Writing References for Students Supporting Student Success in Employment and Graduate School Applications
When writing references there are a few key guidelines
- Determine whether you know the student well enough to confidently speak about their ability.
- Identify the student, your relationship and the length of the relationship. If your contact with the student is primarily through a class, list the course name. If it was through employment, list the title of the position and what the job entailed.
- Provide as much information about the student's increased knowledge, skill level, maturity, people skills, and any other aspects of development during the time you knew them.
- Request that the student give you a copy of their resume to help you better understand the student's career goals and objectives.
- Focus on the positive and try to qualify any negative statements with how the student is dealing with the problem.
If you feel you cannot give the student a positive recommendation, decline to write the letter or to serve as a reference.
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