Letters of Recommendation
The recommendations are important for roughly the same reason as the essay: good recommendations are expected. No student will have a recommendation arrive in the admissions office that says, "This student is a lousy worker, he's very lazy and untrustworthy..."
To the contrary, everyone will have a positive essay sent. Why? Because candidates ask people (usually former professors or employers) whom they know will say something good about them. Many, in fact, work on the letters with the person, or even write them up and ask for the signature. Since all the recommendations will be good, you must try to make yours stand out. The best way to do this is to ask the right people. Don't ask the president of your company, someone who doesn't even recognize you, and will just send the standard recommendation. Have your direct supervisor - someone who really knows you - write the letter. This way the letter will reflect who you really are and what you accomplished on the job. Of course if the president knows you well and will write you a recommendation, this is certainly the best scenario. Likewise, when it comes time to ask a professor, don't ask the head of your department simply because he is someone important. Instead, choose a professor who knows you well, and with whom you spent a lot of time.
Why are recommendations required ?
- To establish your leadership and networking activities
- To verify that your work experiences are legitimate
Whom should I ask ?
Ideally, your current employer, or a former one.
When should I ask ?
As early as you can.
Should I include information about myself and mycareer plans ?
Yes!
Our templates will facilitate writing perfect Letters of Recommendation.