sample reference letter
TIP of recommendation
When reading a sample recommendation
letter, try to put yourself in the position of who-ever is going to read it, keeping in mind that you
could be reading the letter late at night or when
you are pressed for time. Ask yourself which let-ters stand out and then use them as models for
your own letters.
Don’t make the letter too short, because
it will give the reader a negative impression of the
candidate. Letters of recommendation should be
between one and two pages.
A final statement summarizing your en-thusiasm for the candidate is often very useful in
focusing the reader’s attention on your conclusions
and your excitement for candidate.
If the candidate is a good scientist but bet-ter suited, say, for a faculty position at some schools
and not others, some researchers handwrite that
perception on top of the standard letter to those
“other” schools. This way they still help the can-didate obtain a faculty job without harming their
reputation for good judgment.
Write a letter of recommendation for any
candidate, male or female, and then switch all the
pronouns to the opposite gender. Read the letter
over and ask yourself: Does it sound odd? If it does,
you should probably change the terms used.
It is usually a good idea to ask people you
would like as references if they feel that they can
write a “positive letter” of support for you. If they
say no, it is better to know it now rather than after
you don’t get the job
If you get the position, make sure that
the reference writer knows it and then thank the
person formally with a note. Who knows, there may
come a time when you will want to ask this person
for a recommendation letter again!
