This terminology can be quite confusing, especially when these terms are often used interchangeably, sometimes to mean same thing, sometimes to mean something different.

Below are some definitions that should clear up any confusion, followed by some tips and strategies on how best to deal with recommendation letters.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Employment-Related Also called a recommendation letter, it is an employment- related letter that is specifically requested by person letter is being written about. Such a letter is normally positive in nature, and written by someone who knows subject well enough to comment on skills, abilities, and specific work attributes of that person.

Typically, an employment-related recommendation letter conveys one person's view of work performance and general workplace demeanor of a person that has worked under their direct supervision. The requestor of letter normally requires it when applying for a promotion or a new job.

These letters are usually addressed to a specific person to whom requestor has been asked to submit letter.

Graduate School Related Another situation where recommendation letters are a common requirement is for entry into post-graduate programs at a college or university. Graduate programs often require two or more letters of recommendation as part of program admission requirements.

Normally these graduate program recommendation letters are written at request of program applicant by poeple who are familiar with their academic career to-date, and their future education and career aspirations. These people could include: school faculty members, administrators, academic supervisors, and/or employers.

These letters are always addressed to a specific person and are normally included as part of program admission application.

LETTERS OF REFERENCE

These are more general letters that are often requested by employees when they leave employ of an organization. Normally factual in nature, they are usually addressed, "to whom it may concern" and provide basic information such as: work history, dates of employment, positions held, academic credentials, etc.

Reference letters sometimes contain a general statement (as long as a positive one can be made), about employee's work record with company that they are leaving. Employees often submit these letters with job applications in hope that letter will reflect favorably on their chances for new position.

Character reference letters are sometimes required by employers when hiring individuals to perform personal or residential services such as child care, domestic services, etc. These letters are usually drafted by a former employer and deal with such characteristics as honesty, dependability and work ethic/performance.

COMMENDATION LETTERS

In some cases they didn't even know why they were doing research, but just wanted to know more about market. In other cases management could have saved company a lot of money by just listening to feedback from frontline sales reps.

In other instances company initiating research failed to ask right questions or research was done to postpone a decision rather than to assist in decision-making.

Market research can be an extremely valuable tool when used wisely and it doesn't always need to cost earth. For example, you could send out a questionnaire to existing customers with your monthly accounts. Telephone surveys can be reasonably inexpensive and students are often keen to do this kind of work.

Even an old-fashioned suggestion box can sometimes yield some valuable information.

The important questions to ask yourself before undertaking any research are:

1. What do I want to know? 2. Why do I need this information? 3. What decisions will I take once I've got it?

Answering these three vital questions will lead to ACTIONABLE RESEARCH rather than research that tells you lots of "fascinating" facts but doesn't help you make any decisions.