Preparing
a Letter
by
ResumeEdge.com
- The Net's Premier Resume Writing and Editing Service
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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