4 Quick Tips for Letters of Recommendation

Great letters of recommendation are a powerful asset during a job search. A compelling letter from a reputable person can instantly take you from a promising candidate to a top contender. By taking the time to cultivate the right references, you can elevate an application and make it easier to land a dream job.

Start Early

The best time to secure letters of recommendation is at the beginning of a job search — or earlier. Writing such an important letter takes time and careful thought, so it's important to give your references as much advance notice as possible. The moment you know what kind of job you want, make a list of people who might be able to speak to your abilities and qualities. Contact each person immediately by phone or in person to request the letter, and follow up by email with specifics. By starting early, you can eliminate a last-minute rush and avoid putting undue pressure on references.

Offer Guidance

When you request letters of recommendation, make your references' jobs easier by offering guidance on content. Explain the type of job you want, and list the specific skill, experience or personality trait you want to highlight. Use your best judgement to decide how much detail to give. If the person is extremely busy, offer to send a detailed outline or write a draft yourself. If the person knows you well on a personal and professional level, a basic description is adequate. To give employers a well-rounded idea of who you are as a professional, ask each person to approach the reference from a different angle.

Include Supporting Materials

If you are requesting letters of recommendation from people you don't interact with regularly, consider including supporting materials. At a minimum, send your resume and a copy of any job postings for which you plan to apply. Then, find materials to remind the person of your connection and working relationship. For a university professor, you might include a transcript or a paper from the class. For a past boss, consider sending reminders of your time at the company: links to published projects, portfolio pieces or a list of projects on which you worked. Details and examples help the person write specific, personalized letters of recommendation, even when they haven't seen you in years.

Follow Up

Chances are, you may need more than one copy of a recommendation, both now and during future employment searches. Since each letter is a favor, follow up to maintain goodwill with each reference. Thank them sincerely for the letters, either in person or by phone. If you get the job, call again to express gratitude for their part in your success. Then, make an effort to keep in touch — add them on LinkedIn so they can see your professional accomplishments, send occasional emails with quick professional updates, or invite them to professional events. This process maintains the connection and strengthens your professional network.

Letters of recommendation vouch for the claims on your resume and provide additional insight. With the right strategy, you can get personal references that help potential employers see you as an asset to their businesses.

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