Written by Kalli
Asking for a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when asking someone to be your reference.
- Ask earlier: Providing ample time helps them write a thorough letter representative of your character. It would be rude to assume that they could write you a letter one week before the due date.
- Try to ask in person. Asking them personally can benefit you because they will be able to see the effort you are putting in to receive their recommendation. It is especially important to ask in person if it is someone who you interact with often like a boss, professor, mentor, etc. Be sure to provide specific details about the job you are applying for, the type of work you are hoping to do, specific skills the company is looking for, and other information that will be helpful for them to know.
- Try to pick someone who knows you well: Create a list of people who would know you well enough and would be willing to craft a positive letter of recommendation for you. This ranges from people who are qualified themselves or those who have witnessed your work ethic such as previous employers, professors, professionals in the field (that you know of course), internships, etc. Professors are always a good choice because who knows your work ethic better than them?
- Follow up: Even after asking in-person, it’s rude to assume they’ll remember exactly why and when you need the letter by. Sending a follow-up email detailing the things you discussed in the meeting will be helpful for them and for yourself. Include your updated resume, your current job or status (ie. student at UH Manoa), your qualifications, accomplishment, and any other information that would be beneficial for employers to know.
- Check in with them: Around 1 week before the deadline, send a letter to your reference to ensure the letter is in progress/finished and submitted before the due date. It is possible that they have forgotten and need a gentle reminder.
- Most importantly, thank them for their time even if you did not get the position you wanted. They still took their valuable time and dedicated it to helping you to the best of their abilities.
There’s nothing wrong with telling your reference exactly what you want them to include in their letter. They should be given proper context to guide their writing so you may receive a letter that serves you well and (hopefully) helps you secure the job of your dreams.
Sources:
https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/asking-for-a-letter-of-recommendation
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation-template
