Faculty and Staff
Writing Letters of Reference - Tips
If you have been asked to complete a letter of reference for a student, here are some tips designed to assist you when preparing the letter.
- If you cannot write a positive letter of recommendation or if you have not had enough contact with the student that you can accurately describe his qualities, decline to write the letter.
- If you agree to write the letter, ask for any information from the student that can help you write it,
such as a resume or transcripts.
- Indicate your relationship to the student, including how long and in what
capacity you have known them.
- If you taught the student in a class, compare the student's academic performance
with that of their peers.
- Connect the student's experience and characteristics to the position for which the student is applying. It is very important to include examples where possible.
- Indicate how you can be contacted for further information (list address, phone number, and e-mail address).
- The letter should be one to two pages in length, written on departmental stationary, and include your title and signature.
- Make sure you are aware of the deadline and where the finished letter needs to be sent.