Letters of recommendation provide a way for a former employer to provide you with a credible history of your skills, abilities, job performance, and accomplishments. A potential employer may or may not request a letter, but having one or more available upon request is part of careful preparation for the interview. Even if not requested, a well-written letter of recommendation may help you stand out in the evaluation process.
Recommendation Letter Tips
* Be objective. Provide the facts and substantiate them. Keep to what you know about the person. Do not generalize or base your statements on your opinions or those of others.
* Make a list of key words or phrases that pinpoint the person's skills or talents to help you write a detailed, convincing, concrete letter of recommendation.
* Be honest about your feelings, intentions, and concerns. This will save time and embarrassment for both parties if you feel that you cannot provide a good recommendation.
* When requesting a recommendation letter, it is helpful to provide the writer with a copy of your current resume and cover letter. Your resume should list your accomplishments and your other relevant experience that make you an ideal candidate for the position, a description of the job or program you are interested in, and/or a current transcript or list of relevant courses you have taken in your high school, undergraduate, or graduate career.
* Personal details such as race, religion, nationality, marital status etc., are not to be included in the written reference.
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