l********z
发帖数: 810 | 1 刚刚整理电脑，发现存了一个短文，出处记不清了，copy过来给后来的同学也许有用。
How to Ask for a Reference Letter
In the 2009 film "Up in the Air," Natalie Keener decides she can no longer
stomach being part of a corporate firing squad and quits her firm. Her
mentor, played by George Clooney, behaves as the magnanimous gent we all
know him to be: he writes a glowing reference letter on her behalf,
addressed simply "to whom it may concern."
In the real world, getting a reference letter is far more difficult and
often a source of much anxiety. Whom to ask, how to ask, what to say?
But getting an outstanding reference letter is entirely within your control
and easier than you think, even if you don't have a benevolent benefactor at
your back.
Here are three tips to ensure your mentor, former boss, or academic
counselor writes you a rave review:
1. Highlight their qualifications
2. Provide a template
3. Offer a "no questions asked" policy
Let's look at each of these individually:
Highlight their Qualifications
When reaching out to ask for a letter of reference, explain up front and
center why it is that you value that person's opinion and respect their
professional expertise enough so that you chose them (of all people) to
vouch for you in your next professional endeavor.
Beyond mere flattery, show why you think that person is uniquely qualified
to accurately assess and communicate your personal contribution to your
future organization. Why did you enjoy working for them, and why do you
value their opinion? Why do you look up to them? How do the qualities match
your own, or speak to the authority you want your recommendation to convey?
Provide a Template
It's almost impossible to get a good reference letter from someone if you
don't provide the tools necessary for them to actually write a good letter.
It's also terribly inconsiderate not to give ample guidance. The last thing
anyone wants to do is spend hours or days thinking about and drafting a
letter which you yourself could have composed far better and more readily in
about half the time.
Providing a template, therefore — an outline, bullet points, or even a
fully-baked draft — of what you'd like the reference letter to say is the
most effective (not to mention generous and thoughtful) approach to asking
for a letter of reference. The goal isn't to put words into your former
colleague's mouth or to co-opt her into vouching for you in an untrue or
disingenuous manner; it's simply to do some of the work for her and provide
all of the pertinent data points that you'd like included in the letter.
Moreover, as boastful, bragging or full of yourself you may feel writing
your own referral, often people will be even more generous than you will
when talking about your skills and contribution to an organization. So go
ahead and toot your own horn.
"No Questions Asked"
Finally, once you provide your reviewer with a useful template and make it
clear that your intention is to make this process as painless as possible
for her, then it's time to hand over the reins and offer a "no questions
asked" policy. First, give your colleague an easy "out" to decline your
request for any or no reason. Then, assuming she agrees, give her ample
leeway to change, modify or edit your letter as she sees fit. You want to
convey a sense of trust in her and give her an opportunity to write a letter
she is entirely comfortable with.
Let's take a look at what this request might actually look like:
Highlight their Qualifications
Dear John,
Hello, I hope you are well. I am writing to ask a huge favor — I'm applying
for a senior marketing position with Merck and I was hoping you'd consider
writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I always appreciated your
perspective and judgment while working together. You have so much
credibility within the product development space that I thought you'd be a
perfect person to act as a reference.
Provide a Template
I have included a list of bullet points along with a draft letter you might
consider using as a template. I'd like to make the process as easy as
possible on you and I know it's hard to recall details about the many
different projects we worked on together in 2007 and 2008.
"No Questions Asked"
If for any reason you don't feel comfortable writing a letter on my behalf,
I completely understand. If you are willing to do so, however, please feel
free to take the attached sample letter and use it as a template however you
see fit. I have tried to address my core strengths as a strategic thinker
and team player and I have highlighted several marketing campaigns I'm
particularly proud of. To the extent that you'd like to make any changes or
modifications to the letter, please go ahead and do so. I trust that you'll
include only those topics you feel comfortable commenting upon.
Further, I would welcome the opportunity to see a copy of the letter, but I
of course understand your position if you'd like to keep it confidential.
Finally, finish your request with all the grace and charm you can muster —
thank the other person profusely for their time and help and offer to make
yourself available for any further questions he may have.
Stay tuned for next week's post on how to write that template and make your
reference letter stand out from the pack. | t*********n
发帖数: 240 | 2 Thank you very much for sharing! This is really important. | s********p
发帖数: 1319 | 3 Can't wait your next week's post! | m****8
发帖数: 419 | | c****r
发帖数: 494 | | a******3
发帖数: 1017 | | I*********0
发帖数: 54 | | d****2
发帖数: 118 | 8 Very useful. Thanks.
Best wishes for your upcoming training. | s********o
发帖数: 3319 | 9 I just realized that this is a very useful post. thanks, lingzMainz.
Can anyone please tell me where I can find a template letter? thanks. | r**********8
发帖数: 504 | |
|
