Reference letter/quitting old job

[kermit12]

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Hey guys, I need some advice. I just got a job at walgreens and am about to quit my old job at an independent pharmacy. I want to leave in the most graceful way possible because I might need to ask them to write my reference when I apply to pharmacy school. Any advice on how I can leave while still leaving them open to write a good reference letter for me? Of course, I'm giving them 2 weeks notice and maybe say something about why I have to leave, but I feel like now is hardly the time to ask for a reference letter. How would you guys handle this? Thanks.

 

[acetyl]

Tell the pharmacist that you are applying to pharm. schools and would like he/she to write you a letter of reference. They then will tell you either yes or no. If they ask why you left your job with that company, tell them honestly why. I see nothing wrong with telling a boss why you left their company for another company if you didn't like working with them, the customers, whatever, as long as you leave on a good note and don't put them in a bind. Chances are, if you didn't like working there they could tell, and it would be better for both of you to move on.

 

[sdn1977]

Hey guys, I need some advice. I just got a job at walgreens and am about to quit my old job at an independent pharmacy. I want to leave in the most graceful way possible because I might need to ask them to write my reference letter when I apply to pharmacy school. Any advice on how I can leave while still leaving them open to write a good reference letter for me? Of course, I'm giving them 2 weeks notice and maybe say something about why I have to leave, but I feel like now is hardly the time to ask for a reference letter. How would you guys handle this? Thanks.

When you give your two weeks notice, do it in writing and use the word "regretfully". Don't give your actual reason, if its something to do with more money, better hours, etc.. - just don't give a reason at all. However, do speak about how much you've learned while being employed by this person, how much inspiration he gave you to becoming a pharmacists, how much you admire him both professionally and personally and how much you look forward to working with him as a colleague (even if it might never happen), etc...

And - now is the absolute best time to ask for a letter of reference! Do you have a service at your school where LORs can be written and kept on file? Many 4 year schools do now in their career center. They are kept for a certain length of time, you pay a fee, then when you need the letter sent - they'll send it out from the school directly to as many places as you need. That way, you can get a good letter when your experience with them is fresh in the writer's mind & hopefully, when you've taken in candy, cookies, donuts, whatever, on your final day....you are leaving with good feelings behind.

Good luck!

 

[MuraRX]

I would write a letter of resignation giving them notice (like you said, 2 weeks) instead of simply having a talk with them. In that letter thank them for the opportunity they gave you to be a part of their team and that you wish the company the best in the future, etc etc....

It's the professional way to do it, and they will remember that about you once you go back to ask for a letter of reference. This doesn't mean you can't talk to them face-to-face and let them know you are leaving in addition to the letter. However, it will probably go in your file and when they go to write you an LOR, they might take another look at it instead of just having the memory of you telling them you're quitting in 2 weeks.

 

[All4MyDaughter]

Merging duplicate threads from pre-pharm and pharmacy. It is not necessary to post the same topic in two or more forums. 🙂