I had an interesting conversation this morning with a Syracuse University faculty member about giving recommendations to former students who are looking for employment. We discussed the problems of giving a recommendation to a student who was in a class years ago. Do you remember the student? Do you still have access to the students work? What kind of a recommendation can you give?
Undoubtedly, you have staff or colleagues that are job hunting. When they come to you for a recommendation (or wondering who can give them a recommendation), here are questions that may help the conversation:
- Can you tell me what type of information you want me to give?
- Can you remind me — in writing — of the projects we’ve worked on together and your accomplishments, so I can refer to that when I write a letter of recommendation or talk to your prospective employer?
- Do you have recent contacts that can provide a relevant recommendation?
- Can you contact someone from your past who could provide a relevant recommendation, if you reminded them about the work your did with/for them?
- Can you re-connect with former workmates, supervisors or professors now, so that when you need a recommendation that will be willing to give one to you?
#1 and #2 were tips given to me this morning. Not only will that provide you with information, but it also should help the job seeker to understand if they are asking for a recommendation from someone who can really give one.
Recommendations should not be difficult…and with a little planning on the job seekers part, you should find them painless and easy.