With graduation right around the corner, now is a good time to start obtaining letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are helpful when applying for jobs or for graduate school, and NSU has plenty of resources to aid students with their search.
A good place to start when looking for a letter of recommendation would be the career center. Here, the advisors can point you in the right direction and provide recommendations of who to reach out to for a letter. Not only can they provide recommendations for who to reach out to, but they can assist you with how to reach out to people.
When asking for a letter of recommendation, it is beneficial to ask someone that you have a relationship with. Some people to ask would be professors, supervisors and mentors. When someone you have a relationship with writes you a letter of recommendation, they are able to write more about you since they know more about you and your work ethic. The purpose of the letter is to provide a testimony of your ability to succeed in a job, position or program.
“You want to make sure you ask not too long after your interaction with the person to ensure the interaction is fresh. You want to ensure enough time is given for the person to prepare your letter of recommendation. Do not assume that letters of recommendation are an automatic thing because the person or faculty member may not have time or may not be the voice you need,” said Grecia Chami, the assistant director of academic advising at NSU.
Whether you are deciding to continue school post-graduation or go straight into the workforce, the best time to start asking for letters of recommendation would be in the beginning semester of your senior year or another time that gives the recommender adequate time to prepare. It is important to start asking sooner rather than later because it takes time to write a letter of recommendation. The person may also have other letters of recommendation to write and it may take them more time to complete the letter. Typically, people will ask to give them ample time to complete the letter of recommendation, so try to give them at least two weeks’ notice.
Chami explained, “the letter of recommendation showcases what makes you stand apart.”
Employers and schools require you to have a letter of recommendation to get to know you before scheduling an interview. This helps them get an idea if you are a good fit by reviewing your qualities, characteristics and capabilities.
Beyond giving advice for students about letters of recommendation, the Center for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS) also provides a variety of other services to students.
Nicole La Roque, a career and academic success coach in the Center for Academic and Professional Success explained, “We help critique students’ resumes and ensure they are on the right track for the program they are applying to. This way, people can see the most relevant aspects. We can also help students build a resume from scratch. We can do mock interviews to help students and gear the interview towards the program the students are applying for. We can also review cover letters and can help provide guidance.”
Chami recommends that students “look at the monthly newsletters that career development sends. Most of the time, the emails offer opportunities and can be helpful. Also, use Handshake. Just roam around the website to look at jobs and internships.”
