Letter of Recommendation

What Is A Letter Of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone who can recommend an individual's work or academic performance. Letter of recommendations are typically needed with college applications or searching for employment.

What Are The Benefits Of A Letter Of Recommendation?

Providing a letter of recommendation with application materials can help improve your qualifications by: providing context to your application information, adding credibility to your skills, and offers an extra opportunity to demonstrate that you are the right person for the organization through the lens of your recommender.

Tips For A Letter Of Recommendation

Ask someone in a leadership role to write you a letter of recommendation

Asking a former supervisor or teacher for a letter of recommendation, this can have a stronger impact than a letter from a friend or co-worker.

Provide the writer with your resume

This will allow the writer of the letter of recommendation, to highlight specific moments that you would like addressed in the letter.

Avoid transferrable skills

Transferrable skills, such as Microsoft Office or using a cash register, aren't worth mentioning. The letter should be broader and discuss your character and accomplishments. Leave important transferrable skills on your resume.

Keep it broad

The best endorsements in a letter of recommendation are broad and build your image as a great person to hire or accept in the university of your choice.

Proofread the letter closely

Consider making a list of any necessary edits, and after thanking your letter writer for their time and generosity, politely request they make the changes. You also can ask a friend or colleague to peer edit and provide notes to ensure it meets professional standards.

Brag Sheet - Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire

Do You Need A Letter Of Recommendation?

By completing a brag sheet you can help maximize your letter by accurately including as much meaningful information as possible for the individual writing your letter of recommendation. If there is something that cannot be answered or revealed for confidentially reasons, then leave the section blank. Be sure to take enough time to thoroughly recall your achievements, challenges, and experiences ensure that all reveling information is included in the brag sheet.