Letters of Recommendation Advice

jwp_145

jwp_145

GhostRider in the Sky
So I'm applying to WOFT school and will have my packet turned in to my recruiter in the next two weeks. The recruiter is away on Christmas break, so I thought I'd seek advice here...

When it comes to letter of recommendation, for starters, Who should they be addressed to? I know that sounds silly, but I am serious when I ask it. I want my stuff to look as professional as possible.

Next, I've taught a few college classes... what do you think about having a student write one, just to attest to my leadership abilities? I am having my boss from the college write one for me, and that will surely attest to my leadership abilities, so I probably won't need one form the student. Just a thought...

The minimum amount of LORs is 3, max is 6... I'm going to submit 6. Here is the list of people writing my letters as of now... please tell me what you think and if my list is well-rounded enough:

1. Director of Flight Operation- Tulsa Community College (my main boss at the college while I was teaching class and flight instructing). He can attest to my work ethic and leadership abilities.
2. Assistant Chief Pilot- TUlsa Community College (this is my boss that I interacted with on a daily basis. He conducted the stagechecks with my students and we developed a lot of progressive traiing recors together. He can attest to the quality of my instruction and my abilities as an employee.
3. An FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (Nan is a pilot examiner for the southwest region of the US... she conducted a large portion of my own checkrides and once I becamse a flight instructor she started conducting checkrides with my students. She can attest to the quality of my instruction and abilities, as well as to the tpe of leader I am when it comes to my students.
4. An Oklahoma Highway Patrolman/ Navy MP- (This is the father of one of my best friends. He can atest to my character as a person, and he can also attest to the positive influence that I had on his kids when they were getting out of control and I tried to keep them grounded.)
5. Air Force Captain/Pararescue guy- ( THis person was a good friend of mine in highschool in addition to my mom dating his dad. Throughout highschool I constantly helped him with his homework and I was probably responsible for his grades being good enough to get him into the AF Academy! He can attest to my character, as well as my willingness and ability to help others who need it.)
6... I have yet to decide on who #6 should be... Maybe my Pastor??? Who do you suggest?

So if someone could please take the time and make any comments that you think would be helpful, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Joseph P.
 
Remember that letters of rec won't get you the slot, but can help take it away if they're crappy.

1. Have someone proofread your application for spelling errors.

2. The best recommendations generally go down, not up. I wouldn't have one of my former students write me a letter of recommendation. The chief pilot at TCC can say the same things a student would say, if not more (% of passed check rides, great attitude, etc.).

3. Don't bore the person screening your packet. 6 letters is allowable, but ask yourself if you'd be interested in reading 6 letters of rec from a prospective student.

4. Maybe pick 3 or 4 qualities and have one person focus on each.

  • Aptitude - Chief Pilot
  • Attitude (for military success) - USAF Captain
  • Moral character - TCC Director of Flight Ops
Just a few ideas. I went the ANG route. The WOFT route has its own quirks I'm sure.
 
Justin172 said:
Remember that letters of rec won't get you the slot, but can help take it away if they're crappy.

1. Have someone proofread your application for spelling errors.

2. The best recommendations generally go down, not up. I wouldn't have one of my former students write me a letter of recommendation. The chief pilot at TCC can say the same things a student would say, if not more (% of passed check rides, great attitude, etc.).

3. Don't bore the person screening your packet. 6 letters is allowable, but ask yourself if you'd be interested in reading 6 letters of rec from a prospective student.

4. Maybe pick 3 or 4 qualities and have one person focus on each.

  • Aptitude - Chief Pilot
  • Attitude (for military success) - USAF Captain
  • Moral character - TCC Director of Flight Ops
Just a few ideas. I went the ANG route. The WOFT route has its own quirks I'm sure.
Click to expand...

Hey Justin172, thanks for the advice... yes I remember you saying that you went the ANG route when you were giving me advice on that. I decided to go the WOFT route because there was an Army recruiting station right down the street form my house! If that doens't pan out then I will go the ANG route.

And yes, good call about the student... I'd never seriously considered doing it but was merely throwing out ideas to see how people responded. And also point well taken about all 6 letters.

Thanks for taking the time to advise.

Joseph
 
Seems like you have a pretty decent LoR writers. Heck mine were two high school teachers, my coach, two work supervisors, and my pastor wrote my letters of recomendations. None of them with military service. I didn't know it at the time, but to me it seems like a pretty weak bunch compared to what others have had, but hey, it worked for me. Be sure you give them something to work with. Write a letter to each of them explaining what you would like them to focus on and you're attributes. Make it easy for them.

Best of luck. Feel free to post any other questions.
 
Also there is a world of difference between National Guard and Regular Army. I wouldn't make you're determination on what recruiting office is closer.
 
Low_Level_Hell said:
Also there is a world of difference between National Guard and Regular Army. I wouldn't make you're determination on what recruiting office is closer.
Click to expand...

Oh come on I was joking! Well, actually the Army guy is closer to my house... but many factors went in to my decisions that I made!:insane:
 
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