A strong letter goes beyond a resume’s flat descriptions and adds an evaluative element to what is otherwise just a list of tasks performed.
updated November 21, 2023 · 2min read
The modern job market is competitive, and applicants must work hard to stand out from an ever-growing pool of potential employees. Letters of recommendation play an essential role in this process, and can push the decision on a candidate from a maybe to a yes.
Writing personal letters of recommendation takes time, and it can be difficult to know where to start or what to include. We've gathered some tips to help you write an effective letter.
First ask about any pending submission deadlines. If you can’t complete the letter within the available time frame, inform the candidate immediately so he or she can seek alternatives.
Academic letters of recommendation are generally provided by individuals who have witnessed a student’s participation in both class and extracurricular activities, and provide organized and frank discussions of an applicant’s abilities and achievements.
Before agreeing to write a letter, consider your acquaintance with the person requesting it. Are you familiar with their work? Do you have a favorable impression of their experience and capacity? Can you honestly recommend them?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, have a candid discussion with the candidate and try to resolve your concerns. If you are unable to do so, suggest that there may others better suited to serve as the applicant’s advocate.
Although it seems self-aggrandizing, it’s important to emphasize your own credentials when drafting an academic letter of recommendation. The more “important” you seem, the more your opinion will matter to the prospective institution.
Show the reader you’ve known the candidate for long enough to have formed an educated and cogent opinion. Communicate your confidence in and support of the applicant and try to provide some insight into his or her personal attributes.
Structuring Your Letter
Though it's important to customize the document to fit your needs, the standard structure of a letter of recommendation is (and should remain) as follows:
If you are struggling to make the letter more personal, ask the candidate for additional information about him or herself (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or a short narrative).
Be thoughtful about revising the enclosed letter. A smart reviewer knows to read between the lines of a letter of recommendation, and will consider what your letter does not say. Phrasing can reveal much about an author’s true knowledge and feelings.
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