Why are reference letters important for getting a job?

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know they need to take advantage of every possible advantage to stand out, especially when they land their dream job. Reference letters offer a personalized touch to job applications by providing crucial context to your skills and personality in a way that a CV cannot.

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Letters of recommendation, also known as reference letters, are one of the most important tools for your job search. This is a general statement of your skills, accomplishments, and why your previous success means you will add value in your next role as well.

Whether you're enlisting someone you know to write a letter of recommendation for admission into an educational program, for internal promotion, or for your job search on a job site like ZipRecruiter, it's not never a bad idea to have a collection of personalized letters that sing your praises.

So why are reference letters important for getting a job, and what should you know about them?

Who should I ask to write a reference letter?

Hiring managers like to see at least one letter of recommendation, but three to five is best practice. Your references may vary depending on your industry and work experience, but you'll want to select people who have had a positive working relationship with you. They can be former managers, colleagues, mentors or direct reports.

Recent college graduates entering the workforce for the first time can ask college professors and guidance counselors to provide reference letters to help them stand out.

What information should be included?

Job reference letters don't need to be long, but they should focus on your experience, accomplishments, and skills. When asking someone to write a letter of recommendation, include your resume and a description of the positions you are applying for. This can help provide context for the industry and the type of experience they should be highlighting.

Recommendation letters should provide concrete examples of your past accomplishments and the specific skills you possess that are necessary to succeed in your field. They should also establish who is writing the letter, their relationship to you, and an endorsement of your potential future.

The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to paint a picture of who you are to hiring managers. This includes how well you will be matched in terms of office culture and technical skills.

When to ask for a letter of recommendation.

It's best to have quality reference letters ready before you need them in a pinch. You'll want to show that you respect your references' time by giving them a reasonable deadline to write a thoughtful essay instead of imposing a tight deadline.

Some of the best times to ask for reference letters are when your contributions are top of mind, when you or a close colleague are leaving a company, when you are leaving college, or after a situation where you have had a significant impact about your current job. That way, you'll have a collection of letters of recommendation in your toolbox when you're ready to find your next job opportunity.

If you're still looking for the next big step in your career, ZipRecruiter can help. It is ranked #1 job site in the United States1 and makes it easy to find relevant jobs. ZipRecruiter uses powerful matching technology to show your profile to employers who invite you to apply. That way, you'll know if you're a good match even before you submit an application. Savvy job seekers know what it takes to stand out in a sea of ​​applications, and ZipRecruiter is the competitive edge you need.

1 Based on G2 satisfaction ratings as of December 31, 2020