I know there is a n active thread on Letter of Recommendation but I’m under the impression that a reference letter is different (i.e., for jobs, and not for education/programs)…
Anyways, so I have worked with 3 people (higher-ups), 1 has agreed to let me list him as a reference for the future, and the other one has agreed to that as well as a reference letter. He said I can send him something and he will look it over. now I’ve never actually had to do that, so I’m not too sure what to say…basically, I don’t want to sound too full of it, but I dont want to be too modest either.
(the third one, I am sitll drafting the request…she’s the one I’ve worked wiht most closely, and she hired me, so I have to be extra careful with her!)
hmmm I wish i could help you with this one , basically in the UK the law is very strict regards Referencing .. hence most employers only reference the dates of employment and the general conduct .. they try not to go into too many details to avoid any legal glitches .. Also companies here prefer to do direct referencing then rely on any letters ...
I am assuming its quite difference in the US , so I hope one of our friends here with US experience might be able to help you find a balanced text for a reference letter ..
So that begs the other question...are letters even necessary? I did get one from a manager last year, and honestly, as nice as the letter was, it wasn't of much use....
With calling, how do you know if when a potential employer calls your reference, that reference won't just come out and say something horrible to ruin your chances? I have heard of that happening...and if so, how would you even know what they said? And if you had a letter, how can you even be sure the contents of the letter and what they say when directly contacted will for the most part match?
Sara , thats what the legal threat is , in this country no one is allowed to give a bad reference .. you can refuse to give a reference , but you cant give a bad reference , coz it can be challenged in the Employment tribunal.
That is the reason why even when employers are asked too many questions , they only choose to give the minimum information that is mostly dates and some bits on character .. unless a person has been fired .. in which case the ex employer only reveals some information not all ..
to be honest , I have never gotten or given a letter of recomendation mainly coz its of no use at all !
well - the onus is on the candidates to make sure that the references they are providing will speak in their favour. No one should even mention a reference without having consulted with the potential referee.
The referee's answer to a simple question like "can I provide your name as a reference?" should give you an indication whether it's a good or bad idea. I'm usually very open with people who ask for my reference. In a couple of instances, I've denied the request when I don't have anything positive to say... other times, I've said neutral things... but 80% of the people who ask me are pretty sure that I'll say good things about them.
Re: reference letters, it really depends on the job application requirements. In my experience, most mid-level management positions and above would probably request a reference letter as part of the initial application package and also names of references who can be called up after the interview process.
Oh that's interesting.
So that begs the other question...are letters even necessary? I did get one from a manager last year, and honestly, as nice as the letter was, it wasn't of much use....
With calling, how do you know if when a potential employer calls your reference, that reference won't just come out and say something horrible to ruin your chances? I have heard of that happening...and if so, how would you even know what they said? And if you had a letter, how can you even be sure the contents of the letter and what they say when directly contacted will for the most part match?
Sara, what I would suggest in your situation is that make a list of all good traits that add value to an employer and have your friend check mark the ones, he thinks you have. You can furbish a letter based on what he tick marked ..
for e.g
accountable
good team player
pleasant personality
good in communication
etc