1. WORKSHOP
Intensive Workshop on 'Writing Persuasive Recommendation Letters in English for Students'
Lam Yan, Shirley

2. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
To familiarize serving Secondary School Teachers with the skills in writing Recommendation letters;
To provide a variety of good and updated samples, i.e. past recommendation samples for reference/analysis of teachers in writing recommendation letters for students;
To provide Human Resources Terminology in line with Human Resources Language in order to strengthen Teachers’ capability in writing professional Recommendation Letter so as to improve students’ chance for better securing study/employment opportunities.

3. WORKSHOP CONTENT
Factors driving to Recommendation Letter for School Applications/Employment
Components to a Recommendation Letter
Appraisal Grid
Increasing Student “interestingness”

4. Unit 1 FACTORS DRIVING TO RECOMMENDATION LETTERS FOR
SCHOOL APPLICATIONS/EMPLOYMENT

5. FACTOR #1
"When choosing someone to write a letter of recommendation, don’t get wrapped up in title
You want someone who can write the recommendation letter and at the same time really answer the questions.
You want someone who knows what you have done and provide insight into your potential to be a future leader.“
(Wendy Huber, the Associate Director of Admissions at the Darden School of Business)
Source :

6. FACTOR #2
"The two letters of recommendation that you submit should be professional in nature.
Your recommenders may be anyone (former supervisors/tutors of summer internship/exchange programme, etc.) who is able to comment on your personal qualities, career potential, and potential to succeed ….
Recommenders should know you personally and be familiar with your work history, credentials, and career aspirations.“
(Christina Mabley, Director of Admissions at McCombs School of Business)
Source :

7. FACTOR #3 Critical Qualities Sense of commitment and being responsible
Team Player
Steep Learning curve
Flexible
Trustworthy
Proactive
Common sense
Self motivated : Self + immediate Manager + know the boundaries
Interestingness of the Student

8. FACTOR #4 Reference vs. Recommendation
It is very important to note the differences between Reference Letter and Recommendation Letter.
A Reference Letter is a document you could provide to all students. The Reference Letter includes details such as Student’s name, year period that student studied in school and other general factual information
A Recommendation Letter has many meanings to it. To start with, if you have decided to write up a Recommendation Letter for student application to employment/school application, you have to be prepared to act as the Reference checking point as well. A Recommendation includes an appraisal of the student

9. Factor #4 Reference vs. Recommendation
To provide a Recommendation is to provide a comment for recommending or highly recommending a person to a School or an Organization.
Therefore it is very important for you to know the student very well to be able to do that.
Meanwhile, the comments provided in the recommendation letter must be positive and constructive.
The purpose of the recommendation letter is for aiding the student to get the school/job.
Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter samples
On “Positive touch to writing” then to Group Exercise Worksheet #1

10. Factor #4 Reference vs. Recommendation
Signing the Recommendation Letter – To sign off for the letter meaning you understand and is agreeable to the fact and the content of the letter

11. FACTOR #5 Etiquette
You have to know someone really well to commit to writing the recommendation letter while at the same time possibly be one of your reference checking point
Former supervisors/tutors, etc.
Your Teacher/Professor
Some students send me their Personal Statement as reference, it helps a lot
Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter samples
On “Be the Reference Checking point”

12. FACTOR #5 Etiquette
Write and Talk to the person writing your recommendation in person
is not recommended
In person is highly recommended or if not possible at least call the person before sending the material by mail over
Provide basic details to the person writing your recommendation letter such as
What schools are you applying for ?
What is your aspiration ?
When is the deadline for submitting the letter ?

13. IMPORTANT Important to highlight student’s strength
Recommendation letter should be tailor made
Insightful appraisal of the student
To ensure formality use letter head of the organization/school you are representing
Be crisp and to the point

14. RECOMMENDATION LETTER
Unit 2
COMPONENTS TO A
RECOMMENDATION LETTER

15. Components 1st Paragraph & SAMPLE
A paragraph or sentence explaining how you know the person you are writing to recommend and the nature of your relationship with them
Your connection to the person recommended
How you got to know the person recommended
How you have known the person recommended
Your position writing the recommendation letter
Sample : I have been Loretta’s Instructor for the school year 2008 – 2009 at the XXXX College. During Term 1 from September 2008 to December 2008, Loretta was on my XXXX class. For Term 2 starting January 2009, Loretta is currently on my XXXX Class.
Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 1st Paragraph

16. Components 2nd Paragraph & SAMPLE
A paragraph or sentence to set the stage
Sample : Based on Loretta’s academic performance, academic results; achievements at the XXXX College and her personality, I would highly recommend Loretta to your reputable Company for the position of XXXX. Loretta will be a very outstanding member to your reputable company should she be offered the position. I am confident that Loretta will be an important asset to your company.

