To Whom It May Concern

By Richard MacTough
SC Staff Writer

As many students are preparing to graduate, they may be having a rough time trying to get employed.

Students should be requesting recommendation letters from professors, employers, and any other kind of professional leader.

There are several things students should do before getting a letter.

Firstly, get to know your professors.

Going to class and doing your assignments is not enough. Take your classes seriously, ask questions, and be respectful. Show some interest in your classes and it will go a long way to benefit you and get you closer to what you need.

Sitting in the front of the classroom is essential. It makes interacting with the professor easier, and gives them notion that you really are interested in the class.

If there are 150 students in a class, and a student sits in the last row, it makes it less likely that they will ever actually meet with the professor.

Also, students sitting in the back are more likely to take out their cell phones to distract themselves.

Additionally, take the time to meet with your professor.

Send them an e-mail or talk to them after class, however, make sure that you are not taking away their time or keeping them from their next class.

When meeting, make sure to make eye contact, and be friendly. Discuss something you enjoy about the class, and try to build a student-teacher relationship.

Over time, it will benefit the student, and increase your chances of a generous and favorable recommendation.

Next, think about your current job or think about getting one.

During college, a job is vital, but be sure to differentiate between a job and a career. Simply, having a job at a fast-food restaurant can be important. It is important to be professional, work hard, and be polite.

Go out of your way to help fellow employees, boss, and customers. The boss will notice and give credit for the time and effort you put in.

Be a leader and be comfortable with making choices on your own.

Avoid bad work habits like being late. Not only will the boss be displeased, but so will the employer you’re looking to work for in the future.

The boss will take time to write a recommendation letter if the employee is hard working.

He will also take the time to let the prospective employer know whether or not the student has a good work ethic.

Students, in order to graduate, are required to take an internship that complies with what their future profession may be.

So, if you have a bad work ethic in that kind of job, there is a lessened chance of getting a recommendation letter.

Make sure to ask other professional leaders such as a representative of a volunteer organization.

The advisors of academic clubs are usually willing to help if you have put a lot of effort and time into the club.

Recommendation letters from professors, employers, etc. are significant in an individual’s career focus.

Make sure to make a good impression and pave the way for them to write you a positive and helpful recommendation letter.

Email Richard at:
rmactough@live.esu.edu