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How important are recommendations?

new user

Member
If I were to get a recommendation from the head of cybersecurity at the Department of Homeland Security, a U.S. Senator and a U.S. Representative, would that outweigh my age (I'm 33) and possible low test score (I don't anticipate me getting too low a score) on the ASTB?
 

Steve Wilkins

Teaching pigs to dance, one pig at a time.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
If I were to get a recommendation from the head of cybersecurity at the Department of Homeland Security, a U.S. Senator and a U.S. Representative, would that outweigh my age (I'm 33) and possible low test score (I don't anticipate me getting too low a score) on the ASTB?
You would be better served to have recommendations from folks that you know your character and can personally attest to that than having a standard form letter recommendation from the folks you mentioned. IF you have had a personal or professional relationship directly with these people, then that may be different. But getting a letter from them because you happen to be buds with one of their staff members will not be of any great benefit. The board will see right through it.

As for your age, that's another story? What is it you are looking to apply for?
 

FSF17

Member
pilot
You would be better served to have recommendations from folks that you know your character and can personally attest to that than having a standard form letter recommendation from the folks you mentioned. IF you have had a personal or professional relationship directly with these people, then that may be different. But getting a letter from them because you happen to be buds with one of their staff members will not be of any great benefit. The board will see right through it.

As for your age, that's another story? What is it you are looking to apply for?

Seconded... I got letters from a college prof, my HS principal (Army Cpt.), my friend's dad (Army Lt.Col.) and my US Representative (who I interned for). The worst of the bunch was the one from the congressman, and I worked for him. The letterhead doesn't mean that much IMO. It will add some credibility to the recommender, but it won't improve the content.
 

new user

Member
I worked for the Senator and the Congressman and had daily interactions with both (staffed them on their committees, wrote speeches, etc, etc.) so they know my strengths and weaknesses. I am also good friends with the head of cybersecurity at the Department of Homeland Security. He was the guy who hired me to work in the Senate.

I was hoping to get in as an intel officer. While I don't have a military background, I handled defense/foreign relations issues for the Senator.

I wasn't sure if recommendations from politicians were good or not with all the fighting going on in Congress and such over Iraq.
 

BigIron

Remotely piloted
pilot
Super Moderator
Contributor
I would think the board is more interested in seeing how the letters complete their picture of you, and not of the political ideologies attached to whomever is on the letterhead.

If these folks can attest to your stature as an outstanding American, then use them as references. If it is for glam purposes, then don't bother.
 

Steve Wilkins

Teaching pigs to dance, one pig at a time.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
I would think the board is more interested in seeing how the letters complete their picture of you, and not of the political ideologies attached to whomever is on the letterhead.

If these folks can attest to your stature as an outstanding American, then use them as references. If it is for glam purposes, then don't bother.
Of course, if I was on the board and I saw a rec letter from Harry Reid in your file.....well, let's just say I might have to dig a little deeper and find a reason why you should be selected. :D
 

new user

Member
I would think the board is more interested in seeing how the letters complete their picture of you, and not of the political ideologies attached to whomever is on the letterhead.

If these folks can attest to your stature as an outstanding American, then use them as references. If it is for glam purposes, then don't bother.


Nah, it's not for glam purposes. I just wanted to make sure that politicians are ok to use. The ones I want to use know me and know my abilities and what I can. And they can attest to the fact that I am a good American.
 

new user

Member
Of course, if I was on the board and I saw a rec letter from Harry Reid in your file.....well, let's just say I might have to dig a little deeper and find a reason why you should be selected. :D


Hah, ha. Nah, the politicians I want to use haven't said anything stupid lately.
 

wink

War Hoover NFO.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
I worked for the Senator and the Congressman and had daily interactions with both (staffed them on their committees, wrote speeches, etc, etc.) so they know my strengths and weaknesses. I am also good friends with the head of cybersecurity at the Department of Homeland Security. He was the guy who hired me to work in the Senate.

I was hoping to get in as an intel officer. While I don't have a military background, I handled defense/foreign relations issues for the Senator.

I wasn't sure if recommendations from politicians were good or not with all the fighting going on in Congress and such over Iraq.
Given the work you did and the personal relationship, I think they will help.
 

Tom

Well-Known Member
pilot
Contributor
Of course, if I was on the board and I saw a rec letter from Harry Reid in your file.....well, let's just say I might have to dig a little deeper and find a reason why you should be selected. :D
What about a LOR from Hildog?
 
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