How to Ask for a Stellar Personal Letter of Recommendation
Asking for a personal letter of recommendation can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, if you approach it the right way, your chances of receiving a stellar reference letter are much higher. In this article, we will discuss how to ask for a personal letter of recommendation that will make a positive impact on your career.
Introduction
Your personal letter of recommendation is a critical component of your job search. It can provide hiring managers with a glimpse into your working style, strengths, and personality. Thus, it’s essential to ask for a letter that accurately portrays you in a positive light.
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Choose the Right Referee
The first step in requesting a personal letter of recommendation is selecting the right referee. A referee is a person who can speak positively and comprehensively about your skills, achievements, and potential. This person should be someone who knows you well, and with whom you have a close professional relationship. Teacher, mentor, or a previous employer can be good choices.
Make a Formal Request
After selecting the referee, you need to make a formal request for a letter. It’s essential to provide your referee with ample time to write the letter, so it’s best to make the request well in advance of the deadline. Also, you need to convey how essential it is for you to have a powerful letter. Inform them about the position you’re applying for and providing a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Provide Guidance
When requesting a letter of recommendation, it’s helpful to provide your referee with guidance about what to include. Provide your referee with bullet points on your professional achievements, goals, and impact. It might also help to share relevant job descriptions and examples of successful projects or operations you might have worked on. You should also highlight the qualities or skills you want the referee to emphasize in the letter.
Offer to Help
Offering to help your referee can be a great way to show your drive and professionalism. You can offer to provide additional information to the referee, such as an updated resume or cover letter. When helping, you’re not supposed to write the letter; you’re only supposed to provide assistance in the form of information gathering or editorial support.
Follow Up
After making the request, it’s essential to follow up with the referee. You can send a polite email or make a call to check about the letter’s progress and confirm they’ve received all the details necessary. Also, ensure that you provide the referee with your contact information in case they need to reach out to you for more information or clarification.
Conclusion
A powerful personal letter of recommendation can be the difference between landing a job or not. By following these tips, you can ensure that you receive a strong letter that accurately represents you positively. Remember, the key to success in this area is selecting the right referee, making a formal request, providing guidance, offering to help, and following up to ensure progress.
