I work with college students who volunteer for TNPM. Essentially, I am their advisor. I write tons of letters of recommendation. I get kids into law school, grad school, med school, get them scholarships, jobs, and new opportunities. I am happy to do it. I take my time, request resumes, statements of intent, and truly invest a few hours into the process. I find it really gratifying to give back to students who give our organization so much of their time and talents. On average, I write 50 a year. I am sort of a content expert on the subject by now. With this, I provide a list of "how to get a good letter of recommendation" also know as "don't waste my fucking time":
1. Ask me in advance.
- Everything should be to me at least 1 month in advance. If you're giving me less than a month, I'm annoyed and will include my annoyance in your letter.
- If I say no, you cannot be offended. I either don't have time or I do not feel I could write you a positive letter of recommendation. The latter is your fault.
2. Provide all the resources I need.
- I shouldn't have to creep on your facebook to find out where you work.
3. Send me things in a concise manner.
- If I receive 47 emails from each school you are attempting to get into (WOW how much did that cost you?), I expect a list of each school you need me to submit to. If you expect me to monitor my inbox for these emails on a daily basis, you will get a shitty letter, as I am now completely annoyed with you.
5. Reminders are ok.
- I'm busy, you're busy, blah blah. It's ok to send me a reminder, but do not send me a facebook message to check in on something you used my business email to communicate with me about. At least pretend you are a professional.
4. Be grateful, you little shit.
- This is not my job. I do not get paid to write you these, and in fact, often do this on my own time. At the very least, send me a damn thank you letter. Hand written. Even if you didn't get the job, scholarship, whatever.
- Talk highly of our organization. I'm giving you tools to be a successful human being, and when I see you giving public accolades to other (competing) organizations, I regret helping you. Give us a fucking shout out too.
You're welcome. #leadershipdevelopment
