Reference Letter
Who to Ask for a Reference Letter
Ask people whom you know will each write a favorable reference
letter on your behalf.
Of course, potential employers might suspect that you asked only
those whom would give you give marks; but, they'll still want to
know that at least some people have good things to say
about you. It puts them at ease.
Good examples of people to ask in the workplace are listed below.
- CEOs
- Vice Presidents
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Subordinates
- Coworkers
- Customers
However, if you're not short on employment-related references,
then asking for recommendation
letters from same is likely a better idea than asking for reference
letters (as indicated on the first
page).
If you are short on employment-related references from little
to no work experience or otherwise, then ask for character reference
letters from people who know your characteristics well enough to
warrant giving you good marks. Employers will likely be more impressed
if experienced professionals write each character reference letter
on your behalf, verses friends or family members. Examples are
listed below.
- Executives
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Lawyers
- Clergy
Include professors and mentors when applying for advanced-degree
work. Never include questionable references, such as your personal
psychiatrist or drug-abuse counselor, for the obvious reason! However,
if you have a criminal
record, then your probation officer will have to do if you
have no other references who can vouch for your integrity, now
that you've learned your lesson.
It might further impress employers, if the professionals you ask
can picture you in your target job role and then strike that tone
when writing reference letters on your behalf. However, striking
just the right tone in writing is not an easy thing to do, even
for professional writers.
Additionally, even if those whom you ask possess excellent writing
skills, they might not be well versed in writing reference letters,
much less effective reference letters.
So, when asking anyone, it's a good idea to offer a sample reference
letter. In fact, the person you asked might be glad you did. Offering
a sample will also give you at least some control over
the outcome. With your integrity at stake, all it takes is only
one, poorly-written reference letter to lose a job opportunity
for you!
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