Seeking a letter of recommendation can be quite a tedious process, but with the right connections, whether from a supervisor or instructor, it is possible to impress prospective employers and land a great position. The best advice when seeking a letter of recommendation is to find supervisors who happen to know your specific talents and skills the best. Typically, readers will try to determine the level of familiarity between the boss and the subject by examining the details of the letter. If there is not enough of a connection between the letter and the subject, then the letter will lack credibility.
When approaching your boss for a letter of recommendation, as long as you have been a hard-working, diligent employee, he or she should have no issue with writing a recommendation. References from coworkers and vendors are sometimes just as effective. Another method for asking your current boss that you would like a letter is simply to state that you need it for your files, to be used perhaps at another time in the future. Generally speaking, employers want to know if you work where you say you do, your existing title, and how long you have been working there. Oftentimes the details of a letter are insignificant and actually damning if they detail too much. So make sure that your employer knows your strengths and is prepared to write about them. It may be wise to remind your current employer of those specific instances where you have gone above-and-beyond expectation, and see to it that those important aspects are not overlooked. Bosses are oftentimes inundated with work, so it is up to you to bring attention to your special attributes, a lighthearted, peaceful approach always fairs best.
When applying to an academic entity, a letter from upper-level professors and senior professors are far more impressive than those from teaching assistants or adjunct professors. Refrain from seeking a recommendation from the most elite academic professor unless there is a legitimate relationship involved. A highly sought after signature will not outweigh a letter that does not expose a genuine authority on the subject at hand, or at least a close academic relationship between the mentor and subject. It is much better to get a letter from a TA, junior faculty, or adjunct professor, etc., that knows the subject and can comment on specific achievements and attributes. Oftentimes, a professor will agree to sign a letter of recommendation from a TA, this is certainly an option. Business schools, professional schools, and other jobs typically will require a letter from current employment, but if your current amount of time at work has not amounted to much, then perhaps a previous employer should be sought. The employer needs to be well aware of your achievements and accomplishments.
With regard to jobs and business schools, recommendation letters are an essential component in opening the doors to your future. Employers in companies differ immensely when it comes to their abilities to write quality recommendation letters. Once again, starting the process early is essential. Build relationships on a daily basis because you never know when you may rely on that letter—building a portfolio is often useful. Upon leaving any current employment, you should ask your supervisor for a letter—provided of course that you are on good terms.
Make sure the areas in which your contributions were most notable are in fact on the letter itself, and ideally the letter should show that you are invaluable in some way. The best way to ask for a letter or recommendation, whether academic or business related, it is always smart to ask personally; this shows initiative on your part. Normally, businesses deal with dozens of letters of recommendations per year, so it is up to you to stand out from the pack, and cultivate the seeds early.
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