MindIt

letters of recommendation are crucial as they address the applicant beyond qualifications and achievements. It is more about how reliable a person and his skills. One should not ask a high ranking official to write a recommendation letter. This is depreciatory as this can be only achieved if the professional who will recommend knows one personally and professionally. The letter should be concise but comprehensive. Exaggerated statements and words are to be avoided.

Personal and professional facets are highlighted the most. They should be authentic and realistic. Never ask the referee what to mention and what not to. However, you may provide hints about the objectives of the letter. Mentioning some negative aspects makes a letter of recommendation more authentic and holistic.

The letters should corroborate the facts in your essays as well as interviews. A well-written letter of recommendation is not a matter of luck but rather of timing and planning. A letter of recommendation is an intimidating task for both the referee as well as the person asking for the reference. A few tips for the applicant to keep in mind.

Get started early in the admission cycle: Teachers or employers are busy, please give them enough time to write your recommendation. So start the process early.

Prepare a summary document: Give your referee details of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities and work experience details. Remind them of projects done, papers written, courses attended.

Seek an interview: There is nothing that can replace a face to face interaction to remind someone of your good communication skills, earnestness and other positive personality traits.

Follow up: Send a gentle reminder after a while; don’t badger but it is important to get the application in on time. So remind.

Thank you: Please do send a note of thanks. Anybody writing your recommendation has taken time off from his or her busy schedule so please them with a small token of gratitude.

The referee too needs to keep a few points in mind while writing the letter.

• limit your letter of reference to one page only.
• Clarify the relationship between the writer and the applicant.
• Define the nature of the organisation and place the applicant in the context of the group.
• Use action verbs and descriptive nouns, not to be verbs and adjectives.
• Clearly state your level of endorsement and recommendation.
• Determine the overall theme you want to present and provide supporting evidence to that theme.
• Support statements with examples, details and anecdotes.
• Be truthful. Address concerns delicately.
• Always include options for being contacted (phone number, email address, fax number).

(The writer is Kanika Marwaha, director, University Options)