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WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP. Intensive Workshop on 'Writing Persuasive Recommendation Letters in English for Students' Lam Yan, Shirley. To familiarize serving Secondary School Teachers with the skills in writing Recommendation letters;

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WORKSHOP

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  1. WORKSHOP Intensive Workshop on 'Writing Persuasive Recommendation Letters in English for Students' Lam Yan, Shirley

  2. To familiarize serving Secondary School Teachers with the skills in writing Recommendation letters; To provide a variety of good and updated samples, i.e. past recommendation samples for reference/analysis of teachers in writing recommendation letters for students; To provide Human Resources Terminology in line with Human Resources Language in order to strengthen Teachers’ capability in writing professional Recommendation Letter so as to improve students’ chance for better securing study/employment opportunities. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

  3. Factors driving to Recommendation Letter for School Applications/Employment Components to a Recommendation Letter Appraisal Grid Increasing Student “interestingness” WORKSHOP CONTENT

  4. Unit 1 FACTORS DRIVING TO RECOMMENDATION LETTERS FOR SCHOOL APPLICATIONS/EMPLOYMENT

  5. FACTOR #1 • "When choosing someone to write a letter of recommendation, don’t get wrapped up in title • You want someone who can write the recommendation letter and at the same time really answer the questions. • You want someone who knows what you have done and provide insight into your potential to be a future leader.“ • (Wendy Huber, the Associate Director of Admissions at the Darden School of Business) Source : http://businessmajors.about.com/od/recommendationletter1/a/GoodRecLetters.htm

  6. FACTOR #2 • "The two letters of recommendation that you submit should be professionalin nature. • Your recommenders may be anyone (former supervisors/tutors of summer internship/exchange programme, etc.) who is able to comment on your personal qualities, career potential, and potential to succeed…. • Recommenders should know you personally and be familiar with your work history, credentials, and career aspirations.“ • (Christina Mabley, Director of Admissions at McCombs School of Business) Source : http://businessmajors.about.com/od/recommendationletter1/a/GoodRecLetters.htm

  7. FACTOR #3 • Critical Qualities • Sense of commitment and being responsible • Team Player • Steep Learning curve • Flexible • Trustworthy • Proactive • Common sense • Self motivated : Self + immediate Manager + know the boundaries • Interestingness of the Student

  8. FACTOR #4Reference vs. Recommendation • It is very important to note the differences between Reference Letter and Recommendation Letter. • AReferenceLetter is a document you could provide to all students. The Reference Letter includes details such as Student’s name, year period that student studied in school and other general factual information • A Recommendation Letter has many meanings to it. To start with, if you have decided to write up a Recommendation Letter for student application to employment/school application, you have to be prepared to act as the Reference checking point as well. A Recommendation includes an appraisal of the student

  9. Factor #4Reference vs. Recommendation To provide a Recommendation is to provide a comment for recommending or highly recommending a person to a School or an Organization. Therefore it is very important for you to know the student very well to be able to do that. Meanwhile, the comments provided in the recommendation letter must bepositive and constructive. The purpose of the recommendation letter is for aiding the student to get the school/job. Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter samples On “Positive touch to writing” then to Group Exercise Worksheet #1

  10. Factor #4Reference vs. Recommendation • Signing the Recommendation Letter – To sign off for the letter meaning you understand and is agreeable to the fact and the content of the letter

  11. FACTOR #5Etiquette • You have to know someone really well to commit to writing the recommendation letter while at the same time possibly be one of your reference checking point • Former supervisors/tutors, etc. • Your Teacher/Professor • Some students send me their Personal Statement as reference, it helps a lot Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter samples On “Be the Reference Checking point”

  12. FACTOR #5Etiquette • Write and Talk to the person writing your recommendation in person • Email is not recommended • In person is highly recommended or if not possible at least call the person before sending the material by mail over • Provide basic details to the person writing your recommendation letter such as • What schools are you applying for ? • What is your aspiration ? • When is the deadline for submitting the letter ?

