Getting Great Letters of

Recommendation Workshop

Presenter: R
icardo
Rodriguez
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d a y,
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 Agenda
🙡 Overview of letters of recommendation

🙡 Good vs. great letters of recommendation

🙡 Tips for getting great letters

🙡 Q&A
 Overview
🙡 What purpose do letters of
recommendation serve?

🙡 Types of recommendations

🙡 Foundation = relationships built over time

 Sample Letters
Review the good and outstanding letters.

Discuss:
🙡 What makes the outstanding letter more
effective?
 Good Letters vs. Great Letters

🙡 Indicate strong academic 🙡 Demonstrate that the

performance writer knows the student
🙡 List positive qualities of well
applicant 🙡 Indicate understanding of
🙡 Make general the letter’s purpose
recommendations 🙡 Give specific examples of
the student skills and
experiences relevant to
the opportunity
 Tips for Obtaining Great Letters

🙡 Network to build strong relationships

🙡 Pick the most strategic recommenders:

o Academic vs. professional references
o Alignment with program/scholarship goals

🙡 Give advance notice

Requesting the Letter

What’s
wrong with
this email?
 Tips for Obtaining Great Letters
When making a letter of recommendation request, include:
1. Description of program/job/scholarship

2. Exact wording of what should be covered in the letter -> skills,

qualifications and accomplishments to be highlighted

3. List of specific, relevant experience: class projects, research,

papers and grades for faculty; responsibilities and accomplishments
for supervisors

4. Resume, cover letter or personal statement used to apply

5. Deadline and specific submission instructions

6. Name and address of letter recipient

 Tips for Obtaining Great Letters

🙡 Communicate via one email trail

🙡 Be timely and responsive to additional

information requests from your reference

🙡 Show thanks!

🙡 Keep in touch
To illustrate…
Questions?