17. Components 3rd Paragraph And on & SAMPLE
An honest evaluation of the person's skills and accomplishments. Try to include specific examples.
An appraisal of why you would recommend the student
Should include wordings like “highly recommend” or “recommend without reservation”
Sample : I would like to recommend Loretta to your reputable organization without reservation. For the purpose of her application to your reputable company, below is my appraisal on Loretta.
During Loretta’s endeavor at the XXXX College, she had been Star Student Top List of the year 2008 – 2009 amongst 1000 students. She has also been Champion of the Inter school Basket Competition for the year 2007 – She has also been House Captain of the Blue House

18. Components 3RD Paragraph And on : Sample #2
Sample : I would like to recommend Loretta to your reputable organization without reservation. For the purpose of her application to your reputable company, below is my appraisal on Loretta.
Professional Capabilities – Result oriented : From the onset of Term 1, Loretta had shown herself to be very result oriented. Once she is assigned with an objective or task, she has very clear vision of what she needs to do and achieve that objective with zest.
Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter
Sample : 2nd Paragraph & 3rd Paragraph

19. Components 4th Paragraph & SAMPLE
A statement or summary that explains why you would recommend the person you are writing about.
Sample : The thing I treasured most about Loretta is her independence and her willingness to learn more and to be stretched outside of her comfort zone in order to strive herself towards success after success.
Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter
Sample : 4th Paragraph

20. Recommendation Letter Last Paragraph
Support both in terms of recommendation letter and also the Reference Check
Allow Employers to contact you, should a reference be required of the student
Sample : Should you require further information or details, please do not hesitate to contact undersigned at or at my address
Please refer to Worksheet #2 for Group Work

21. Unit 3
APPRAISAL GRID

22. APPRAISAL GRID A Spectrum of judgment
Extraordinary
Exceptional
Excellent
Outstanding
Marvelous
Great
Admirable
Remarkable
Incomparable
Brilliant
Significant
Superlative
Notable
First-rate
Terrific
surprising
Unique
Wonderful
Striking

23. APPRAISAL GRID GOOD ATTITUDE definition
In the workplace
proactively taking the initiative in ensuring that department’s processes are well updated in benefiting your own department and other related departments
being willing to step into Manager, Co-worker, Direct reports’ shoes in understanding their perspective and point of view
willing to empathize other department’s situation and taking the lead in “Quality Outputs Quality Inputs”

24. APPRAISAL GRID GOOD ATTITUDE EXAMPLES
Exceptional
1. Looks for reasons and ways to projects and ideas to succeed
2. Is enthusiastic about work and projects
3. Likes to collaborate and contribute
4. Puts team interests ahead of her individual interests
5. Cooperates with team members
6. Is realistically positive
7. Looks to optimize every situation
8. His ability to look on the bright side of any situation is illuminating

25. APPRAISAL GRID Team Player definition & EXAMPLES
seek to accomplish work goals through collaboration with others
Exceptional
1. Holds team goals clearly in mind
2. Will place team goals ahead of personal goals
3. Pitches in to team efforts where needed
4. Sees what needs to be done and does it
5. Shares expertise freely
6. Works effectively with others
7. Brings out the best in the team
8. Helps others to cooperate
9. Contributes to team discussions
10. Inspire others to cooperate

26. APPRAISAL GRID Analytical Skills definition & EXAMPLES
seek to resolve problems through teeing up of issues for solutions while persuading team or teams to arrive at consensus of pursuing with actions on solutions
Exceptional
1. Displays clear reasoning skills
2. Methodical in analyzing data and solving problems
3. Performs complex calculations with ease
4. Data analysis results in actionable conclusions
5. Comprehends complex data and issues and draws accurate conclusions
6. Develops deep and accurate insights from research
7. Maintains awareness of the big picture while accurately analyzing details
8. Objectively allows data to lead him to accurate conclusions
9. Stays focused on goals and objectives while analyzing relevant details

