How long do you keep a letter of recommendation?

Question

I have one from my old boss that is dated 1998...do I still keep it and use it? Can I still use it since it does relate to the field of work I am in?

Answer 1

I think especially since you have been in your current position for quite some time you should use it if apply somewhere else. It is better to have then to not have. Besides most people don't ask their employers for letters of recommendation until they are already leaving so you need past ones.

But isn't being "El prez" recommendation enough?

Answer 2

My experience has been that they are not very useful because you certainly wouldn't present a letter that was anything but positive. Most employers don't really consider them.

However, keep it because there could come a time when the person you worked for is no longer reachable, meaning, is not in that position or company anymore and you don't know where that person is and there is no one else that can give a reliable recommendation of your work for that time. This may be the only proof you have to vouch for your employment and, more importantly, your job capabilities.

I have worked for companies that no longer exist and others that have merged and then merged again. Who knows where to find the info. you need to fill out your applications for employment.

P.S. It really helps when you move out of state and look for work. Also, the older you get, the more you wish you had saved those letters. Try filling out a gov. application after 20+ years of experience. They want you to account for all of your time, both working and not working. Then you have to provide a person to valid what you said on your appl. The letter comes in handy then.

Answer 3

I say keep it as long as you feel it is pertinent. They are like letter of thanx for going above and beyond with a customer. It just shows how hard you work and such and is a good gauge for new employers to see how you really act. Generally a Letter of recommendation is not a asked for thing, it is provided by a happy and grateful manager and wants the next manager to know how hard a worker you really are.

Answer 4

Yes, you sure can keep it and use it.
A letter of recommedation most often reveal more than what you are able to do in the job, these are the hard skills. It also will highlight directly or indirectly your soft skills like people skills,
communications, attitute, personalities traits like perserverance helpfullness etc.

Answer 5

Keep it. It last forever. It expires when you get new recomendation letter from your current boss. But I guess you could use both.

Answer 6

At least 5 years...because on some job apps it will ask for your past 5yrs of job history.

Answer 7

i would use anything