Peer Corner: How to go about getting that Letter of Recommendation

Just realized that you are going to need a letter of recommendation? Or are you anticipating that a graduate school or job will ask you for one down the road? No Problem! First thing’s first – you will need to become informed about what the program expects and hopes to learn from your letters of recommendation. This can vary depending on if it is a grad school application, a scholarship, or maybe a job application.

There are generally 3 different types of Letter of Recommendations:

Employment recommendation: Usually from a past supervisor or a professional acquaintance for a particular job

Academic recommendation: From a teacher or professor when applying to a college or graduate school, or receiving a scholarship or fellowship

Character reference: An assessment of your personality and character from a friend or relative when applying for a job, winning an award, child adoption, a court hearing, etc.

Now remember that when choosing the individual to write your letter, you might want to reflect on a few things first. Here are a few key factors to assess in determining if the letter writer is a fit:

· Is the person comfortable writing a letter for you?

· Can they write well and write easily?

· Do they have experience writing letters of recommendation?

· Is she/he familiar with your work, and YOU?

· Do they know you well enough to be able to include personal anecdotes or specifics in the letter?

· Do they have the highest and/or most relevant job title?

Being a college student, your options for letter writers may revolve around asking a Professor, a GSI, or your current employer/supervisor. One key tip is to remember to attend your professor’s office hours and build a strong student-teacher relationship. This will allow your letter of recommendation may reflect who you are as a student and as a unique individual, not simply as a letter grade. If you choose to go with your GSI, your professor does have the option of co-signing the letter.

When approaching your letter writer, it is best if you first ask them whether they would feel comfortable writing you a letter. You should also attempt to ask your letter writer to write you a recommendation 2-3 months in advance if possible (at least one month!). You never know how busy they might be, and similarly you always want to give them a reasonable deadline.

After choosing your letter writer, you should provide him or her with as much information about yourself as possible. You definitely want to give them a brief description of the organization, group, individual, or cause to whom they are writing to, i.e. a website or program/company description. Also be sure to include your resume, possibly a short summary about yourself and your goals (or a draft of your personal statement or application essay). If approaching a professor, it is also helpful to give them a copy of your transcripts and a sample of high quality work that you completed in their class, i.e. a research paper, assignment, or midterm that you scored well on. Basically, provide them with any information that could assist them writing a strong letter that properly matches your personality and experiences to the context of the program or position you are applying to. Last but not least, don’t forget to thank your letter writer for their precious time!

Check out more tips at the Career Center Website Here!

By Peer: Ariana Torres: 2nd Year, Interdisiplenary Studies Field and Dance