Scenario: A few jobs I’ve applied to are asking for three letters of recommendation. I’ve got three recent professional references that will mail their letter for me without a hitch, but I’ve recently added a fourth professional reference who I know will craft great letter on my behalf.
Q: What would it look like if I had four people send in letters? Would it look bad, desperate, or possibly look like I’m not willing to follow the rules? I see the payoff being 1) insurance against one getting lost/misplaced and 2) stuffing the “ballot box” with praises for myself.
Or should I drop one of the older LoR- even though I know they’re all quality letters?
I would only send four if they speak about differing aspects of your qualifications. Otherwise, if you know they’re all good recs, why send the extra one? Just go with the most recent three, one of which you said is the great letter.
I cannot imagine a potential employer being upset at getting an extra letter of reference.
Now, if you sent 30 or something, that might be odd, but covering your ass to make sure all three arrive, and four show up…I hardly think that would be a bad thing.
I see no problem with four letters. When I am interviewing, if I get the 3 recommendations (letters are nice, but frankly I prefer to listen to the person on the phone-thats just me) and they are all good, a fourth isn’t necessary. But it wouldn’t hurt, especially as it is a letter, not another phone call. Go for four!