1. Letters of Recommendation
Martha Montello, Ph.D.
Director, Writing Consult Center

2. Step One: Are you the right person to write the letter?
Must be 1) candid and
2) knowledgeable

3. Step Two: Get information
About who will be receiving the letter. Will help determine what areas to focus on.
About you’re the subject of your letter. Do you need more information?

4. Opening Body Conclusion
Suggested format
Opening
Body
Conclusion

5. Opening Your qualifications:
Your professional position, how you know the applicant, length of your relationship, & other pertinent info that builds your credibility.
Overview:
Your general impressions of the applicant.

6. Body Provide specific information about the candidate:
Personal characteristics
Special abilities: E.g. problem solving &
teamwork.
Specific strengths or experiences: E.g.
strong background in research.

7. Body Cover one candidate quality in each paragraph.
Use specific examples. May be a short narrative. Generalized praise is wasted, or worse.
Keep the Body to 2-3 paragraphs.

8. Conclusion Briefly encapsulate previous points.
Clearly state the degree to which you recommend the candidate.
End with strength without overdoing it.
Encourage the reader to contact you for additional information.

9. Letters of Recommendation Guidelines
Be specific. Don’t just praise in generalities.
Differentiate. Say how he/she is unlike other people. Cite specific strengths.
Compare. When writing to someone who
shares context with you, name names.

10. Letters of Recommendation Guidelines
Be plausible.
Don’t be too brief.
Proofread!!!