Do you know your employer's rules regarding recommendation letters?

Do you know your employer's rules regarding recommendation letters?

The new employer may sue if he or she finds the newly hired individual does not measure up to the assertions made in the letter of recommendation. Consequently, these letters now tend to be brief, stating only absolutely verifiable information concerning the individual, such as length of employment, job description, responsibilities, etc. A general, "To Whom It May Concern" reference letter, however, is not considered legally binding and may include a more embellished description of the former employee's qualities.

The individual will often copy this letter and submit it to several potential employers. A former employee may also merely list the name of a former employer or supervisor as a reference in his or her resume or initial letter of application for a new position.

Recommendation Letter Tips

If you need to secure a good position in the work force or be admitted to a school of higher learning, you will probably need one or more letters of recommendation. Both employers and admissions boards need to know as much as possible about an applicant to determine his or her ability to perform adequately. Letters of recommendation provide information from a former employer or a credible associate who has been personally involved with the candidate. This outside source provides a valuable record of the candidate's previous experience and can testify to his or her skills and abilities.

An effective letter of recommendation:

verifies experience

confirms competence

builds credibility

bolsters confidence

The information contained in a letter of recommendation depends on the type of letter and its intended audience. Information is often different for a letter written for an academic admissions board than one written for a prospective employer.

Types of Recommendations

Employment Letters

Letters of recommendation provide a vehicle 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.

The employee usually requests the letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor or other manager with personal knowledge of the employee's performance on the job and positions held. This person might also add comments regarding individual qualities such as initiative and dedication. A potential employer may also request character references testifying to the candidate's work ethic, dependability, and motivation level.

The credibility of the letter writer is very important in a character reference. These letters may or may not be addressed to a specific person, and may either be mailed to the recipient by the writer or hand-delivered by the employee at the interview. Ask for this type of letter only if you are on good terms with a current employer and he or she is able to respond positively to news that you are leaving. If you have already secured a new position, it may not be necessary to ask your current employer for a letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from employers may contain evidence or confirmation of some or all of the following:

Previous positions held in the company

Summary of job responsibilities

Strengths, skills, and talents

Initiative, dedication, integrity, reliability, etc.

Ability to work with a team

Ability to work independently

Academic Letters

Admission to any institute of higher learning usually requires one or more letters of recommendation. Graduate programs often require the submission of two or more letters and frequently follow specifically outlined procedures for their creation and submission. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully.

Letters required for admission to post-graduate studies are typically written by a faculty member, academic advisor, or administrator. In some cases, an employer can write the letter if academic recommendations are not available. These letters provide the admissions committee with information not found in the application—information that shows the applicant matches the school's expectations and requirements. The letter also provides an opportunity for an applicant to be seen as an individual, and helps him or her to stand out from the hundreds or thousands of other applicants.

It is important that the person providing the recommendation has a good understanding of your academic history, interests, goals, and direction. Normally, this type of recommendation letter is addressed to a specific person and should be submitted along with the admission application or as outlined in the admissions procedure. In many cases, accredited universities require that letters of recommendation be sent directly to specific departments or to the admissions office. If this is the case, the applicant may be required to sign a waiver of confidentiality and relinquish his or her right to access the information contained in the letter or forms. Academic letters of recommendation may contain evidence or confirmation of the following:

Academic performance

Honors and awards

Initiative, dedication, integrity, reliability, etc.

Willingness to follow school policy

Ability to work with others

Ability to work independently

The Letter Writer

Choose who will represent you wisely. No one person can represent you accurately in all areas. Find someone who knows your strengths in the areas you need to satisfy the requirements of a particular employer or admissions board. Schedule a convenient time for you and your employer or advisor to meet. Review the requirements and expectations of the recommendation letter. This process helps the person who is writing the letter answer questions, clarify points that may need elaboration, and point out additional information that may be required. Make this process easy by providing all of the information needed so that you can obtain an accurate and positive recommendation.

When you request a recommendation, communicate your needs in a straightforward way. Explain what you are applying for and ask if the person can provide you with a good recommendation. If someone exhibits any uneasiness about providing you with a strong recommendation, be polite, thank him or her for their time and then look elsewhere. Choose someone who:

can provide a well-written letter

knows you well enough to be credible

thinks highly of you and your abilities

holds a respected position

Keep in mind that the recommender is doing you a favor and has a busy schedule with other commitments. Make sure you allow enough time so that he or she can provide you with a well-written and effective letter.

Writing Your Own Letter of Recommendation

Do not be surprised if a person you are asking for a recommendation asks you to write a first draft of the letter that he or she will then modify and sign. Begin by providing an accurate assessment of your strengths without dwelling on limitations. Letters of recommendation are intended to be positive and realistic evaluations of performance, competence, and capability. Do not be shy in communicating your strengths. Look at the following suggestions:

List your strengths, talents, and abilities. These may include diligence, punctuality, leadership, reliability, enthusiasm, creativity, independence, teamwork, organization, etc.

