Writing a letter of recommendation is not a easy task and must be taken seriously. It can mean the difference between being hired or being rejected. The following are suggestions on how to be an effective evaluator.
Salutation
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Utilize your department's official letterhead.
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Provide a generic beginning to any reference letter.
Introduction
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Indicate the applicant's name and the position they are applying for.
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Include your affiliation/relationship with the person. Were you a supervisor? Advisor? Professor?
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Describe your qualifications for comparing the applicant to other applicants.
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Discuss how well you know the applicant.
Body of Letter
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Direct the body of your letter to the most important things listed in the job description, graduate application, scholarship letter.
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Support your comments with examples, quantify your examples (what resulted from their work), and avoid generalities.
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Concentrate on several aspects of the person. Specifically identify his/her skills, attitudes, professional attributes and growth, as well as his/her contributions to and performance within your organization. GIVE EXAMPLES OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION.
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Keep it concise. The people who receive these letters most likely have a number to review.
Closure
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Close with the applicant's potential in his or her chosen field.
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Type your recommendation letter. Appearance of the letter is a reflection on both you and the candidate.
Letter of Recommendation Worksheet