letters of recommendation. Let’s explore just a few of these scenarios.
• The primary time for usage is if the employer specifically asks if you have any available. This may be done for a few different reasons revolving around it being easier for the prospective company than reference checking or doing an employment verification. This is especially true if the previous company is no longer in business, making it nearly impossible to retrieve employment information from them. Entry level positions are also a prime spot for these letters because schools, internships, etc. often will generate them. Finally, if you were employed by a large and respected local employer, a letter of recommendation may really carry some weight.
• You can always add it to your application. By adding the files to your resume, you are hoping to catch the eye of the recruiter when they are reviewing your candidacy.
• You can also include them when you are providing your reference contact information. These can serve for the recruiter as a sneak preview of what will be said when reference checking.
While a letter of recommendation probably won’t guarantee you a job, it may prove to be a key differentiator for you to be selected over other candidates. Even better if your letter is written by a particularly respected individual or institution. It is therefore in your best interest to try to influence or coach the content within your letter as much as possible. Granted if you are receiving your recommendation as a result of a mass layoff, then you are probably going to have to be accepting of a generic version.
So, what should you consider or doing when it comes to a letter of recommendation? Below are some quick suggestions for creating a better document that will help sell your candidacy.
• Please make sure the person writing the letter of recommendation is OK with doing it. Especially if you worked together at a previous employer and this person is still employed by the establishment. You want someone who will paint a very positive picture of your employment and is knowledgeable of your skills, qualifications, achievements, etc. It is even better if this person is also willing to be a direct reference for you if the situation dictates this need.
• Try to customize the letter of recommendation for the position you are seeking. I understand that this is not possible if you are applying for a number of positions. You can’t expect the person to write dozens of different letters, however, if you are running a very targeted search, then work on customizing it where possible.
• Place a focus on what you do very well and your specific accomplishments. The closer this person was to you to know these details, such as your Manager or someone who worked directly with you, the more valid this information will be perceived. These individuals are more likely to write a detailed letter than a Human Resources Department who will generally only provide dates of employment and confirmation of title.
• Offer to draft the letter for the person, who can then review and critique where necessary. Present this offer in the spirit of trying to save the person valuable time considering how busy they are. If they are OK with this, then you can not only control how quickly the document is completed but also write in the structure and format that you desire. The document should have the look and style of a professional business letter, preferably one page and, if possible, on a letterhead.
A letter of recommendation used to be a standard practice of leaving a position in good standing. While it is not as common as it once was, it can still play a role in helping a candidate with their job search. It is important, however, to have a plan regarding your letter and to do what you can to coach the writer to shape the content and the structure of the document to the way you would like it to be.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of RochesterJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
