A letter of recommendation is a letter given to schools or workplaces written by a person who can recommend your abilities for the role or place you are applying to. These letters are usually written by people who know you well, including professors, teachers, employers, and coaches.
Written by Ahmed Ahmed
Why are letters of recommendation required?
Some jobs or schools require letters of recommendation. Sometimes interviews and resumes may not display enough information about a person. Employers want to know more about you as a person from other people’s perspectives. Finding someone that can testify and support that you are capable and have great skills and abilities can help you land a job, get into your dream program, or get a scholarship.
How to obtain letters of recommendation
When?
Make sure you ask someone to write a letter of recommendation a while before an application deadline. This allows the writer to properly reflect on you as a person and everything they know about you. By not leaving things to the last minute, you also show them that you are a responsible individual. The more time given to a person to write your recommendation letters, the more it’ll be fleshed out. Typically, 1 or 2 months prior to the deadline is best.
Who?
The big question you should ask yourself is who the writer should be. The answer all depends on where you are applying and what the requirement for the recommendation is. The person who writes your recommendation letter should usually have or had authority over you. They should also know you very well, as this helps them write a more detailed letter with actual meaning behind it. Always make sure they also have a positive outlook on all your skills, abilities, and habits. Finally, the person writing should have some relevance to the place you’re applying to. If you’re applying to college or university, you’ll ask a teacher or school counsellor. If you’re applying for a job, you’ll probably ask a previous employer.
How?
Personally approach the individual and explain the details of the letter of recommendation to them. If they agree, make sure to provide them with a copy of your resume and achievements to help them write the letter. Finally, make sure to thank them for their time.
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