LOR's?

[RyansDad]

This may be a pretty remedial question but what type of paper should be used on LOR's and References...Should it be resume quality paper or just normal weight white? Also, Im sure LOR's count as references but what if you have references that didnt do a formal LOR? Should I supply a seperate sheet with all references including those that wrote me a letter?

 

[embraerdriver]

I wouldn't worry too much about paper as long as what they say is not boring and the same "aviator" crap that sounds cheesy.

I recently submitted 7 lor's to SWA and they varied in content and quality. I did get hired and can't thank those that took the time to write truly original and thoughtful letters.

I wouldn't worry about seperate sheets and all that either. Usually 3-5 good well written letters or more will do.

Good Luck

 

[RyansDad]

Thanks for the input....Im not only getting a letter but writing a couple as well and wasnt really sure of the proper etiquet of a LOR which opens the door to another question....Is it acceptable to copy a LOR for the interview or should it be an original? Im sure an original looks better but I really wouldnt want to ask for say 3 letters from the same source any more than i would want to write 3 letters to the same source....I know im probobly looking too much into it however Im hoping not to stand out in the wrong way... as in providing a copy when everyone else submits originals.

 

[Victor120]

Here are my personal answers (opinions) to your question. They have worked great for me so far.

I don't think asking for mulitple copies is out of line. I've always given two copies to those I've recommended, and I've always been given two copies from those who have recommended me. I submit an original of this letter to my potential employer, and keep one for myself. If they (employer) need additional copies, I make copies of the original I intend to give them. My impression was this is somewhat of a standard. I could be wrong.

As far as paper quality goes... The higher the weight the better. If you can get a 50% watermarked-cotten-bond-whatever-the... even better, but not necessary. Ultimately the words and the author should prevail. If Herb, Doug, or Dave wrote something on a napkin, for example, I would not badger them over paper quality.

References; I always kept a current list of personal references on hand when I was on the job hunt. Make sure everything is current as far as contact info goes. MAKE THE JOB OF THE PERSON TRYING TO GIVE YOU A JOB EASY. I don't consider this list in anyway related to letters of recommendation. They really seem to be independant components of an interview process. Having said that, it is appropriate/compulsory for each letter of recommendation to have contact info for the author included in the letter.



-I post this in the spirit of reviving the sharing of useful information on this site

GET A JOB!!!! -good luck to ya!!

 

[LITCHAT7]

curious?

Are you guys only using flying references or including a seperate one of some other proffesion?

 

[RyansDad]

Mine were only flying references....However if you have a really good one from someone with "status" I would throw it in there, cant hurt

 

[skid]

I have a question on how old is too old for a letter of rec for an airline? A year? 2? or what?

 

[Singlecoil]

Somebody mistakenly asked me for a LOR recently. This is what he got. (Names changed to protect the guilty)

XXX




XX Airlines
XX XX - Recruitment Manager


Dear XX,


It is my pleasure to recommend John Smith for a flight officer position with XX Airlines. I have known John since 1999 when we were flying together at ZZ Air. As a Captain, I found his experience, flying skills, and terrific attitude to be a tremendous asset to both the company and my flight deck, at least until the Vodka ran dry. I found it wise to carry a supply of Kodiak to tide him over on long flights or at least until he could go back to “use the lav”.
As commuter pilots in the Northeast, we often found ourselves working long hours in quite challenging conditions, not the least of which was our deplorable pay. I found John's extensive knowledge of regulations and company procedures to be an invaluable source when time was short and decisions needed to be made quickly. He also had a remarkable ability to recall happy hour menus for several establishments in every single city where we overnighted. This displays his innate ability to be thrifty as well as efficient. After all, you can’t argue that Steel Reserve doesn't pack a better punch than a Bud Light, and for less money. He was also never afraid to offer his opinion when he saw something that was being done incorrectly or could be done more efficiently, making him an excellent team member. Believe me, if I did something he didn't like, I was given the option of doing it his way, or having a conversation with the Chief Pilot. I have never hesitated to let him take the controls of the airplane in any weather or situation that ZZ's operations allowed. In fact there were numerous occasions that I would awake to discover John not only hand-flying the airplane, but also taking the time to point out the sights to our flight attendant. The view was apparently better from his lap, or so I was told. Also, his cheerful attitude and sense of humor have brought smiles to the many crewmembers we had flown with, as well as to our customers. There is no question that John Smith would be an outstanding member of the XX Airlines team.


Sincerely,



XX