Image from www.scribendi.comFor those of us who tend to handle our own business, being at the mercy of a recommendation letter can fuel the feeling of helplessness. The cumbersome task of finding someone who thinks highly of us and writes well of us can be quite a chore. As with everything, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. Keep these things in mind next time you need written proof of your capabilities:
- Face to face: Be sure to ask for a recommendation letter in person; it’s no easy task to set aside a half an hour to write on someone’s behalf. Be courteous by asking early and providing postage. If this is just not possible, pick up the phone and call them directly to request what you need.
- Be Informative: Provide a copy of your current resume, cover letter or other letter of key points/success milestones, website information, and any other relevant information pertinent to the letter. Make sure you ask someone who already knows you well and won’t need to do a complete background check.
- Follow-through: Always write thank you notes, even if you aren’t sure the letter was sent yet. Your note may also serve as a reminder, and showing appreciation for the task can only yield more positive feedback from the writer. Feel free to send a gentle reminder if you haven’t heard back from them, particularly if your deadline is approaching.
Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina
No comments:
Post a Comment