Slice of Life is hosted by Two Writing Teachers on Tuesdays. After the the March Slice Challenge, I decided to continue weekly with Slice posts.
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Unless you have recently looked for a job or applied for something that required a current letter or letters of recommendation, then you probably have not solicited any new ones. Recently, I had several colleagues ask me to write letters on their behalf. Sometimes these are hard to write, even when I really like the person and think very highly of their work.
When I write a letter of recommendation, I want it to be clear that I know this person and the words contained on the page need to be meaningful and honest. These words without a doubt should let others know how I feel about this person, and what I think of the quality of their work and their character.
While talking with a friend, she made a comment that everyone should ask for letters of recommendation on a yearly basis. Her belief is that reading the letter is beneficial and uplifting to the person receiving it. I truly have to agree with her.
Think about this...When I ask a friend to write a letter of recommendation, I usually trust them to write a positive letter or I would not be asking. Upon receiving the finished letter, I am eager to see what they wrote? Was it unique or a standard format style used to provide a generic letter? As I read through the letter, I am often pleasantly surprised. Since many of us tend not to let others know when we think they did a good job, people are sometimes unsure of our true thoughts about them. A sincere letter is like a window into someone's thoughts and provides us with a new understanding of ourselves.
I love when I start reading and I notice someone has commented positively about an area that I think I am not as strong in. The feeling is amazing if the tone of the letter can be read sincerely. Often times it is just the pick up boost that I need.
If you are in need of a bit of a pick-me-up, then update your personal files with a few letters of recommendation. Not only will your files be ready in case you need them, but you will have just the boost that you need.
