Posted by laurielnc on 3/9/07 8:51am
Msg #179125

Letter of Reference

I'm trying to get some imput with regards a reference letter. I'm trying to sign up with some new companies and I need some reference letters. A title co. that I work for is short on time and told me to write my own letter and send it to him and he'll put it on his letterhead. Any suggestions of how to write it?? He told me to write good things but how good?? And is this usual?

Reply by Leon_CO on 3/9/07 9:09am
Msg #179129

>> I'm trying to sign up with some new companies and I need some reference letters. <<
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In that case, I think it would be better to write a solid resume. The title company can be used as a reference if anyone asks you to provide references.

A letter of reference should always be written by the person recommending you, in their own words.

Good luck.

Reply by marlindog on 3/9/07 9:22am
Msg #179137

in some cases when having to fill out a form requesting refrences you can get away with just listing names of companies who you have done signings for

Reply by BetsyMI on 3/9/07 9:26am
Msg #179138

I agree. I've never gotten any reference letter from anyone I've worked for, but I have provided names and phone numbers of those that frequently schedule me and who are aware of the quality of my work.

Reply by marlindog on 3/9/07 9:37am
Msg #179143

some companies ask you to do this in the confirmation they say in order to get paid.I send my bill and throw some names on there and send it back with an invoice via the computer.I do this after they have recieved the docs and see the good job.

Reply by jojo_MN on 3/9/07 9:49am
Msg #179145

When giving references, if it is for a signing service, I give other signing services I work with. If it is a title company, I will give title companies. I learned the hard way not to give title companies to signing services. I now do the closings for title companies through signing services for one third, if not one half the price that I did before I gave out them as references.

Reply by marlindog on 3/9/07 9:54am
Msg #179147

I agree ss to ss and title company to title company n/m

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 3/10/07 7:12am
Msg #179324

I obtained letters of Reference when I first started, and encountered the same thing you're encountering (people wanting you to write it yourself, using various excuses). What I figured out was that regardless of position, experience or education - a lot of people simply don't know HOW to write such a formal letter, don't know what formatting is proper, don't have the time to LEARN at the moment and don't want to appear unknowledgeable.

What I did was – I copied several sample letters (easily found, try Monster), sent a more formal request via e-mail, and attached the samples ‘for formatting purposes’. I included in my e-mail some key info so they’d have easy access (for example, my start/end dates if they were a former employer, stuff like that – a kind of “Cliff’s Notes” for them). Every person I had asked for a Letter of Referrence came back with an honest reply, saying how much they appreciated the samples, they really just didn't know HOW to write the letter!

I found these letters rather valuable for about the first year, and haven't needed or used them since. I also used (still do) a resume specific to this trade.