This can also help you get a more accurate picture of the individual. It might surprise you to see how much that person has done outside of your personal contact with them. Have the person give you a list of accomplishments, organizations that he/she belongs to, or any other relevant information. On the other hand, if you feel you qualify, brainstorm with the requester so you can write what he or she wishes to be said, and be sensitive to his/her deadlines. Can you honestly write positive things about the person who has requested the letter? If not, you should bow out gracefully at the beginning. You should also let each writer know about your subsequent success and how much their letters helped you to attain your goal.Īgreeing to Write a Reference Letter/Letter of ReferenceĪre you the right person to write a reference letter? If you are asked to write a letter of reference, you may need to discuss this subject with the requester. Once you receive your reference letters, send the writers thank-you notes.If you don't receive your reference letters within 10 days of your conversations with the prospective writers, you may need to contact them to confirm that each is aware of your deadlines. When you send your follow-up letter, be sure to also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. In your letter it may be helpful to suggest specific phrases or sentences that the writer could put in your letter. Follow up your request with a review of your conversation in writing.Now is the time to point out your accomplishments!
A reference letter is a sales letter that is intended to sell you. Tell the people who agree to write letters for you about your goals and what they could write that would help you to achieve those goals.Be sure to give the people you ask enough time to write the reference letter-a week to 10 days should be sufficient.Ask for a reference letter from people who know you and your capabilities, such as former employers, teachers, coaches, community or corporate leaders, influential friends who have known you a long time, etc.Requesting a Reference Letter/Letter of Reference Before you request a reference letter, here are a few things to keep in mind: Primarily, a reference letter is used to introduce a person and vouch for his integrity, character, and abilities. A reference letter is essentially the same as a recommendation letter but the reference letter is sent to an unknown employer, whereas a recommendation letter is sent to a known employer. In either case, the information in this article can make both requesting and writing the letter easier. You may be a person requesting a reference letter, or you may be a person writing a reference letter. Mention how and why the student stands out from their peers, particularly if writing letters for others in the same competition.įurther details and instructions can be found in Tips on writing effective reference letters.Award-Winning, Nationally Recognized WriterĪn effective reference letter could mean the difference between a candidate's acceptance or rejection.Highlight previous accomplishments (explain the importance of awards and publications).poor grades during a term when they were ill, etc.). Explain any anomalies in the student’s record (e.g.Convince the selection committee that the proposal is valid and that the student is capable of successfully undertaking the research.Include details about the student's progress, initiative and success in the program.Include specific examples of the student's outstanding achievement(s).Are written with the knowledge that the audience will be other academics, but not necessarily in the same academic discipline.Are written by academics who know the student and their work well.Reference letters are critical to a fellowship or scholarship application, helping to distinguish an individual from a pack of outstanding applicants by highlighting unique strengths. Professors are often asked by students to write reference letters for funding opportunities.