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Getting and Giving Better Letters of Recommendation Roberta Buckberg Career/Transfer Center Coordinator Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.

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Presentation on theme: "Getting and Giving Better Letters of Recommendation Roberta Buckberg Career/Transfer Center Coordinator Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus."— Presentation transcript:

1 Getting and Giving Better Letters of Recommendation Roberta Buckberg Career/Transfer Center Coordinator Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus roberta.buckberg@montgomerycollege.edu Montgomery College Scholarship Conference

2 Letters of Recommendation are Crucial for…. School Applications Scholarship Applications Employment Applications

3 Good Choices for Recommenders Include: Faculty Members (especially those the student has taken more than one class from) Advisors (that have worked closely with students for an extended period) Coaches Employment Supervisors Service Learning or Volunteer Supervisors

4 A Three Step Process 1.Asking for the letter 2.Composing the letter 3.Sending the letter

5 Step I: Asking for the Letter: This is the most critical step for the student! This may be the last time you impact what the letter will contain! Think about who you will ask ASK them Provide them with complete information  The letter’s purpose  The institution or organization to which the letter is going What is their focus or main concern  Your background A brief resume Previous work samples Biography if relevant Keep deadlines in mind

6 Step II: Composing the Letter: This is the most critical step for the recommender! BEFORE YOU WRITE THE LETTER… If the student was not pro-active in Step I, this is your chance to help him/her learn how to approach Step I better! Ask the student for  complete information about what the institution is looking for  copies of old assignments or papers  A resume or brief biography Meet with the student to chat so that you can “jog” your memory about what made them “special” Be honest…if you feel that you are not a good choice to write the letter, let the student know that and urge them to select another recommender who may know them better

7 Step II: Composing the Letter (cont’d): Focus on the purpose of the letter  Be aware of organizational/institutional priorities  Respond to requirements asked for  Be specific – give details and examples  Do not just reiterate information already available Avoid simply restating grades talk about student…. attitude/dedication/intellectual curiosity and drive, etc. Use official letterhead Be formal without being boring Keep it to one page or less (exceptions to this are rare) Have someone else proofread the letter

8 Step III: Sending the Letter: Carefully read any printed instructions  Some places want letters sent directly  Others want student to assemble packet If direct mailing is required  Provide “recommender” with stamp & address OR  Stamped, pre-addressed envelope if desired If student is assembling packet  Ensure that envelopes are signed  Organize everything in the packet carefully

9 A Final Word… Students working in a class need to: Have enough time to complete an assignment Have enough information to complete it Have all of the tools they need to complete it Ask questions if they need to Recommenders need the same things!


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