  13. IMPORTANT • Important to highlight student’s strength • Recommendation letter should be tailor made • Insightful appraisal of the student • To ensure formality use letter head of the organization/school you are representing • Be crisp and to the point

  14. Unit 2 COMPONENTS TO A RECOMMENDATION LETTER

  15. Components1st Paragraph & SAMPLE • A paragraph or sentence explaining how you know the person you are writing to recommend and the nature of your relationship with them • Your connection to the person recommended • How you got to know the person recommended • How you have known the person recommended • Your position writing the recommendation letter • Sample : I have been Loretta’s Instructor for the school year 2008 – 2009 at the XXXX College. During Term 1 from September 2008 to December 2008, Loretta was on my XXXX class. For Term 2 starting January 2009, Loretta is currently on my XXXX Class. Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 1st Paragraph

  16. Components2nd Paragraph & SAMPLE • A paragraph or sentence to set the stage • Sample : Based on Loretta’s academic performance, academic results; achievements at the XXXX College and her personality, I would highly recommend Loretta to your reputable Company for the position of XXXX. Loretta will be a very outstanding member to your reputable company should she be offered the position. I am confident that Loretta will be an important asset to your company.

  17. Components3rd Paragraph And on & SAMPLE • An honest evaluation of the person's skills and accomplishments. Try to include specific examples. • An appraisal of why you would recommend the student • Should include wordings like “highly recommend” or “recommend without reservation” • Sample : I would like to recommend Loretta to your reputable organization without reservation. For the purpose of her application to your reputable company, below is my appraisal on Loretta. • During Loretta’s endeavor at the XXXX College, she had been Star Student Top List of the year 2008 – 2009 amongst 1000 students. She has also been Champion of the Inter school Basket Competition for the year 2007 – 2008. She has also been House Captain of the Blue House

  18. Components3RD Paragraph And on : Sample #2 • Sample : I would like to recommend Loretta to your reputable organization without reservation. For the purpose of her application to your reputable company, below is my appraisal on Loretta. • Professional Capabilities – Result oriented : From the onset of Term 1, Loretta had shown herself to be very result oriented. Once she is assigned with an objective or task, she has very clear vision of what she needs to do and achieve that objective with zest. Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 2nd Paragraph & 3rd Paragraph

  19. Components4th Paragraph & SAMPLE • A statement or summary that explains why you would recommend the person you are writing about. • Sample : The thing I treasured most about Loretta is her independence and her willingness to learn more and to be stretched outside of her comfort zone in order to strive herself towards success after success. Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 4th Paragraph

  20. Recommendation LetterLast Paragraph • Support both in terms of recommendation letter and also the Reference Check • Allow Employers to contact you, should a reference be required of the student • Sample : Should you require further information or details, please do not hesitate to contact undersigned at 3793 3081 or at my email address xxxx@netvigator.com. Please refer to Worksheet #2 for Group Work

  21. Unit 3 APPRAISAL GRID

  22. APPRAISAL GRIDA Spectrum of judgment

  23. APPRAISAL GRIDGOOD ATTITUDE definition In the workplace proactively taking the initiative in ensuring that department’s processes are well updated in benefiting your own department and other related departments being willing to step into Manager, Co-worker, Direct reports’ shoes in understanding their perspective and point of view willing to empathize other department’s situation and taking the lead in “Quality Outputs Quality Inputs”

  24. APPRAISAL GRIDGOOD ATTITUDE EXAMPLES

  25. APPRAISAL GRIDTeam Player definition & EXAMPLES • seek to accomplish work goals through collaboration with others

  26. APPRAISAL GRID Analytical Skills definition & EXAMPLES • seek to resolve problems through teeing up of issues for solutions while persuading team or teams to arrive at consensus of pursuing with actions on solutions

  27. APPRAISAL GRID Problem Solving definition & EXAMPLES • Taking initiative in using good approaches in resolving problems or taking the lead in analyzing situation and problem quickly for solution

  28. APPRAISAL GRID Initiative definition & EXAMPLES • Taking a leadership role in championing a project in order to facilitate efficiency and effectiveness or to take on extra responsibilities with minimal instructions/ supervision

  29. APPRAISAL GRIDListening definition & EXAMPLES • Exhibit good listening skills and show interest to what the speaker is saying or trying to express or capable of reflecting back, nonverbal clues, acting enthusiastically, show encouragement and keeping a poker face

  30. APPRAISAL GRIDPrioritization definition & EXAMPLES • Demonstrate clear sense and capabilities in doing first thing first and be capable of organizing chores even under extreme pressure in meeting tight deadlines

  31. APPRAISAL GRID Resourcefulness definition & EXAMPLES • Tapping problems with out of box ideas or finding surprise solutions to problem which saves resources while not compromising on results

