WEEK 26Turn in: Week 25 Time Sheet (2/2 – 2/8/14) Assignment: “Self Letter of Recommendation” Copy of January Pay Stub (or February)This Week: Week 26 Time Sheet (2/9 – 2/15/14) Fill in letter of rec solicitation sheetOver due Resumé Cover Letter Thank You Letter Training Plan and Agreement

LETTER OF

RECOMMENDATION

What you need to know before you ask……..

WHAT IS A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?

A letter written on your behalf Can be written by a teacher,

employer, counselor, etc Your referrer recommends you to the

school, job or scholarship you are applying to.

You are often not allowed to see what the referrer writes.

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WHY ARE THEY NECESSARY?

They help future employers or schools get a better picture of you.

They can emphasize non-academic accomplishments.

They explain why you will be an asset from someone who knows you.

Most will require 1-3 as part of the application.

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HOW TO WRITE COMPELLING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONJennifer L. Bloom, Ed.D.Associate Dean for Student Affairs & the Medical Scholars ProgramUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaignjlbloom@uiuc.edu244-1512

OVERVIEW

Importance of Letters of Recommendation (L of Rs)

What you need to ask students to provide

Tips for writing letters How to diplomatically say no to a

request Sample good and bad letters

IMPORTANCE OF LORS “A L of R is a letter that makes a

statement of support for a candidate….(it) should also present a well-documented evaluation, providing sufficient evidence and information to help a selection committee in making its decision.”

Typically the letters are given a lot of weight in the decision

Can be as important or more important than other components of the application

Allows the reader to get a clear idea of what the person is “really” like

WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO PROVIDE YOU

At least 2 weeks notice Deadline for submitting the letter Complete information about the job,

school or award

TIPS FOR WRITING GOOD LETTERS Put yourself in the shoes of the recipient of the

letter – what would you be seeking? Provide specific details about their strengths Compare the student with others that you have

known Share stories that illustrate the student’s

qualities Potential topics: student’s potential,

professionalism, interpersonal & leadership skills, passion for medicine, etc.

Write on official letterhead Proofread your letter – especially the student’s

name

FORMAT OF GOOD LETTERS

OpeningDear Program Director: Include student name Indicate the nature and length of your

relationship Body – use specific examples Closing –reiterate the strength of your

overall recommendation.Would you recruit this person if you were

hiring?

ASKING FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Making it easy for the writer

WHO SHOULD I ASK? Ask someone who knows you personally

and academically. Ask someone who knows about your career

plans. Ask someone who will write a strong letter. Ask someone who will complete the letter

on time. Check your application to see if they

require a specific person (counselor, teacher, etc.).

Good examples: teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, advisors, supervisors, etc.

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WHAT SHOULD I GIVE TO MY REFERRER?

A recommendation form from the school (if applicable)

The address to send it (an addressed and stamped envelope too!)

A list of accomplishments so they have something to work with

A way to contact you with questions Plenty of time before the deadline A big Thank You!

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HOW TO ASK?

If you know some of the faculty well, politely ask them to write you a letter and give them plenty of information.

If you aren’t very close with any school faculty, try one of the following statements:

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STARTERS: Hi. I am applying to ______ and am

looking for people to write me a letter of recommendation. I have a list of my interests and accomplishments to help. Would you be willing to write a letter on my behalf?

Hi. I am applying to _____ and was hoping you could write a letter of rec for me. If you need to know more about me, maybe we can meet after class? I have a list of my interests and accomplishments with me as well. 15

REFERENCES

Rochester, L., and Mandell, J. (1989). The one hour college applicant: You don’t need to read a 300-page book to apply to college. Memphis: Mustang Publishing Company.

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QUESTIONS??17