Request letter of recommendation-professional example

Let’s say that you want to leave your law firm in order to take a new job with another company’s human resources department. You’ve finished several interviews with this company, and now the head of human resources is asking you to provide one or more references. How would you handle asking for a written letter of recommendation in order to change to a new job?

Unless the people providing your references prefer emailing to personal contact, it’s usually better to ask for a written letter of recommendation in person. If you end up emailing, send separate emails to the individuals you ask.

Now let’s apply The Fast Track Way so that you’ll secure the new job you’ve interviewed for:

Step 1-Analyze Your Situation: Since you have a joint JD-MBA, you’ve asked your former business school professor of organizational management to provide a reference. Because your law firm’s managing partner has encouraged you to make this transition, you’ve also asked him for a reference. You know that both individuals’ have a positive perspective toward you. They respect you for your legal acumen, especially on HR-related issues, your ability to work as part of a team, and your outstanding communication skills. Your purpose will be to encourage them to talk about your talents.

Step 2-State Your Main Point, Message, or Theme: “As you know, I’ve recently interviewed with SCS, a large Chicago-based company, for a position in their human resources department. This opportunity would enable me to leverage my legal experience in HR issues, my communication skills, and my ability to work as part of a team. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate your recommendation.”

You’d then use a combination of Steps 3 and 4 to guide you as you speak with your former B-school professor and your firm’s managing partner. That way, these individuals will know how to compose the written letter of recommendation you’re looking for:

Step 3-Know Your Logic Flow AND Step 4-Integrate Your Information:

• Background information:

  • SCS Company is a $100 MM consumer products firm

  • Firm needs legal expertise in their HR department

  • I’ve interviewed with the Executive Vice President of HR and other executives at this company

• The type of individual this company is looking for:

  • 3+ years experience at a large law firm

  • Expertise in HR legal issues and handling such cases

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Team player

• Potential next steps:

• I can arrange a conference call between you and Janice Collins, the EVP of HR

• Assuming you’re comfortable providing a recommendation letter, Ms. Collins will call you at a mutually-convenient time.