Requesting Letters of Recommendation

If you are interviewing for a new job, think to have your references verified prior to getting an offer. Having good references can be the decisive factor to getting that new job. Plan ahead and compose a list of references and some letters of recommendation now, so you are prepared when a prospective employer requests them.

Review sample reference letters so you know what to expect from your reference writer.

Who To Ask For References

Who should you ask to give references? As an average, employers verify 3 references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It's essential to know your references, to choose the right people, and to obtain their permission to use them. You need responsive people that can authenticate that you worked there, your title, your reason for leaving, and other details. It's also very relevant to have a good idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. It's absolutely acceptable to use references other than your employer. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references. If you volunteer contemplate using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.

When leaving an occupation you should solicit for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time passes and people always go on, it's simple to lose track of previous employers, so with letters in hand, in advance, you'll have written documentation of your credentials to offer to prospective employers. If you haven't done so already, it's never too late to go back and ask for letters from previous employers to include in your personal files.

How To Ask For a Letter of Recommendation

Don't say "Could you write a letter of reference for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The dilemma can be what they are going to write about.

Instead, to say "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?" or "Do you feel you could concede me a good reference?" That way, your reference writer has an easy out if they are not comfortable writing a letter and you can be assured that those who say "yes" will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter.

Offer to give an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference writer has current information to work with.

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