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Hey folks...Happy 2007! I know some of you don't need it, but for the rest, I hope you find the extra bit of luck to get into the dream one

I have a question about the recommendation letters: I am getting a reco letter from my previous supervisor. I would draft it, but it was essentially the most useless 9 months of my life. So I have nothing great to boast about. On the other hand, I could get a letter from a senior colleague in the present job. This one would be a strong reco. The problem is that my main reco (strong one too) also comes from this job. I am afraid that two recos from a 1 1/2 yr job could be very repetitive. Is this a fair worry? Does it matter if two independent people tout the same events? thanks -roli

jaynayak · Answer

Getting two recos from the same job is not a problem as long as each reco talks about different aspects about you.

There will be a problem with both the recos talk about the same qualities that you possess.

keeeeeekse · Answer

I agree with Jaynayak. I think it is perfectly fine to have 2 people from the same work environment to write the recommendation letters as long as they cover different impact you make. They can even highlight same skills, but they should use different examples to show how you impacted your company and people around you.

Good luck!

mylady · Answer

I assume then that I should know what the recommenders are talking about..
Since I have waived rights on the first job reco, this could be a problem!

How about good reco from an ordinary job? Does that hurt?

rhyme · Answer

Have them talk to each other I guess. What do you mean an "ordinary" job?

aaudetat · Answer

You can have them talk to each other or you can also prep them. In fact, you SHOULD prep them. Many bosses won't understand the importance of a the recommendation letter to this process. Too many of them are used to writing short, superficial work references. This is different.

So, prepping. Something like this: 

"Deirdre, I really want you to talk about that bit of data analysis that I did for that last grant report. Do you think you could do that?... Yeah?.... Great.... That's a good story."

"Bill, would you talk about my training skills and the leadership I provide to the volunteer corps? I know you sat in on my last training, and I think that would make a compelling story....You think so too?...Great..."

Yep, that's my work life. Giant love festival.

EDIT: Ooh! That's number 100!

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