Job Advice and Coworking

Why you should ask for a letter of recommendation

5 Jul 2018

The search for a job is not an easy path.We all know that. Many people like you are looking for a position similar to your preferences and that is why you must stand out from the rest. Sometimes, in order to do so, it is not enough to have a good resume. Knowing how to write a good cover letter is important to accompany your CV and also to have a good personal brandBut what about letters of recommendation, do you know what they are and how they can help you? A letter of recommendation is the written statement from your company about your skills and your work at your company. Your way of being may be your best asset, as it is something that is also addressed in a letter of this type. There are many job search portals that speak of the need for letters of recommendation. This is the case of AdeccoThey also tell the reasons why you should apply. We also want to help you to do it correctly, so let's explain what you need to take into account at the time of ordering. The most important points that should appear in a letter of recommendation are:
  • City / country and date of writing.
  • Name of the worker to whom the letter is written.
  • Description of the relationship between the writer and the worker.
  • Positive aspects about the worker's work (also about his or her way of being).
  • Details of the person writing the letter (i.e. the recommender).
In short, a letter of recommendation is based on identification, context, recommendation and closing. Easy, isn't it? But, ordering may not be so easy for you! Here are some tips on how to apply so you can show it off in future jobs.  

Choose the right person

It's obvious, but don't ask for a letter of recommendation from a person with whom you've gotten along like cats and dogs during your time at the company. We want to be recommended and we want the writing to be sincere. That's why you should make sure that that person you are asking for the letter has a good view of you. Approach a superior, preferably, and have him or her write from a objective and real point of view. It is very important to choose the right person because he or she will talk about your work and yourself. Above all, it must be a person who deals with you on a daily basis and who sees how you deal with different situations on a daily basis.  

Request it through an e-mail

It is likely that the relationship you have with the person to whom you are going to ask for the letter of recommendation is very trustworthy, but it is always better to request it by mail because, in addition to the fact that it is a more formal request, you can provide the information you consider relevant. This email should be based on the following points:
  • Who you are (not only your name, but also some features about you).
  • Ask for the possibility to write your letter of recommendation.
  • Why do you need this writing (to access a master's degree, for a new job...).
  • Don't forget to thank him for taking the time to read it (and, hopefully, write it for you).
  • Attach your CV for me to have it at hand.

Do it at the right time

This point is somewhat related to the first one. You have to request the letter of recommendation from the right person and at the right timeWhat does this mean? That at the time of ordering, make sure that your relationship is still good. You should also request the letter at a neutral time, i.e., they are not thinking of firing you and you are not in a probationary period. As we were saying, applying for a letter of recommendation it is important for them to speak well of you (without lying, of course!), since it will be the piece of writing that your next jobs will read and can be based on.  

If they say »no»... go for another one!

Of course it can happen, although it is not the norm. You're almost convinced you're going to get it written and bam! it says no!What do you do then? The world is not coming to an end, don't worry. I'm sure that there are many more people in your work environment with whom you have a good relationship and they can write you a letter of recommendation without any problems. Try other colleagues / superiors until the right person is found. The most important thing in this type of application is that you have performed your duties to the best of your ability (or have done so now, if you have the opportunity) and that your attitude towards any situation should always be positiveDon't forget it! Who knows if your next letter of recommendation will be presented to one of our coworkers? Synergies between people are created at Aticco . of totally different worlds and in this way fantastic new projects emerge. Ask us for your new coworking space and we will recommend the best option for you or your company.