Helping You Get Started With Letters of Recommendation

It is never too soon to prepare for scholarship applications or future job applications.  Having all the right information ready to complete the needed forms shows that you are organized and worthy of a second look.  What you share about yourself in these instances is very important, but what other people share about you can be a deal breaker.  A letter of recommendation related to the application or position you are applying for can be the finishing touch to a great personal introduction established in the completed application.

Set yourself up for success by thinking about the type of recommendation letter you will need.  Carefully selecting someone to write a letter of recommendation is just as important as the letter. If a letter addressing your academic achievement is needed consider a school counselor or teacher.  If a letter addressing your leadership and community service actions is needed consider a club advisor, school administrator, or organization related to your community service project.  If a letter for recommendation is needed for employment, consider a teacher or school staff member that is familiar with your employability skills: punctuality, communication, and professionalism. A past employer is an appropriate choice if they are able to speak to the items you need addressed in the letter.  Do not select someone to write a letter of recommendation without careful thought about how they will represent you in the letter.

Follow these simple rules of etiquette when asking for that highly desired letter of recommendation:

1. Respectfully ask the teacher/counselor/administrator/advisor/employer if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. If the person says no, it doesn’t mean they don’t like you or care about you.  They may legitimately feel they don’t know you well enough to write a good letter on your behalf.
2. Always give the person writing your recommendation at least three weeks notice so that they can spend the time required to do the job properly.  Remember, this person may be writing many other letters of recommendation at the same time.  It is in your best interest to give them adequate time to think and write. Be specific about the date that you will need the letter completed.
3. Give the recommender a file folder labeled on the front with your name, inside the file include a list of activities and organizations you have been involved in.  This list can be used as information in the body of the letter.  A recent resume is also a great resource.  Include an addressed, stamped envelope if the letter is to go directly to the institution offering the scholarship. Do not include any outdated information in this file.
4. Thank the person verbally – and then follow up with a written note of thanks.  Writing these letters is a huge task that most people take very seriously. Doing it right takes a lot of time and thought.  They deserve sincere, heartfelt thanks.

Once you have asked for a letter of recommendation and your person has accepted, there may be some questions concerning how to best write the letter.  You are welcome to share the following brief guidelines with your letter writer.

Letters of recommendation should include:

1. Contact information of the person writing the letter (address and phone numbers).
2. Date
3. Addressed: To Whom It May Concern.
4. First paragraph: explain in what capacity the individual knows the student (teacher, counselor, advisor, family friend).
5. Second paragraph: describe skills/abilities they have observed.
6. Third paragraph: describe personal characteristics that would enable the student to be a good candidate for the scholarship or employee.
7. Finally, would YOU (the letter writer) recommend the student?
8. Signature as well as typed name at the bottom of the letter.

Following these simple steps above will show your letter writer that you are organized and committed to the process of getting the scholarship or the job.  Make sure the person is aware of your strong interest in getting the scholarship or job. Nobody signs their name to something they are not proud of; their support for you and your endeavors will shine in the letter when they know how you will benefit from their help.

High School . Students