Using Phone References and Recommendation Letters

Most people already know that they need a list of Professional References. But you might be asking, "Why do I need Letters of Recommendation at this point in my career?"

The answer is simple. You don't NEED them ... but you should WANT them. Why? Because when you find yourself in a competitive interviewing situation (and what interviewing situation is NOT competitive?), the letters of recommendation can really "give you an edge."

In other words, when two or more candidates are equally qualified, the one who provides strong letters of recommendation at the later stages of the interview process will get the offer! So why not have this "extra ammunition" in your arsenal?

The recommended number of "phone reference people" is between 4 and 6; and you should secure at least 3 or 4 solid Letters of Recommendation.

Here's how to get your "Phone Reference People" on board and generate your Letters of Recommendation.

1. Make a list of all the people you want to ask for help.

2. Separate them into two categories - one group to write Letters of Recommendation; the other to serve as phone references.

3. Call and ask them all for their help, stating exactly what you want them to do, and soliciting their participation.

4. Send them each a packet, including these four items: Cover Letter, Professional Biography, Resume and List of Targeted Companies. Your cover letter will include a bullet list of the specific attributes or experiences you want them to focus on in their letter or phone call. NOTE: the cover letter you send to the "letter writers" will be slightly different from the letter you send to the "phone reference people."

5. Follow-up to be sure they received everything and that they fully understand your documents.

6. Tell the "phone reference people" to inform you immediately when they receive any calls from prospective employers. (This information will be very valuable to you!)

7. Tell the "letter writers" that you want to review their "rough drafts" and "check them for accuracy." Later, instruct them to print-out the final letters on company letterhead (after you have edited the text, as needed).

8. Offer to help each of these participants in a similar capacity, should the need ever arise in their own careers.

Letters of Recommendation: Guidelines for the Writer

Provide these instructions to your "letter writers:"

• Print the final letter on your company letterhead. If your employer does not permit you to write such letters on company letterhead, then please use your personal letterhead. NOTE: you could create a simple letterhead for them (name, address, phone, e-mail at top of the sheet).
  
• Do not date the letter, and do not include any salutation (there should be no "Dear _"). Also, do not write, "To Whom it May Concern," or "Dear Sir/Madam."
  
• Keep the letter fairly brief, and never more than one page.

About Author:
Ford R. Myers, President of Career Potential, LLC, helps companies and individuals achieve maximum results through career development! He is also author of "The Ultimate Career Guide," the only comprehensive manual for career management and job search. For free career resources and assessments, please visit www.careerpotential.com.

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