Highlight your strengths and accomplishments without bragging.

Choose several of your qualities and strengths that match the current situation; do not list everything you have ever done.

Use a professional vocabulary and style; write as if you were the employer providing the letter.

Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Someone Else

When you are asked to write a letter of recommendation, be honest in your assessment. Put yourself in the reader's position and consider what you would want to know if you were reading the letter. If you have concerns about specific areas, be up front with the requester when you are asked to write the recommend. There should be no surprises. A good way to create a letter of recommendation is to use pre-designed templates available in letter-writing products. Additionally, you should review writing samples to better understand the structure before you begin to write. Follow these steps to be fair to everyone involved:

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.

If you are not sure what to write, ask the requester to provide a draft letter for you to review, edit, finalize, and sign.

Find out when the requestor needs the letter and be sensitive to deadlines.

Letters of recommendation may be written in a classic format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. There may also be specific requirements for certain letters that you may need to follow. In most cases, however, any well-organized format will be acceptable. Look at the following sample format:

Introduction

Introduce yourself as the recommender. State your professional position, how you know the applicant, the length of your relationship, and any other pertinent information to build your credibility as a knowledgeable contributor.

Provide an overview of your general impressions of the applicant.

Body

Cover one exceptional quality of the applicant in each paragraph

Use specific examples to show how you observed each quality

Address qualities in order of importance

Keep the body of the letter to two or three paragraphs

Conclusion

Confirm that the applicant would be a desirable employee, adding any other comments you feel appropriate.

Encourage the reader to contact you for additional information or with any questions.

Don't forget to personally sign the letter.

Sincerely

(four single returns)

John Doe

Don't forget to personally sign the letter.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am very pleased to recommend Martha Holden for admission to your university program. As her guidance counselor for three years I have watched this young woman develop both academically and personally into a mature individual ready in every way for her college years.

Martha is bright, energetic, compassionate and genuinely well rounded. Her grades have been consistently above average in all of her courses, and she has actively participated in a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities ranging from track and field and chorus to the school yearbook and our drama club.

Martha has also spent considerable time outside the school involved in the community. This has included work with Meals on Wheels and volunteering 10 hours a week at one of our area's shelters for battered and abused women.

They think so much of her at the shelter they have offered her a paid internship for next summer. Previously, this internship had never been awarded to anyone before the end of their college sophomore year. Despite all the preparations that will be required for going off to college next fall, Martha told me she is absolutely thrilled about this opportunity and feels it will enhance her university studies.

Unlike many students who are not sure which field to pursue, Martha has made clear to us all that her goal is to do Social Work. To this end she has worked tirelessly in our pilot program for mentoring Special Education students mainstreamed into our school.

In closing, let me take a moment to recount an incident which I believe speaks volumes about the superior nature of this candidate. Two years ago I was returning from lunch to my office when I saw ahead of me in the hallway 90 pound Martha, arms stretched out between two 180+ pound students, one a Special Ed student and the other a school bully. Other students were standing by motionless or laughing while Martha showed the leadership and courage to immediately put an end to the embarrassing fight that had erupted.

It is clear to me as I hope it is to you that this young woman, Martha Holden, is an exceptional candidate, one that would contribute greatly to any program. I wholeheartedly recommend her and wish her the very best in all future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Jean Atkins

Senior Counselor

Alexander Hamilton High School

Sample college recommendation (graduate)

To Whom It May Concern:

As Principal of George Mason High School I am delighted to recommend to you a stellar member of our teaching staff, Mr. Samuel Cohen, and to write this letter on his behalf. Sam has taught American History at the school for three years. He is one of our most popular and effective instructors and has already won several teaching awards.

He came to us directly upon completion of his bachelor’s degree, but immediately settled in as if an old pro. Sam is a master of all of the ingredients of successful teaching, especially the ability to inspire.

This gentleman is highly professional in both dress and demeanor. To my knowledge Sam has never come to work without both a suit and tie, more times than not a bow tie. The majority of others at the school, both teachers and students, dress differently and lean to more informality. Never once, however, has Sam’s manner of dress elicited the slightest comment. Why? It is simply because Sam’s attire seems entirely natural given his dignified comportment.

That comportment in turn is driven by Sam’s love and respect for American History. Sam views himself as the messenger for something serious and important, and this is reflected in the way he teaches and in the way his students respond.

Reaction to Sam’s classes has been overwhelmingly positive. So much so that more than once it has been reported to me that study hall students have been spotted lingering outside the door to Sam’s classroom listening to his lessons.

