I haven't seen Ron in years, I wonder how that guy is doing. Talks like a Chicago cop and not even a nice one!
Requests for letters of recommendation
- Thread starter derg
- Start date
I haven't seen Ron in years, I wonder how that guy is doing. Talks like a Chicago cop and not even a nice one!
ClarkGriswold
Non Nutritive Cereal Varnish Engineer
Sigh, indeed.
JustinS
Well-Known Member
When I need a recommendation or references for a job application, I will generally ask people who I already know will say yes and have known for quite some time and am actively in communication with. The answer is always an "Of Course!" I always have to ask though... You never know if one guy is like "Heck no.." (Never had that happen, but you can never be too sure.) Then you can think to not put down that guy as a reference...
I heard a story about a military vet who had this one kid wanting a military job, ask him for a recommendation. The vet told him if he ever used him as a reference he would give a bad reference. Well what does the kid do...? He uses that guy, and the guy gave him a bad reference and he didn't get the job. Go figure.
In light of this thread, and the other thread that popped up the other day from a new member, I am inclined to say I was rather shocked and surprised. While I was looking for a new job in a specific location, I had one JC member step up to the plate out of nowhere and get in contact with me and he worked hard to try and find leads for me, make contacts, and put in a good word for me at certain places. I didn't even know the guy, and I didn't initiate the effort at all . It was great to get to know another JC member through that process though. And although I didn't take any of the jobs there due to winding up with a great gig where I am now, I am very grateful and undeserving of that. +1 for JC.
I am personally a little more reserved, and you really need to be someone I know to give you a recommendation. Every person seems to be different.
All these threads popping up really make me wish I could make NJC this year. It's just not going to happen.
Next year!!
falconvalley
Absentee Dad of the OOTSK, Runner, Cat Frustrator
IMO, there are some things you just don't ask for. But, with recommendations, sometimes the recommendER needs to know who they need to recommend. If a particular person has 10 people they would equally vouch for, how do they sort them out until one or more of them speak up? Generally, I'm a little shy about asking, but a few times, I've worked up the courage and I'm glad I did.
Use your manners. If it's been a while, try dropping in. If that's not possible, a phone call might do. Don't just waltz in and blurt out "HELP!" Relax. Remember how the relationship developed before and recognize that. It's hard, knowing that you're about to ask for something but if your relationship is real, it's just part of life. When we were in our 1st house, I asked my retired neighbor to watch the kids on the spot while I drove back to the HS, Dukes of Hazard style, to get my house keys. When I profusely thanked him he just simply said "That's what neighbors do. I would expect the same from you."
Use your manners. If it's been a while, try dropping in. If that's not possible, a phone call might do. Don't just waltz in and blurt out "HELP!" Relax. Remember how the relationship developed before and recognize that. It's hard, knowing that you're about to ask for something but if your relationship is real, it's just part of life. When we were in our 1st house, I asked my retired neighbor to watch the kids on the spot while I drove back to the HS, Dukes of Hazard style, to get my house keys. When I profusely thanked him he just simply said "That's what neighbors do. I would expect the same from you."
Cessnaflyer
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Well yeah when you make a recommendation I watch out!
exneophyte
Well-Known Member
You should have gone out and bought some fake/monopoly money and delivered it to him in a shoebox saying, "I scraped together what I could. Hope this helps."
MidlifeFlyer
Well-Known Member
Four years?? Bah!
This past year I needed to round up references from a place I haven't lived for 20 years.
No, I didn't use text, which didn't even exist back then.
Screaming_Emu
Well-Known Member
Oh Mitch!
Seggy
Well-Known Member
Did y'all buy a house?
ClarkGriswold
Non Nutritive Cereal Varnish Engineer
You Betcha
Seggy
Well-Known Member
SpiceWeasel
Tre Kronor
I've only got one "current" LOR (I don't think I can "re-use" LORs from 6 or 7 years ago for a new job lol). That letter, I was given after asking a guy who I'd flown with who moved on.
The problem I foresee in your scenario is "how many people can you possibly know well enough to get a LOR from them no questions asked".
Let's say I take the high road and don't ask, so I show up with 0 LORs. I guess I'm just screwed.
Does anyone get LORs that are flexible and can be used for multiple companies? Or are they all pretty specific?
Screaming_Emu
Well-Known Member
I've gotten quite a few offers when I fly with people at my current job. Usually after I fly with them a few times and the subject of moving on comes up, they offer to help if they ever can. Keep those people in mind, of they move on...
So I guess in a way, I do ask. But I wait until there is a general or specific offer to help. I've met a lot if awesome people, both here and at my job. I don't want to possibly cheapen that by asking for something that may not actually be on the table. I definitely believe in being selective on who you write LORs for. If you write too many, they start to lose value.
SpiceWeasel
Tre Kronor
Heh, you guys must have a better pilot group.
For the last two weeks I've accomplished my post flight tasks, and the Captain's tasks, because they had commutes. I even dropped their flight kits in ops (which is not a stop for me normally on the way out).
So far, during discussions of moving on, no one has said "I'll write you one" just a had a b* fest about how they aren't getting any play (or my favorite - that the college degree requirement is dumb since they don't have one).
Besides, not to be choosy, but if they stop buying me off of trips with LCAs, I'd rather have LORs from them (that's my only LOR, and he's a LCA at a a company previous to the one he works for)
drunkenbeagle
Gang Member
I think you will find that if someone is willing to go to bat for you and write a glowing letter, they are going to be more than happy to update it for you as well.
I wouldn't write one for someone I haven't flown with, and known for some time. But changing the date takes zero effort on my part. I doubt that any letter from me is going to get anyone hired, but all things being equal, I think any applicant with multiple recommendations from colleagues is going to look better than one with none.
LOR's are as much a character reference than anything else.
Screaming_Emu
Well-Known Member
I don't have to fly with somebody to know the kind of person they are. Anybody can fly an airplane. Not being a dbag however is a much more desirable skill.