Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

So I asked one of my old bosses to write me a reference letter and she said that she was too busy and for me to write it and she would sign it, as long is it was ok.

SO a question for those who do the hiring, what do you look for in a reference letter?

[stillnosheep]

All of the obvious qualities needed for your work plus something special; an indication that the referee genuinely feels that the person is an outstanding person with a superb attitude who will do exceptionally well in any environment, is a great team player, cheerful and popular, also pro-active and works well on own initiative, that the referee will be sorely missed, both as a person and on a professional level, that the referee has no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the person for any position and that he/she is sure they will do well in your organisation and that the referree only wishes the person could remain with their organisation and would be more than happy to re-employ them at any time.

In other words: don't be shy.

[basiltherat]

Persoanlly, I wud add a paragraph describing factual aspects e.g. the type of classes and courses yuv taught. This is because, while it might not be included if your boss were to write the reference himself, it is an opportunity for you to show concrete evidence of your work.

I've met several people who have said they had taught, for example, cambridge exam courses but then one finds out later that, in fact, they hadn't.

This is a chance for you to provide 'evidence' of what you have done to a potential future employer. He (the potential future employer) is more likely to believe that yuv done something if a previous employer can confirm it in writing - even though, in fact, he simply signed it .... probably without even reading it.

my tuppence worth.
best
basil

[stillnosheep]

Good idea