Sam’s impact has even been felt outside the school with the parents themselves. His section on the importance of voting has inspired students to cajole their parents to register to vote. Several have mentioned this to me at parent-teacher meetings. One even called the school to have me pass on their thanks to Mr. Cohen.

The only thing that we in the school administration have ever worried about in regard to Sam is the prospect of funding his bottled water. Sam is such a passionate and prolific speaker that he needs a steady supply to maintain his voice. So far we have gotten a pass on this, as students have bought it for him, including what must have been a year’s supply on his last birthday.

It will be a sad day when we announce that Sam will be pursuing his graduate degree on a fulltime basis. We can only hope that he keeps his promise and returns to us as soon as the ink is dry on his new diploma.

Sincerely,

Harold W. Brown

Principal

George Mason High School

Sample fellowship recommendation

To Whom It May Concern:

It gives me great satisfaction to recommend John H. Smythe for the Salem-McKenzie Fellowship in Specialized Journalism. I was John’s professor in three undergraduate Communications courses and worked closely with him at both our college radio station and campus video center.

Like a number of my former students, John has kept in touch. Through his letters I stayed abreast of his television news career in Sacramento and witnessed his development as a professional journalist.

It came as a wonderful surprise last year when John announced his intention to return to school for his master’s degree. Knowing John I am sure he has exhibited the same enthusiasm for his graduate studies as he did with us.

John is highly charismatic and has a terrific on air presence. More importantly, he thinks critically, reasons well and has all the instincts of a good reporter.

His grace under pressure became abundantly apparent to me during John’s junior year. John hosted our weekly TV interview show, “Live on the Mall”, which is fed via closed circuit across the university. As John was discussing campus politics with the president of the student government, a fire broke out in one of the dormitories. John immediately headed toward the blaze and began covering the story. Back at the video center the technician called all the local television stations, three of which wanted John’s feed and went live with it for more than half an hour. The fire was quite unsettling and involved considerable damage as well as loss of life. John’s calm professionalism shown through so much that his feed was also picked up briefly by two national cable news channels.

John also has a good feel for balanced and objective reporting. Case in point, while John was with us a supremacist group sprang up on campus. Although not sanctioned by the university, the group was allowed to conduct a rally. This drew protests from the vast majority of the student body. Nevertheless, John felt it important for freedom of speech to interview the group’s leaders on his show.

The interview, conducted on the mall, drew a large demonstration with animus directed not only at the group’s leaders but also at John. A number of John’s friends held this against him, but he unequivocally believed what he did was right. I would go so far as to say it was not only right but a reflection of mature journalistic judgment.

It was a real honor to witness John’s development here at the university and it has been a joy to watch his growth since then. I cannot imagine a better recipient of this fellowship. I enthusiastically recommend him to you.

Sincerely,

David P. Kroger

Professor of Communications

Davis University

Sample chef recommendation

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with pride that I recommend Gina Marie Sullivan for a responsible position in your pastry department. I am chef-proprietor of River’s Edge Inn, a restaurant in Hudson Valley, New York.

Gina Marie has been with my establishment for more than four years. She began while still in high school working an entry level position in my kitchen. Upon graduating she came on board fulltime doing food prep and working the hot line. Occasionally she would help me with our breads and the signature desserts for which River’s Edge is well known.

Over time Gina Marie became more and more interested in the pastry end of the business, learning from me but also from experimentation and independent study. She has a definite flair for pastries, and has surpassed my abilities in many respects.

It is only right that she be allowed to develop her talent to the extent of its limits. I understand and support her desire to seek employment in a large Manhattan kitchen.

Let me say that I have no doubt she can adeptly meet the challenges. She has shown me repeatedly that she is profoundly dedicated and responsible. She has done double shifts, worked on most holidays, and filled in a number of times for wait staff.

Gina Marie is also the personification of calmness in tough situations. Two months ago she spent all day creating five fabulous Gâteaux de Madame (Génoise cake filled with Chantilly cream and covered with shaved chocolate). This was for a party of thirty-five. As the cakes were leaving the kitchen, all on one cart for presentation effect, one of the two attendant waiters tripped and knocked over the cart. Her creations crashed on the floor. Not concerned about recrimination, and in no sense panicked, Gina Marie proceeded immediately to review ingredients on hand in the kitchen. She managed in short order to produce thirty-five parfait glasses of Romanoff complete with ripe strawberries, Grand Marnier and a garnish of fresh whipped cream.

Even though it would continue to benefit my restaurant and its customers, I would feel guilty and be doing her a disservice to persuade her to stay. And so I refer to you a genuinely talented young lady whom I feel is already evolving into a first-rate pastry chef.

Sincerely,

Chef Samuel Wimet

Owner, River’s Edge Inn

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04