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Employer Reference Letter through HR

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Employer Reference Letter through HR

by theopencollar » Fri Mar 07, 2014 4:54 pm
Hello,

So, I've been pondering over who to ask for letters of reference for my application. The letters for the school I'm interested in has specific questions that the referee must answer. While having my manager write me a reference letter makes the most sense, our company has a policy that reference letters must be written only by HR. So, they must be taking my performance reviews and using that to write the letter. My problem is, while my performance reviews are great, they do not provide specific examples of my work ethic, major projects/milestones, etc. The reviews only show how I perform in specific categories (team player, accountability) and give a generic response (good, excellent) and rarely any comments. If that is the case, should I bother to ask them for this letter? If I can't, I'm not sure who else to ask.

Thanks!
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by salm38 » Sat Mar 08, 2014 12:50 am
If your company has a policy about reference letters being put together by the Human Resources Dept. (first time I'm hearing this) then you don't really have a choice. You need a letter from your current employer. If your performance reviews are great, I'm sure they can come up with something good even though it won't be personal. That's OK, go with it. But get something else from another source - extra-curricular activity supervisor, business contact who you've dealt with often, anyone who has worked with you in the recent past who can attest to your excellence? You should have two letters in any case.
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by theopencollar » Sat Mar 08, 2014 1:43 pm
Thanks Salm38! I do have one very good reference from my extra-curricular work. I think HR feels that work-related references by management have not been an accurate representation of an employees work and potentially misinterprets their work record. Management can only give personal references unfortunately. I will go ahead with using the HR reference as you stated. For the next performance review, I'll try to get my boss to add more qualitative details so there'll be some meat to the review.

Appreciate the assistance!
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by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Mar 10, 2014 3:25 am
Well, if you can't go around company policy then that's one thing, but honestly speaking a personal reference (As a professional reference) from a real boss who actually observes your work will likely be far more valuable (and effective) than an HR reference. If you can't get one, then okay. No biggie. You just make note of that in your application, but if you can somehow diplomatically get around it, it would be preferable.
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by CriticalSquareMBA » Mon Mar 10, 2014 9:25 am
I won't repeat what others have said - I agree with them. One thing you could potentially press HR on is what their policy is for schools. It isn't uncommon for HRs to place themselves as the sole point of contact for employment matters but this might fall outside the intent of the policy. See what they say. As Jon said, there might be diplomatic ways around this!

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by PythaGURUS » Thu Mar 20, 2014 12:23 am
Hi,

As you correctly pointed out in your question, it is imperative that you substantiate your claims with relevant examples. It is very unlikely that your company will have a policy that will hold you from taking a recommendation from your direct supervisor as the context is very different.

In addition to some of the things that have already been addressed, here is what i will recommend you do:

1. Get your boss( immediate supervisor) to generate a prose with very relevant examples and submit them to the Human Resources. Yes ! As long as you are following the process, I do not feel that HR in your company will have any problem taking the background from your bosses. You have to create a case that different schools will have different word limits, and letter of recommendations will be pretty exhaustive. Emphasise on the importance of these.

2. If you are unable to use your boss' official ID for recommendation and have to go the HR Route, please ensure that you address this in the optional essay of your application. You have got to tell them that the recommendations are very representative of what you have done. It is just that the company policy mandated a different point of contact. Addressing this in an optional essay is strongly recommended.
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