Need a Professional Recommendation Letter?

A recommendation letter is usually a written reference designed to highlight aspects of your character and work or study ethic. A number of colleges and universities require from one to three recommendation letters during the admission process. However, a recommendation letter is of invaluable help in the working world and may help you land the job of your dreams.

This being said, the RIGHT recommendation or letter of reference can make a huge impact on your employer.  Having the right recommendation letter can show that you are responsible, trustworthy, with a strong work ethic - and very much employable.

So how do you ask for a recommendation letter?
Of course, ask as politely as possible either face-to-face where you set an email, or preferably, via email. If you require a comprehensive and detailed recommendation letter where your referee would have to answer a series of open-ended questions, make sure you let him or her know the amount of time this letter will entail. The simple the solution you find, the higher your chances are of getting a good recommendation letter...shortly!

The following are some tips which we have devised for our readers of the Muovo blog. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Here they are:

1. Don't just ask anyone.
On a professional networking platform, if you send a general request for everyone in your network to send you a recommendation letter, you are bound to be disappointed. Apart from making the referee feel 'used' and not special at all, you will also be revealing your state of desperation (it shows that you don't care who writes the letter, as long as you do get a letter!). It is better then to ask for a recommendation letter only to individuals with whom you have worked closely and feel that they can write a sound, positive, recommendation letter for you.

2. Why do you need your reference letter?
There are a variety of reasons why you could be asking for a recommendation letter. Let your professional contact know why. If it's for a job posting, give them a link to the job advertised. If it's for a university program, course, or scholarship, give them all the necessary details by email or by post (or face-to-face) of the organisation body.

 3. Provide some guidance.
You might want your referee to comment on a project you have worked closely together, or on some aspects of your work character and personality that can be beneficial for your whatever reason you need your reference letter. Also, give them transcripts, CV resumes, internships, professional goals, due date for the application, and of course, a copy of the recommendation forms (if provided by the institution you're applying for).

4. Don’t just take—give.
Recommendations are often a two-way street. Offer to write a recommendation for other colleagues, if you are in a position to do so. Send thank you cards by email or by post (or both) to your referee to show your appreciation. Follow up with the results - your referee would want to know if your application has been a success or not.

Best wishes!

Related Articles from this Blog:
Networking: A Key to Developing Yourself Professionally
How to Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Why an Internship Might be Good for You

Nikita Pisani at Muovo

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