Requesting a letter of recommendation is a crucial step in advancing your career, especially as a remote employee. A strong recommendation can significantly enhance your job applications by showcasing your skills and achievements. This guide will help you navigate the process of requesting a letter of recommendation from a remote company, ensuring you approach it professionally and effectively.
A letter of recommendation serves as a formal endorsement of your skills, character, and achievements. It provides potential employers with external validation of your capabilities, which can be particularly valuable in the competitive job market. For remote employees, this letter can bridge the gap created by physical distance, offering a credible testament to your professional contributions.
Five Steps to Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from a Remote Company
1. Identify the Right Person: Choose someone who knows your work in detail, such as a supervisor or colleague in the same area, who can speak to your specific skills and accomplishments. Ideally, this person should have firsthand knowledge of your contributions and work ethic.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all the documents and information your recommender may need. This includes your updated resume, a list of key accomplishments, and details about the job or program you are applying for. Providing this information in advance will make the writing process easier for your recommender.
3. Compose a Request Email: Create an email in which you explain why you are requesting the recommendation and what you would like them to highlight. It is important to include a deadline and any specific instructions they may need. The email structure can be as follows:
- Subject Line: Be clear and direct, such as "Request for Letter of Recommendation."
- Greeting and Introduction: Start with a polite greeting and briefly introduce yourself if necessary. Adjust the tone to match the communication style used in your company to make it as natural as possible.
- Objective of the Request: Explain why you need the letter and the position you are applying for. Include the specific name of the position and the company.
- Providing Context and Details: Share your cv, the job description, and your key accomplishments.
- Offering a Draft: Mention that you can provide a draft of the letter if they prefer. Only include this if you feel comfortable writing the draft. If not, skip this part.
- Example Templates: Provide a template to guide your recommender in writing the letter.
4. Make the Request: Choose the appropriate communication method to make your request. Ask if they are available for a meeting, and if not, provide a brief message outlining your request and specify that detailed information will be sent by email.
5. Send a Reminder: As the deadline approaches, send a polite reminder to ensure they have enough time to complete the letter. After they have written the letter, send an email or have a short chat expressing your gratitude.
FAQs
- How do I ask for a letter of recommendation from a remote employer?
- Send a professional email, including your resume, achievements, and job details. Be clear and polite in your request. - What should I include in my request?
- Include your resume, a list of your achievements, the job description, and a clear deadline. - How can I follow up without being pushy?
- Send a polite reminder as the deadline approaches, thanking them for their assistance. - What if my chosen recommender declines?
- Respect their decision and ask another colleague or supervisor who is familiar with your work. - How do I handle a last-minute recommendation request?
- Apologize for the short notice, provide all necessary details, and offer to draft the letter for them.
In summary, requesting a letter of recommendation as a remote employee requires careful planning and professional communication. By choosing the right person, providing all necessary information, and following up respectfully, you can secure a strong recommendation that will support your career advancement.