The Career Development Center - Tips for Writing Letters of Reference

Home Page Career Planning Choosing a Major What Can I Do With a Major in? Career Planning Four Year Plan Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen Graduate School Graduate/Professional School Exploring Graduate School Graduate Fair Graduate School Links Factors to Consider Application Process Typical Admission Requirements Timetable/Checklist Financial Aid Credential Folder Job Searching Links Preparing for Employment Job Searching Prepare to Look Prepare to Search Job Search Follow Up Job Searching Links Resumes Tips Typical Info Resume Checklist Resume Starters Quick Guide (PDF) Resume PowerPoint Presentation Cover Letters Cover Letter PowerPoint Presentation Credential Folders Establish a Folder Contents Job Search Videos Interviewing Before the Interview During the Interview After the Interview Follow Up Sample Thank You Letter Keeping Records & Organized Sizing Up An Employer Sample Interview Questions General Questions Questions for Teacher Candidates Questions for Employers Thank You Letters Sample Thank You Letter Ethics Employment Opportunities Fulltime Jobs for Students Fulltime Jobs (For Employers) Job and Internship Vacancy List Teacher Recruitment Days Job Searching Links On Campus Recruiting Internships Student Employment Services Part-Time Job Opportunities Employment Paperwork Part-time Job Postings On-Campus Employers Off-Campus Employers Recruiters School Recruiters Fall Graduate Fair Employers/Recruiters Advertising Jobs Full Time Jobs Part Time Jobs On Campus Recruiting Alumni Survey Class of 2009-2010 Alumni Survey Class of 2010-2011 Alumni Survey About Career Development Mission Statement Office Hours & Location CDC Staff Services Career Library Recruiters Faculty Students Staff Contact CDC Site Map Career Development Center 110 Netzer Admin. Building SUNY College at Oneonta Oneonta, NY 13820 (607) 436-2534 career@oneonta.edu Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
	Tips for Writing Letters of Reference
	In today's competitive job market, job applicants are forced to use every available tool to be successful. A letter of recommendation must be taken seriously. It could mean the difference between being hired or being rejected. 1. The appearance of a letter is a reflection on both you and the candidate and it can also determine whether it will be read or not. Please type your recommendation, put on official letterhead, and mail it directly to the Career Development Center. Do not give it to the student to deliver. 2. Include your affiliation/relationship with the person. Were you a supervisor? President of the company? Adviser? Professor? It is important to indicate this because a professor may see the academic skills while a supervisor may be able to identify work habits. 3. Give honest and factual information. When approached to write a recommendation, ask yourself if you honestly know the person's qualities. If you have not had much contact with the person you cannot give an accurate description. It would be better to decline to write a recommendation than to write a vague or irrelevant one. 4. Have the person give you a list of accomplishments, organizations that he/she belongs to, or any other relevant information. It might surprise you to see how much that person has done outside of your contact with them. This can also help you get a more accurate picture of the individual. Having the person give you a copy of his/her resume is an easy way to have this information at hand. 5. Concentrate on several different aspects of the person. Specifically identify his/her skills, attitudes, personal attributes, and growth, as well as his/her contributions to and performance within your organization. Also, if you do make negative comments, back them up with facts. 6. Don't reference characteristics that can be the basis of discrimination, such as race, color, nationality, gender, religion, age, appearance, any handicapping condition, marital or parental status, or political point of view. 7. Beware of the power of words! Some words seem harmless in every day conversation, but carry positive or negative connotations to a prospective employer. Avoid bland words such as: nice, good, fairly, reasonable, decent, satisfactory Use powerful words such as: articulate, effective, sophisticated, intelligent, observant, significant, expressive, creative, efficient, cooperative, imaginative, assertive, dependable, mature, innovative 8. The following list of attributes (compiled by the National Association of Colleges and Employers) is often listed by employers as tools on which to base eventual selection. So, these are excellent points to address: ability to communicate, intelligence, self-confidence, willingness to accept responsibility initiative, leadership, energy level, imagination, flexibility, interpersonal skills, self-knowledge ability to handle conflict, goal achievement, competitiveness, appropriate vocational skills direction. 9. A recent national publication (1991 ASCUS Annual) listed the following eight intangibles as important when evaluating teaching candidates: empathy, native intelligence, a divergent, abstract thinking style, a high level of commitment, the ability to be a "self-starter," a high energy level, the recognition that excellence is a journey, not a destination, and the potential ability to lead. 10. Please return the recommendation promptly, because a job may depend on the punctuality of the recommendation. Points to Consider in Writing Recommendations for Teacher Candidates: The recommendation should be related to the generic competencies as listed below: 1. Demonstrates adequate knowledge and understanding of the teaching subject. 2. Plans effectively for instruction. 3. Effectively uses instructional methods and materials. 4. Effectively evaluates student performance in relation to instructional objectives. 5. Creates an effective learning environment. 6. Maintains a satisfactory level of student interest. 7. Establishes a level of control that permits effective learning. 8. Communicates effectively. 9. Shows flexibility in adapting to various classroom situations. 10. Works responsibly and effectively with colleagues and supervisors. 11. Exhibits poise and self-confidence. 12. Respects the needs and feelings of others. Where to send your letter: Career Development Center 110 Netzer Administration Building SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY 13820
	For more information about the above or any of the programs and services offered through the Career Development Center, contact the Center in 110 Netzer, phone: (607) 436-2534, e-mail: career@oneonta.edu.
	Return to the Career Development Home Page