|
Provide Context for Better
Recommendations
Monday, May 01, 2006
Job seekers often ask for recommendations without providing
sufficient context to the person that will be giving that
recommendation. Result: nothing too outstanding; the usual...
The trick when asking for a recommendation is to refresh the memory of
the person from whom you are asking the "good words." If it's been a
while since you last spoke to that person (e.g. your professor), tell
him or her about yourself, what your strengths are, etc. Try to
re-establish a connection.
Once that is done, you can go to the next step and give some details
about the position to which you are applying to, why you are interested
in it, etc. The more details you give, the more specific (and relevant)
the recommendation will be. Remember, all recommendations are not
equal.
As you may well be aware of, the idea when applying for a job is to
"overshadow" other candidates. What better way to do that than to have
outstanding references... especially when there may be a tie at the finish
line. Also, no matter what happens, don't forget to thank your
references and keep them informed as to how your application went.
Don't Burn Bridges
Friday, April 28, 2006
Integral to the job application process is providing references and
recommendations. This means that even when you leave a job for
another one, it is always better to depart on good terms... just in
case you need to go back and ask for references.
Life is unpredictable. You may leave a position with the firm
intention of never going back, but years down the road, things might
show up differently.
Simple advice: Don't slam the door on your way out of your current
job, even if you feel like it. Be nice - it will make you feel
better and it could prove handy later.
|
