1. How to Acquire a Award Wining Recommendation Letter

2. The Purpose of a Recommendation Letter
The goal of a recommendation letter is to give the judge a more complete and rounded view of the applicant.
Each letter should cover different material.
Professor- academics
Pastor- community
Supervisor- Service organization
Letters most of the time have NO word requirements. Use the space wisely.

3. Things you need to know!
Giving good tools to the writers is the key to receiving a great recommendation letter.
The hallmarks make a great foundation for most recommendation letters.
Start your packet with the recommendation letters.
Choose two to three faculty, administrators, advisors, or mentors to write versions of the letter.

4. The Vita-The Most Important Tool!
No lists! – You need details and impact.
Focus the vita on items pertaining to the letter the faculty member or administrator is writing.

5. The Packet
The award cover sheet with the requirements and for the part they are writing highlighted.
The focused Vita
Extra notes pertaining to events and items you have done especially for them.
A typed sheet with your contact information and the dead line of when you need the letter.
The whole packet should be in a manila envelope with your contact information and the dead line on the outside.

6. Communicating with The Writer
Make an appointment during their office hours.
If the recommending writer wants so help, but has not time.
You or your advisor can approach them about you writing the letter.
Go over the packet with the writer answering their questions and giving them any suggestions.
Follow up in a few days.

7. When You Get The Letters Back
Check them
Did the writer cover the requirements?
Grammar
Detail
Impact
Have someone you trust to review the letter.
Advisor
Mentor

8. What to do if the letter is poorly written?
Talk to the faculty member or administrator about the letter.
If you don't feel comfortable talking with them about changes, ask your advisor to help as they are the writer’s colleague.
One of the reason we had several people write letters.

9. Important Last Steps
Make a copy of everything! You may want that person to write you another letter. It will help them remember what they wrote.
Write a note thanking them for effort! You may want that person to write you another letter.

10. Texas Region Alumni Association
David Olmstead
Alumni at Large
of the
Texas Region Alumni Association