27. APPRAISAL GRID Problem Solving definition & EXAMPLES
Taking initiative in using good approaches in resolving problems or taking the lead in analyzing situation and problem quickly for solution
Exceptional
1. Identifies problems at their inception and analyzes them quickly to find a solution
2. Offers a variety of possible solutions for problems
3. Solves problems at their root cause
4. Solves problems before they become major
5. Carefully weighs pros and cons in every decision
6. Anticipates problems and finds solutions before the problem develops
7. Is not thrown off by problems but immediately looks for solutions
8. Sees problems as challenges and opportunities
9. Knows which problems to solve herself and which problems to delegate to subordinates and subject experts

28. APPRAISAL GRID Initiative definition & EXAMPLES
Taking a leadership role in championing a project in order to facilitate efficiency and effectiveness or to take on extra responsibilities with minimal instructions/ supervision
Exceptional
1. Sees what needs to be done and does it
2. Requires minimal supervision
3. Takes a leadership role when appropriate and needed
4. Seeks out and recognizes new opportunities
5. Takes charge in the absence of instructions
6. Does things without needing to be told
7. Anticipates and prepares for problems
8. Willingly tries new procedures
9. Creates opportunities for himself
10. Turn ideas into actions/results

29. APPRAISAL GRID Listening definition & EXAMPLES
Exhibit good listening skills and show interest to what the speaker is saying or trying to express or capable of reflecting back, nonverbal clues, acting enthusiastically, show encouragement and keeping a poker face
Exceptional
1. Pays careful attention when spoken to
2. Responses make it clear he listened well
3. Acknowledges what was said before making her own point
4. Attempts to understand before attempting to be understood
5. Makes a point of clarifying anything she finds unclear
6. Maintains excellent eye contact when someone else is speaking
7. Makes a point of ensuring the speaker feels heard
8. Avoids distractions when someone is speaking
9. Follows directions well
10. Listens so well she can summarize what we say better than we can say it

30. APPRAISAL GRID Prioritization definition & EXAMPLES
Demonstrate clear sense and capabilities in doing first thing first and be capable of organizing chores even under extreme pressure in meeting tight deadlines
Exceptional
1. Has a keen sense of priorities
2. Puts first things first
3. Efficiently manages competing priorities
4. Knows what matters most
5. Knows which requests to honor and which requests to decline
6. Does not waste time on nonessential activities
7. Prioritizes activities based on long term objectives
8. Eliminates activities that do not add value

31. APPRAISAL GRID Resourcefulness definition & EXAMPLES
Tapping problems with out of box ideas or finding surprise solutions to problem which saves resources while not compromising on results
Exceptional
1. Makes excellent use of both people and material resources
2. Finds surprising sources of information and resources
3. Finds ways to save resources without compromising outcome
4. Makes outstanding use of available resources
5. Accurately anticipates resources needed to avoid waste or shortage
6. Respects resource needs of other students/employees while meeting her own resource needs

32. APPRAISAL GRID Approachability definition
Being friendly yet maintaining the professional poise with assertiveness
Exceptional
1. Is easy to talk to
2. Welcomes questions
3. Invites input
4. Is available when needed
5. Creates a sense of safety and welcome for others
6. Inspires an open communication culture
7. Makes people feel at home

33. APPRAISAL GRID Dependability definition & EXAMPLES
Share and align the institutions/company’s goals and values
Accept responsibility for own actions, decision and directions to subordinates
Respond quickly to pressing organizational demands
Exceptional
1. Delivers as promised
2. Says what she will do and does what she says
3. Can be counted on to pitch in when needed
4. Sees projects and responsibilities through to completion
5. Meets deadlines
6. Is always prepared
7. Says what he means. Can be taken at his word.

