letter of recommendation - how important is it for post-doc job application?? (Dec/03/2009 )

I want to apply for a job and currently writing my resumé and co. to be prepared for that phase.

how important is a letter of recommendation?

I am asking cause the relationship between me and my boss was not the best over a couple of months....! now I hesitate to ask him for one.

Is it always recommended to have a letter of recommendation?

thanks

sadly yes.....The recommendation letters are next powerful thing after a striking CV !! They do look who is recommending you and what his/her position is and how they know you!!

But it need not be from your present boss, try an ex-boss or a senior colleague. But remember, the guys out there can make out real from bluffs

gogreen on Dec 8 2009, 06:56 AM said:

having been on hiring committees and screening hundreds of applicants for a variety of positions (summer students to post-docs) i can tell you that the recommendation letters are very important. when an applicant applies without a letter from their current boss regardless of the amount of time spent together it is red flagged. the main concern becomes "does this person have difficulties working for or with people?".

eldon on Dec 12 2009, 06:08 AM said:

thanks eldon and gogreen,
i´ve conquered my ego and asked my boss for a letter of recommendation...now it´s in progress! hopefully, in my favour