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Writing An Effective Letter
of Recommendation
Writing a letter of reference/recommendation
for a college student or graduate can be a challenge. We hope you will find the
following ideas and tips useful. In your conversation with the student, please
encourage them to visit Career & Advising Services in order to learn the
latest strategies in the job search or graduate school application processes.
Credential Files: If you are writing a
letter to be placed in a formal LCSC Credential File, you may use your
organization's letter head or you may click here for our form:
CONFIDENTIAL file letter,
OPEN file
letter
We are here to help!
The single most important piece of advice in
writing an effective letter of recommendation is be specific. To this
end, when asked to write a recommendation, request as much information from the
student/graduate as possible.
I. If they are asking for a general
letter (to no person in particular) request:
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A copy of their current resume
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Written information describing how they
plan to use the letter (e.g., “For application to graduate schools and
possibly summer employment”)
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A written list of items they would like
you to include in the letter (whether or not you use them is your choice)
II. If they are asking you to write an
individual letter (to one organization or person) request:
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Items 1 and 3 above
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The name, title, and complete address of
the individual to whom the letter should be addressed
Writing Tips:
Refrain from listing too many outstanding
characteristics and abilities possessed by the subject of the letter. Rather,
focus on two or three. Emphasize the person’s strongest qualities. You may
list other positive character traits later, for example, “____is also, pleasant,
hardworking, and dependable.”
Do not simply tell the reader, but
show the reader. For example, instead of simply saying the individual “has
a strong sense of responsibility,” explain how you have personally witnessed
that trait through their leadership in ____ organization. Instead of saying
that the individual is “organized,” explain how they have demonstrated their
organizational skills by juggling particular school, work, and extracurricular
activities.
Don’t be too opulent or use too many
superlatives - it undermines your credibility. When the letter creates a
“perfect picture” of the subject, the reader tends to discount the entire
recommendation.
If you feel uncomfortable writing a letter
of recommendation due to lack of familiarity with the student’s skills and
experiences, discuss this with the student. You may want to recommend that they
choose another professional to write the letter. A letter with little
substance will reflect negatively on the student, therefore, affecting their
chances of obtaining employment or entrance to a graduate program.
When asked to write a general letter, you
can avoid the awkward “To whom it may concern” by putting your writing in memo
form. This way, you can use the line “RE: Letter of Reference for ______” or
“RE: Recommendation for _____.”
Keep your letter to one page, produce it on
a computer, and print it on a laser printer.
If the letter is “confidential” and not to
be seen by the candidate, DO NOT give it to the candidate, even in a sealed
envelope. Generally, the receiver will only accept it if it is mailed directly
from you.
For specific situations or more
information, please contact Debra Lybyer in Career & Advising Services,
extension 2313, dlybyer@lcsc.edu.
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Contact us at: Career & Advising Services
Lewis-Clark State College
Reid Centennial Hall, Room 110
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Phone 208-792-2313
Fax 208-792-2298
Return to Career & Advising Services Homepage
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