target your approach by identifying the right people and keeping timing in mind. You will

need A list of key individuals People skills Communication skills Sufficient timeframes

A fact sheet and an "out". Step 1. Make a list of the most influential

people you know who are also familiar with you professionally and personally. Include

those who have authored recommendation letters for others. Choose a highly regarded current

or past supervisor, a professor, or a high-level business person who knows you well enough

to cite specific examples and anecdotes. Step 2. Schedule a timeframe for getting the letters

to prospective employers. Factor in one or two months for each writer to satisfy your

request. Step 3. Assess the comfort level of the individual before you ask for the recommendation.

Knowing the person you are asking is essential to deciding how, when, and if you should ask.

Step 4. Ask for the recommendation politely and with confidence. Be forthright and let

the individual know why you need this recommendation and how important it is to you and your success.

Step 5. Offer the individual a fact sheet about yourself to help them compose the letter,

including as biographical data, employment, academic, and volunteer history, and awards.

Step 6. Offer assistance with the composition of the letter, if needed. Step 7. Allow your

potential writer an "out," or a graceful way to say no. This allows them to avoid embarrassment.

Just don't make it too easy for them to decline! Step 8. Say thank you in advance, and send

them a gentle reminder, either via phone or e-mail, a couple of weeks before the recommendation

is due. Did you know Did you know? A study found that recommendation letters for women

applying for faculty positions at a medical school were significantly shorter than letters

for men.