34. APPRAISAL GRID Grooming definition & EXAMPLES
Dress up and culture appropriately
Exceptional
1. Looks professional
2. Appearance reflects positively on the organization
3. Grooming is flawless
4. Appearance projects a positive impression
5. Grooming is always appropriate for the occasion

35. APPRAISAL GRID Motivation definition & EXAMPLES
Candidate as self motivated and readily adapt into environment and be capable of performing according to standard or being willing to overachieve goals
Exceptional
1. Is highly self motivated
2. Works on projects with an excited gusto
3. Has a powerful sense of purpose
4. Translates ideas into action without hesitation
5. Is inspired to take action
6. She is motivated from within
7. He works with enthusiasm
8. Comes in early and leaves late, not because she has to but because she wants to
9. His enthusiasm is contagious
10. I never have to build a fire under her because the fire is burning inside her

36. Increasing “Interestingness” of Students
Unit 4
Increasing “Interestingness” of Students

37. Colleges want interesting students
Interesting does not equal to busy
The grown deep and tall rule, in one place and be a tree
The impact of Accomplishment - School, Community, National or International
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

38. Colleges want interesting students
Rules of “Interestingness”
If you can explain easily the accomplishment, it is more likely to impress (even when English is not super good)
Interesting does not equal passionate
Interesting equals commitment, for e.g. running own business with employees and all clients writing recommendation letters for you
Interesting equals impact, for e.g. put in root to something you are doing like being in the Hong Kong Drama festival for the past XX years
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

39. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 10 : Prepare for ACT and SAT Tests
Summer is a great time to take a course or get some tutoring to help improve those scores when you take the tests in the fall. Even working diligently with a good preparation book will help you learn the strategies and remind yourself of the content you will be expected to know
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

40. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 9 : Take a Summer Class
Nothing shows that you’re serious about academic work like dedicating a portion of your summer to intellectual pursuits. Whether it’s a high school class you take to get a requirement out of the way, a community college course, or something offered by various prestigious universities like Harvard or Syracuse, you’ll give yourself a bit of an edge by by keeping your brain active over the summer
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

41. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 8 : Start Those Essays
Most students underestimate the difficulty of writing a solid essay. Start on a draft or two now, and show your prose to people who know you well. Gather their ideas, revise, and tighten. Those who leave these for the last minute come to regret their procrastination.
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

42. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 7 : Get a Job
Fewer and fewer students understand the value of hard work. Holding down a job can not only earn you extra running-around money, it can also teach you things about commitment, responsibility, and leadership. Better yet, start your own lawn mowing, child care, or house sitting service: every college loves an entrepreneur .
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

43. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 6 : Volunteer
Community service is more and more a requirement on college applications. The important thing is to find a cause you care about and dedicate a significant chunk of time to the organization. Serving one meal at a homeless shelter is not as good as organizing a weekly musical concert at a nursing home with some of your musician friends.
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

44. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 5 : Organize Your College Visits
While many students visit colleges in the summer, campuses become ghost towns during June, July, and August. So spend some time this summer planning trips in the fall to the campuses on your list.
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

45. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 4 : Get out there and play !
If you’re an athlete, keep working on your sport and your physical training. If you’re a musician, practice and perform wherever possible. If you’re an actor, audition for summer productions. Whatever your passion and pastime, use the unstructured time of summer to pursue your interests and to be your best .
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

46. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 3 : Organize your continuing college search
Most students underestimate the volume of information that requires organization during the admissions process. Make files for the colleges that interest you. Contact admissions offices and let them know of your interest. Get all your documents (transcripts, test scores, recommendations, certificates of merit, your resume) together in a single notebook. Sign up for the Common Application and fill in the basic information. The more you do now, the less crazed the school year will be.
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

47. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 2 : Read
Go to the library. Sit under a tree, or on the beach, or in a mountain valley, and read. A good story will transport you to a different world. Plus, it’s a proven fact that students who read more do better on standardized tests. So in addition to the drudgery of test prep (see Number 10 above), make preparation more fun by reading a classic novel or two. Plus, being able to talk intelligently about a book you read on your own will look great in an admissions interview !
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

48. Colleges want interesting students
Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission
Number 1 : Make time for Yourself and your Family
Summer is for fun. All of the items above (okay, well maybe not the test prep) can be fun and rewarding experiences, if you structure them well and keep organized.
Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.
Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

49. Reference Websites 升學就業輔導： http://www.edb.gov.hk/cgs
勞工處：
青少年見習就業計劃：
香港人力資源管理學會:
HRM Asia:
HRM TV: 49

50. Thank you !