The traditional recommendation letter holds little weight with modern employers, who have ample experience writing vague, restrained pleasantries about middle-of-the-road performers. Yet, letters that clearly illustrate your potential contribution may be a distinguishing factor if you are a recent graduate or entry-level candidate. When you decide to include detailed job references, make sure they come from credible professionals who know you well and are prepared to tell the same story when contacted directly.
1. Do You Need Letters?
Opinions differ about the importance of a recommendation letter, but remember that most hiring managers do not have the time or desire to read lengthy application packets. A recommendation letter offers verification of your skills and work ethic when you don’t have solid evidence, so it is most useful when your work history is limited or you are competing for competitive entry-level jobs that require extensive internship experience. Letters are rarely necessary for mid- or high-level jobs, as employers expect you to have measurable proof of your performance.
2. Does Your Reference Know You?
Avoid asking for recommendation letters from people who have not worked with you. Lack of familiarity forces a reference to regurgitate your resume, and recruiters can often spot an uninspired form letter. In a phone conversation, a reference who frequently pauses and offers hazy responses gives the impression that you are forgettable or memorable for the wrong reasons.
Instead of trying to collect as many letters as possible, focus on getting demonstrative and enthusiastic references from the people who are most familiar with your abilities, such as independent study advisers, coaches and internship supervisors. Give your references your resume to keep them up-to-date on your accomplishments, but ask them to highlight how your efforts and personality benefited the work or team environment.
3. Do You Have a Positive History?
When your references send correspondence directly to potential employers, you have no way of knowing how they may describe you. Only ask for a recommendation letter if you are certain your reference is happy with your performance. Few professionals would make blatantly negative marks, but a neutral recommendation letter also suggests that you did not stand out at your workplace, weakening your strength as a candidate.
4. Is Your Reference Relevant?
The desire to sound impressive may drive you to seek out job references with the most flashy titles, even if their recommendations do not relate to your target position. A coach, professor or volunteer coordinator who can provide engaging examples of your work in a leadership or assistance role holds more weight than a director who barely remembers your name. However, you can improve the relevance of recommendation letters by giving references information about your target positions and the areas where you need to shine the most.
Keep in mind that your professional references are human, and they are not immune to forgetfulness or preoccupation. Give your references an adequate time frame to complete recommendation letters, and make sure you provide all the materials they need to craft a compelling story that makes your strengths impossible to overlook.
Photo courtesy of ddpavumba at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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