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"I liked every change that was made. I love you guys. This has got to be the best service that a back to work mom can ever get. I wish everyone knew about the quality of the work done by you guys." |
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Preparing the Letter
If you have been asked to
write a letter of recommendation -- whether by a student or employee -- you must
first make sure that you feel comfortable with the task. If you feel you are not
familiar enough with the individual's performance or work style, let him/her
down gently. A vague, lukewarm letter is invariably a disservice to the
applicant.
Even if you do feel
familiar enough with the individual's work to write the letter, it is always a
good idea to request extra materials, to conduct a brief interview, or both.
EXTRA MATERIALS
If the applicant has not
already done so, ask for extra materials that can give you a better sense of the
individual's direction, focus, accomplishments, and future plans. Materials
particularly useful for letters about academic applicants include transcripts,
papers and writing samples, a copy of the Personal Statement, and/or a resume.
The job applicants can submit a professional resume, a description of the
coveted job, and summaries of projects completed.
THE INTERVIEW
Such an interview gives
the applicant a chance to rehash his/her accomplishments, and it gives you the
opportunity to get a better sense of the person's past experiences and
aspirations. This, in turn, leads to a more tailored letter -- and, the more
tailored the letter, the more convincing it is.
The interview should help you to clarify a number of points:
1. The Purpose of the
Letter.
Ask the applicant about short-term and long-term goals, choice of school
program or job, and reasons behind this choice.
2. The Applicant's
Main Accomplishments.
Ask the applicant about major achievements, and how they relate to their
choice of program or job.
3. The Applicant's
Main Qualities.
Ask the applicant for a short list of adjectives describing his/her
temperament and work style. If the letter of recommendation form specifically
asks you to address the applicant's weaknesses, ask the individual to pinpoint
areas of weakness that could be addressed through the program or job.
4. Anything Else the
Applicant Would Like to Bring Up.
Make sure you give the applicant the opportunity to bring up any information
which might be relevant to the letter of recommendation.
5. Practical
Information.
Make sure you are clear on the deadline, how many copies/versions the
applicant needs, and exactly where the finished letters must be sent.
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