How do I write a letter of support for an applicant to HR?
June 21, 2011 1:08 PM Subscribe
I'm writing an email to HR in support of a friend who recently applied to work at my company. What should this email look like?
One of my friends recently applied for a job at Company X, where I currently work. He's extremely qualified, but I want to ensure that he gets an interview at least, and figure that my internal support can't hurt. He's submitted his application online already, and I planned to send an email to HR specifically mentioning my friend. How would this email look? A very brief template, or instructions on what sorts of points to note, would be really helpful.
One of my friends recently applied for a job at Company X, where I currently work. He's extremely qualified, but I want to ensure that he gets an interview at least, and figure that my internal support can't hurt. He's submitted his application online already, and I planned to send an email to HR specifically mentioning my friend. How would this email look? A very brief template, or instructions on what sorts of points to note, would be really helpful.
Confident, but not gushing. Brief and to the point. Professional, but not too formal. "Hey, I happen to know that an acquaintance of mine recently applied for position X. I just wanted you to know that I'm familiar with his [ talent | experience | work ethic ] because [ I used to work with him | we went to school together | he once did some contract work for me ], and I think he'd be a really solid candidate. Let me know if you want more info!"
posted by ixohoxi at 1:18 PM on June 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ixohoxi at 1:18 PM on June 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
It depends a lot on your company. At my previous company (over 1000 employees) nepotism THRIVED in all forms and it was a good thing. Friends and family members of current employees (if qualified) were always favored above unknown applicants. I worked there with both my parents, one of my best friends, and another best friend's mother. So I wouldn't automatically assume pineapple's suggestion that this is a bad thing.
Either way, I think ixohoxi's letter is pretty much perfect. We would want to know who you knew, how you knew them, and if you thought they will be a good fit. In my company these letters from current employees were attached to the resume/cover letter when passed along to the hiring manager.
posted by magnetsphere at 1:34 PM on June 21, 2011
Either way, I think ixohoxi's letter is pretty much perfect. We would want to know who you knew, how you knew them, and if you thought they will be a good fit. In my company these letters from current employees were attached to the resume/cover letter when passed along to the hiring manager.
posted by magnetsphere at 1:34 PM on June 21, 2011
Check your company's HR policy. Some places are apparently (judging by previous answers) totally different from my workplace, where they actively encourage us to refer qualified applicants.
If I were referring someone, I would say roughly as ixohoxi suggests. The letters would be somewhat different depending on whether this is a guy you know and like but hav enever worked with, or someone you've professionally networked with but don't personally know well, or a former work colleague who you're fully qualified to have a thorough professional opinion about.
To get started, write down where you know him from.
Now think of one or two situations he's genuinely impressed you - could be a situation involving creative problem solving and unflappability in the face of disaster, the enthusiastic way he described his project at a party, his reputation at the convention you met him at, etc.
Make a list of adjectives that are reasons you like and respect this guy: is he hard-working? persistent? inspired? reliable?
Think about your workplace. What does HR value - teamwork? dedication? ambition? In which of these categories is he a really great fit?
Now, you're in a great mindset. Throw out about half that information, and keep it short.
Things not to include:
- Anything that's probably on his resume that does not relate to you. I might know that my friend Jane from the local women in science networking group gives great presentations and I might be able to describe what she's talked about but it's not my job to try to establish how the things I know about her make her qualified to work on the project my company is hiring for.
- Anything you migh tknow about why this person wants to work at your company even if you're thinking of it as a positive thing. (no comments involving family, location, any personal preferences this person might have about employment)
posted by aimedwander at 1:49 PM on June 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
If I were referring someone, I would say roughly as ixohoxi suggests. The letters would be somewhat different depending on whether this is a guy you know and like but hav enever worked with, or someone you've professionally networked with but don't personally know well, or a former work colleague who you're fully qualified to have a thorough professional opinion about.
To get started, write down where you know him from.
Now think of one or two situations he's genuinely impressed you - could be a situation involving creative problem solving and unflappability in the face of disaster, the enthusiastic way he described his project at a party, his reputation at the convention you met him at, etc.
Make a list of adjectives that are reasons you like and respect this guy: is he hard-working? persistent? inspired? reliable?
Think about your workplace. What does HR value - teamwork? dedication? ambition? In which of these categories is he a really great fit?
Now, you're in a great mindset. Throw out about half that information, and keep it short.
Things not to include:
- Anything that's probably on his resume that does not relate to you. I might know that my friend Jane from the local women in science networking group gives great presentations and I might be able to describe what she's talked about but it's not my job to try to establish how the things I know about her make her qualified to work on the project my company is hiring for.
- Anything you migh tknow about why this person wants to work at your company even if you're thinking of it as a positive thing. (no comments involving family, location, any personal preferences this person might have about employment)
posted by aimedwander at 1:49 PM on June 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
ixohoxi: "Confident, but not gushing. Brief and to the point. Professional, but not too formal. "Hey, I happen to know that an acquaintance of mine recently applied for position X. I just wanted you to know that I'm familiar with his [ talent | experience | work ethic ] because [ I used to work with him | we went to school together | he once did some contract work for me ], and I think he'd be a really solid candidate. Let me know if you want more info!""
This was pretty much what I used in an email to our HR Department when I had a friend in a similar situation. FWIW, he got an interview, and then a second interview. He was one of three finalists but opted not to pursue the position due to monetary factors in the position. I've also been on the HR side of things, short and sweet is all we need as for why we shhould pull this resume out instead of others.
Conciseness is key - show what you know about your friend and why you think s/he would be a good fit in the position. The brevity shows the respect for HR's time as well.
posted by TravellingCari at 7:27 PM on June 21, 2011
This was pretty much what I used in an email to our HR Department when I had a friend in a similar situation. FWIW, he got an interview, and then a second interview. He was one of three finalists but opted not to pursue the position due to monetary factors in the position. I've also been on the HR side of things, short and sweet is all we need as for why we shhould pull this resume out instead of others.
Conciseness is key - show what you know about your friend and why you think s/he would be a good fit in the position. The brevity shows the respect for HR's time as well.
posted by TravellingCari at 7:27 PM on June 21, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Whereas, if you made a personal call to (or better, dropped by the desk of) the hiring manager, you could say, "Hey Ann, my friend John Smith submitted an online application for the position of Chief Dogwasher and he's a really solid guy, I know he'd be a good fit here, can you make sure he gets a look?"
And it's merely a friendly informal ask that doesn''t create any kind of nepotism issues.
Of course if your firm is fairly small, this might be moot. But a large HR department might have guidelines to follow around this sort of thing, and a written request might cause a problem that a verbal one would not. Just something to consider.
posted by pineapple at 1:14 PM on June 21, 2011 [2 favorites]