Do be specific. Mention
examples of the student's work, projects completed, activities, and
so forth. If your memory is not clear, either ask the student to give
you some work samples or suggest the student ask someone else who knows
him or her better to write the letter.
Do be objective.
Report examples, events, and so forth, as much as possible. If you want
to attest to a student's interpersonal skills, discuss how you observed
the student's interactions with others, rather than merely state what
a "nice person" she or he is.
Do be both honest and
positive. If you have negative things to say, ask the student to
find another letter writer. Obviously, saying negative things about
a student's performance will have serious consequences on the student's
chances at the job, scholarship, or acceptance being sought. Remember
that your experience with the student may not be typical, so the student
should find only someone who can say positive things. In addition, writing
negative things can potentially affect you as well, if there is ever
any doubt about the reliability of your judgment with respect to the
student.
Do be neat, type
the letter, and check spelling and grammar. A letter that contains spelling
or grammatical errors, or is sloppily presented may not carry as much
weight as one that is professionally presented and well written.
Do sign the letter in
ink.
Do supply contact information
such as your name, title, institution, mailing address, e-mail address,
and telephone number.
Do be aware of potential
ambiguities and words with negative connotations. Also, be aware
that what you omit to mention may be seen as just as important as what
you do mention.
Don'ts
Don't use bland words
such as nice, fairly, satisfactory, good.
If you cannot honestly recommend the student more strongly, suggest
that she or he ask someone else to write the letter.
Don't refer to characteristics
such as race or nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, appearance,
disability, marital status, etc. which could be construed as discriminatory.
For example, don't say things such as, "John did very well in my
class despite his obvious disabilities…."
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