FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 7, 2013) -- Sometimes an employer will make the decision about who to hire based on how well applicants present their work backgrounds.

Most employers know that if a person is a good worker, reliable and dependable in other jobs, they can probably expect the same job performance.

Of course, an interviewer can call all past supervisors and ask about the quality of an applicant's work and work ethics. But a smart job hunter will save the prospective employer that trouble. He will get letters of recommendation from supervisors as he moves on.

Getting letters of recommendation will serve dual purposes. An applicant will have letters to give to the employers (and they may not want to contact the supervisor). The applicant will also know the quality of the recommendations as well as the written skills of a possible reference.

This is especially important to military applicants. One problem military people face is employers who don't always know why military members hold jobs for such a short time -- an average of about two years. Is it because of poor work habits?

Another problem is that military applicants often want to find jobs totally different from those they did while in the military. In that case, they must show the employer their abilities, which are more important than what they did in the military. A third problem is that military personnel are transient; job seekers may not be able to provide employers with a current address or telephone number of former supervisors.

Letters of recommendation can solve all of these questions to an employer's satisfaction. Even if there is a problem with a boss, it may still be possible to draft a letter that is mutually satisfactory and truthfully states the worker's talents and accomplishments.

Sometimes a supervisor will ask a service member to write his or her own letter of recommendation for the supervisor's signature. If that happens, the writer should not be modest.

The first paragraph of the letter should state the purpose of the letter: to recommend the applicant for a position as (whatever type of job you are seeking). The next paragraph should make general statements about your duties and responsibilities, perhaps mentioning your most impressive abilities.

The third paragraph should be filled with glowing remarks about your talents and accomplishments. This is the place to use all those adjectives that can't fit onto a resume; it is especially important to mention ways you will be an asset to the organization.

With the job market the way it is today, the wise job hunter will use every means at his disposal to make his qualifications well known. Presenting a folder of letters of recommendation at the interview is a sure way to impress the interviewer with your high qualifications.

For additional information about letters of recommendation or any other job search related topic, call the Fort Rucker ACAP Center at 255-2558.