I often write reference letters for my former students and those who worked with me. I don’t always say yes to a reference letter request if I feel that my reference letters cannot help an applicant.
I had a hard decision last year when one of my former undergrad students asked me to write a reference letter for him. It was a hard decision because the student’s past academic records were barely OK (i.e. not good). However, the upside of his profile is that he has a good track record of casual working experience.
The student came with a long email to explain why his academic records were poor and how hard the COVID years were for him. Well, everyone can understand that. The reality for a job-seeking person immediately after graduating from a university is that employers do care about academic records.
I told him that he should focus on his strengths and ask his former employers to write this letter for him. I also shared some tips with him about building a strong profile (with a weak foundation):
- Allow 3-5 years to build a stronger profile before getting the dream job. With a weak profile, one must be pretty lucky to be interviewed by someone who saw potential!
- Aim low and get into the industry first. If one aims for a marketing job, then any job in retail or sales would help.
- Create a plan to boost a weak profile. Poor past records do not determine one’s life, but poor past records do say something about one’s past. Face the consequences and move on.
- Get involved in the target professional field. If there is an industry event, then attend the event and network with industry peers. Networking on LinkedIn also helps.
I always feel sad when declining a request to write a reference letter. Everyone has a past. Having a weak foundation does not stop you from building a strong profile in the future. You just need a good plan and take action to (re)-build a strong profile. This takes time.
If you need assistance building a stronger profile, please get in touch and let me help you. Life is always better with a coach.
Dr. C. Richard Wu @ REEAConsulting.com
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