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SadAspy
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16 Aug 2011, 1:33 am

Does anyone else really hate doing this?

Okay, asking people to be references is one thing and then listing their name and phone number on application's not too big a deal. I can handle that.

But then some employers want reference LETTERS. Ugh...I hate asking people to write a letter on top of being a reference. Should I get them to write one generic letter so I can reuse it? Oh wait, that may not work because some employers may want a letter written specifically for the job! Am I supposed to just keep asking them to write a different letters if I don't get the job? And they may want the letters signed, in which case the reference would have to sign several copies.

I WOULD ask my professors from grad school to write letters, but they already wrote me letters of recommendation for law school back when I was thinking of going. I feel like I'm burdening them if I ask them to write different letters.

Seriously, I've not applied for many jobs because they asked for reference letters, but I can't keep doing it because I'm qualified for these jobs and they pay decently.

Any ideas? Is this just another way to keep Aspies out of the workforce (as I figure Aspies would probably more issues with asking people to be references)?



abc123
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16 Aug 2011, 9:02 am

I would deal with it as it happens. You may not get asked for a letter. Sometimes references aren't even checked!

I'm sure anyone that wrote a reference would have it stored on a computer and if asked again would reuse the same one. They may even have a generic one for everyone!

It is reasonable for someone to ask for a reference so I wouldn't worry.



Cyanide
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16 Aug 2011, 12:17 pm

If you think asking them to write one would be burdensome, just ask if you write it yourself and attach their name to it.



mimsytheborogove
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19 Aug 2011, 8:26 pm

The few times I've been asked for letters of reference, I've offered to write the letter myself and offer it up to the person for review before they sign it. Some have accepted, some have preferred to write it themselves; either way, I think they like to know I'm willing to help.



Gutcruncher
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19 Aug 2011, 8:31 pm

I don't actually have any references to use. My university won't give me a reference, and further back, no luck.