Writing Recommendation Letters

As a faculty member at Andrews University, you may be approached by students to write recommendation letters for various academic and professional opportunities. Writing a strong recommendation letter is an important task that can significantly impact a student's chances of success. This document provides guidelines for faculty on how to write effective recommendation letters.

1. Understand the Purpose and Context of the Recommendation Letter: The first step in writing a recommendation letter is to understand the purpose and context of the letter. The letter may be required for graduate school applications, internships, job applications, or other academic and professional opportunities. It's important to know the specific requirements of the opportunity, the expectations of the organization or institution receiving the letter, and the qualities and experiences that are relevant to the opportunity.
2. Request Information from the Student: Before writing the letter, ask the student for information such as their resume, transcript, personal statement, and the specific requirements of the opportunity. This information can help you tailor the letter to the student's qualifications and the requirements of the opportunity.
3. Start with a Positive and Personal Introduction: Begin the letter with a positive and personal introduction. Mention how you know the student, how long you have known them, and what courses or projects you have worked on together. Include positive and specific characteristics that you have observed in the student.
4. Highlight the Student's Qualifications: Provide specific examples of the student's qualifications that are relevant to the opportunity. Mention academic achievements, leadership experiences, work experience, and other qualities that make the student a strong candidate. Provide examples and anecdotes that illustrate these qualities.
5. Be Honest and Balanced: Be honest and balanced in your evaluation of the student. Highlight both the student's strengths and areas for improvement. Provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, while maintaining a positive and supportive tone.
6. Conclude with a Strong Recommendation: Conclude the letter with a strong recommendation for the student. Use strong and positive language and highlight the student's potential for success in the opportunity. Provide your contact information and encourage the recipient to contact you for further information.
7. Review and Edit: Review and edit the letter for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Make sure the letter is concise, well-organized, and free of errors. Ask a colleague or mentor to review the letter for feedback and suggestions.

By following these guidelines, you can write effective recommendation letters that can significantly impact a student's success.

Additional Resources

The Andrews University Career Center encourages faculty providing reference or recommendation letters to be familiar with and incorporate the guidelines developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). NACE also provides a  sample reference letter and you can customize this Recommendation Letter Template for your purposes.