Getting a Good Recommendation from an Employer

A good recommendation letter from a former employer can go a long way in getting you another job. It is very important to secure one. There are different strategies that can aid in getting you not only a recommendation letter, but a good one.
First consider who to ask for the letter of recommendation. Sometimes you will have no choice, such as if you have one boss, but many people have several levels of supervisors that they can ask. Choose the person who you think likes you the best and would provide the most favorable reference letter. You might also be able to ask someone from human resources. Of course do not ask someone that has any potential to give you a bad recommendation, especially if they will be sending it right to the employer. You do not want it to turn into a negative factor that will lose you the job.
Pick a good time to ask your employer. Do not wait too long after you have left the company, especially if you did not work there for a long period of time and if it is a big company with a lot of different employees. He or she may not remember you for long and then may not be able to give you a letter of recommendation. It may be best to ask right when you are leaving.
You also want to choose a time that is less busy for him or her. For instance, if he or she is in retail and it is right in the middle of the busy season, then you might want to wait if you can.
Be exceedingly courteous when you ask for the letter of recommendation. Of course do not demand it or he or she is likely to say no or give a bad recommendation. Be very earnest and explain why you need it.
If you need specific things in the recommendation you can ask for that, although try not to get too picky. It can be a fine line between being reasonable and being too demanding.
You may also want to get a generic recommendation that you can use for years to come. You can ask that it says “To Whom It May Concern” instead of addressed to a specific employer. You can also ask for him or her to sign several copies. When you get it you should scan it in so that you can send it electronically to as many potential employers as you want. If possible, get the copies sent to you instead of to a particular employer so that you can proofread it first and not send it if it is not sufficient.
A good recommendation letter can increase your chances of getting a job. The above steps can help you secure this important tool.