Yes, it is that time of the year again when current/former students near and far start to contact teachers and request letters of reference. The letter of reference request usually has three components to it:
1. The actual request for a letter to help obtain a scholarship, internship, job, and so forth;
2. A resume that is to be used by the teacher to write the letter of reference, and;
3. The deadline of one to three days!
Like many of you, I am a strong advocate of providing letters for those who have proven themselves to be great students in class or did a great job as Teaching Assistant but the later it gets in the term/semester the more impossible it becomes drop everything, review a resume, and craft an individualized letter in the short time requested.
However, I have learned a way to oblige student requests for a letter of reference with a quick turnaround time. No, it is not a form letter and if doing that please stop. I simply request that students start the letter and address it to whomever it is to be sent and then write two paragraphs about themselves and their accomplishments they would like to be communicated to those reviewing it for the stated purpose. They are then to send the draft to me as a word attachment.
I then take their draft letter and add an introduction about myself, how I know the student, and then add a paragraph or two of my own about the qualities of the student that make them deserving of the prize they are seeking. I also revise the paragraphs they have written so that they no longer "walk on water!"
I then send the letter back to the student to read and approve before printing off on department letterhead, signing, and dropping it in the mail.
I hope this technique helps you write letters of reference in a quicker, more effective manner, too. If anyone else has tips on writing reference letters please send to Mick La Lopa for posting on a future blog if interested.
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