  32. APPRAISAL GRID Approachability definition • Being friendly yet maintaining the professional poise with assertiveness

  33. APPRAISAL GRID Dependability definition & EXAMPLES • Share and align the institutions/company’s goals and values • Accept responsibility for own actions, decision and directions to subordinates • Respond quickly to pressing organizational demands

  34. APPRAISAL GRID Grooming definition & EXAMPLES • Dress up and culture appropriately

  35. APPRAISAL GRID Motivation definition & EXAMPLES • Candidate as self motivated and readily adapt into environment and be capable of performing according to standard or being willing to overachieve goals

  36. Unit 4 Increasing “Interestingness” of Students

  37. Colleges want interesting students • Interesting does not equal to busy • The grown deep and tall rule, in one place and be a tree • The impact of Accomplishment - School, Community, National or International Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  38. Colleges want interesting students • Rules of “Interestingness” • If you can explain easily the accomplishment, it is more likely to impress (even when English is not super good) • Interesting does not equal passionate • Interesting equals commitment, for e.g. running own business with employees and all clients writing recommendation letters for you • Interesting equals impact, for e.g. put in root to something you are doing like being in the Hong Kong Drama festival for the past XX years Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  39. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 10 : Prepare for ACT and SAT Tests • Summer is a great time to take a course or get some tutoring to help improve those scores when you take the tests in the fall. Even working diligently with a good preparation book will help you learn the strategies and remind yourself of the content you will be expected to know Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  40. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 9 : Take a Summer Class • Nothing shows that you’re serious about academic work like dedicating a portion of your summer to intellectual pursuits. Whether it’s a high school class you take to get a requirement out of the way, a community college course, or something offered by various prestigious universities like Harvard or Syracuse, you’ll give yourself a bit of an edge by by keeping your brain active over the summer Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  41. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 8 : Start Those Essays • Most students underestimate the difficulty of writing a solid essay. Start on a draft or two now, and show your prose to people who know you well. Gather their ideas, revise, and tighten. Those who leave these for the last minute come to regret their procrastination. Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  42. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 7 : Get a Job • Fewer and fewer students understand the value of hard work. Holding down a job can not only earn you extra running-around money, it can also teach you things about commitment, responsibility, and leadership. Better yet, start your own lawn mowing, child care, or house sitting service: every college loves an entrepreneur . Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  43. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 6 : Volunteer • Community service is more and more a requirement on college applications. The important thing is to find a cause you care about and dedicate a significant chunk of time to the organization. Serving one meal at a homeless shelter is not as good as organizing a weekly musical concert at a nursing home with some of your musician friends. Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  44. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 5 : Organize Your College Visits • While many students visit colleges in the summer, campuses become ghost towns during June, July, and August. So spend some time this summer planning trips in the fall to the campuses on your list. Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  45. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 4 : Get out there and play ! • If you’re an athlete, keep working on your sport and your physical training. If you’re a musician, practice and perform wherever possible. If you’re an actor, audition for summer productions. Whatever your passion and pastime, use the unstructured time of summer to pursue your interests and to be your best . Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  46. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 3 : Organize your continuing college search • Most students underestimate the volume of information that requires organization during the admissions process. Make files for the colleges that interest you. Contact admissions offices and let them know of your interest. Get all your documents (transcripts, test scores, recommendations, certificates of merit, your resume) together in a single notebook. Sign up for the Common Application and fill in the basic information. The more you do now, the less crazed the school year will be. Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  47. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 2 : Read • Go to the library. Sit under a tree, or on the beach, or in a mountain valley, and read. A good story will transport you to a different world. Plus, it’s a proven fact that students who read more do better on standardized tests. So in addition to the drudgery of test prep (see Number 10 above), make preparation more fun by reading a classic novel or two. Plus, being able to talk intelligently about a book you read on your own will look great in an admissions interview ! Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  48. Colleges want interesting students • Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission • Number 1 : Make time for Yourself and your Family • Summer is for fun. All of the items above (okay, well maybe not the test prep) can be fun and rewarding experiences, if you structure them well and keep organized. Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission. Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

  49. Reference Websites 升學就業輔導： http://www.edb.gov.hk/cgs 勞工處：http://www.labour.gov.hk/ 青少年見習就業計劃：www.ywets.labour.gov.hk 香港人力資源管理學會: www.hkihrm.org HRM Asia: www.hrmasia.com HRM TV: http://image.keymedia.com.au/image/hrmasia/newsletter/hrmasia_tv.html 49

  50. Thank you !

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