Getting and Giving Better Letters of Recommendation

1. Getting and Giving Better Letters of Recommendation Roberta Buckberg Career/Transfer Center Coordinator Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus roberta.buckberg@montgomerycollege.edu Montgomery College Scholarship Conference

2. Letters of Recommendation are Crucial for…. • School Applications • Scholarship Applications • Employment Applications

3. Good Choices for Recommenders Include: • Faculty Members (especially those the student has taken more than one class from) • Advisors (that have worked closely with students for an extended period) • Coaches • Employment Supervisors • Service Learning or Volunteer Supervisors

4. A Three Step Process • Asking for the letter • Composing the letter • Sending the letter

5. Step I: Asking for the Letter: This is the most critical step for the student! This may be the last time you impact what the letter will contain! • Think about who you will ask • ASK them • Provide them with complete information • The letter’s purpose • The institution or organization to which the letter is going • What is their focus or main concern • Your background • A brief resume • Previous work samples • Biography if relevant • Keep deadlines in mind

6. Step II: Composing the Letter: • This is the most critical step for the recommender! • BEFORE YOU WRITE THE LETTER… • If the student was not pro-active in Step I, this is your chance to help him/her learn how to approach Step I better! • Ask the student for • complete information about what the institution is looking for • copies of old assignments or papers • A resume or brief biography • Meet with the student to chat so that you can “jog” your memory about what made them “special” • Be honest…if you feel that you are not a good choice to write the letter, let the student know that and urge them to select another recommender who may know them better

7. Step II: Composing the Letter (cont’d): • Focus on the purpose of the letter • Be aware of organizational/institutional priorities • Respond to requirements asked for • Be specific – give details and examples • Do not just reiterate information already available • Avoid simply restating grades • talk about student…. attitude/dedication/intellectual curiosity and drive, etc. • Use official letterhead • Be formal without being boring • Keep it to one page or less (exceptions to this are rare) • Have someone else proofread the letter

8. Step III: Sending the Letter: • Carefully read any printed instructions • Some places want letters sent directly • Others want student to assemble packet • If direct mailing is required • Provide “recommender” with stamp & address OR • Stamped, pre-addressed envelope if desired • If student is assembling packet • Ensure that envelopes are signed • Organize everything in the packet carefully

9. A Final Word… • Students working in a class need to: • Have enough time to complete an assignment • Have enough information to complete it • Have all of the tools they need to complete it • Ask questions if they need to • Recommenders need the same things!