Why can't I get a Reference Letter?

I just got an audition to work on Disney Cruise Lines, but one of the requirements for the interview is to bring 2 reference letters. Thinking this was going to be easy as pie, I approached several different bosses/colleagues of mine for letters. I cant believe what type of crap I'm getting:



1) One person, the director of the company I work for now (as a Tour Guide), said she would be happy to write one, but that I should write it and then she'll re-word it a bit and sign it. Are you ******* kidding me? I'm not the one that's supposed to write these damn things, she is! Yes she's nice to offer, but I thought it was the job of the reference letter writer to do that. Why would she do this? I sent her my resume, what more does she need? It's a reference letter simply saying I'm good to be a Tour Guide at sea. What's so hard about that?



2) One person said he would, and then never got back to me. What's up with that?



Please only answer if you can give me detailed responses- I'm not looking to get yelled at either, that seems to happen a lot on here! I'm frustrated because I thought it was easy to get reference letters.Why can't I get a Reference Letter?
Addressing Point One-- that is THE most irritating thing in the world, and unbelievably common. I have written just about every letter of rec I've ever "received" for the same reason (my writing style is pretty identifiable, making writing several difficult). It is, however, a great opportunity for you to codify what you believe to be your strengths. Write the letter, and then call the second person back and explain to them you're on a deadline.



Congrats on the job, and good luck!
1. Hey, YOU are the one who wants the letter - if you really want it, do what she's asking you to. Maybe SHE doesn't have enough spare time to write it, so is asking YOU to do some of the work. Why is she "supposed to" ?



2. He's probably busy AND/or forgot.Why can't I get a Reference Letter?
why do you believe that previous employer has to give you a reference letter? there is no law that say they have to, some employers do not like giving reference letters or any reference at all
Take the first offer. Write the letter and give it on a disk to the signer. People are busy or they would probably rather not write you a recommendation
as far as #1 is concerned:

if it is so easy, write the dam* letter yourself (as you were asked to do) and get it signed........



you are asking someone to take time out of their busy day to do you a favor, the least you should do is make this as simple as possible and do as asked.



you know what you want said....... who better to write a letter for YOU then YOU?









as far as #2 is concerned:

re-read the part of my first answer about their busy day...........







i am NOT yelling, but you seem to be, and you seem to be very impatient, writing a reference letter is NOT something that is required of a former employer, and being pushy, uncooperative, and demanding will only serve to move your letter down the "to-do" list.........