Letters of Recommendation: Why They’re Important and How to Choose a Recommender
Soliciting letters of recommendation can be a daunting task; however, a good letter can differentiate you from other applicants and show academic institutions who you are beyond the transcript—giving them insight into your character, skills, and achievements through the words of someone who knows you well.
However, not all letters are created equal. So, how do you ensure you get a standout letter that strengthens your application? There are many things to consider, but it is essential to first understand the purpose of these letters.
Why Letters of Recommendation Matter
Provide a Personal Perspective: While your resume or application showcases your qualifications, a letter of recommendation adds a personal touch. Recommenders can share anecdotes that illustrate your strengths, growth, and abilities in ways that a list of achievements never could.
Validate Your Qualifications: Recommendations from respected professionals or educators can lend credibility to your application. A well written letter endorsing your skills or character can make a big difference in the eyes of an admissions committee.
Highlight Skills Beyond the Obvious: A letter of recommendation can highlight qualities you may not have thought to emphasize, such as your leadership skills, work ethic, problem-solving ability, or passion for a cause. They paint a fuller picture of your capabilities.
Separate You from the Crowd: Many applicants will have similar qualifications. A glowing recommendation can set you apart from others by reinforcing your strengths and unique qualities.
How to Choose the Right Recommender
Choosing the right person to write your letter of recommendation is a critical decision. The wrong choice can result in a lukewarm letter that doesn’t highlight your true potential. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a recommender:
Relevance to Your Application: The first step is to choose someone who is relevant to the context of your application. For example:
Professors who know your academic work well will be the best fit.
A current or former supervisor who can speak to your professional skills and achievements will also add credibility to your application.
Choose a recommender who can speak to the qualities that are most important to the application.
Familiarity with You: Ideally, your recommender should know you well. If they can speak in detail about your strengths, character, and experiences, the letter will feel more authentic and personalized. A generic letter written by someone who barely knows you won't carry much impact.
Someone Who Can Provide Specific Examples: A strong letter of recommendation isn’t vague. It includes specific examples of how you've demonstrated your skills or character. Choose someone who can provide these detailed stories or anecdotes that truly illustrate your strengths.
Enthusiasm for Writing the Letter: Select a recommender who is not only willing to write the letter but is enthusiastic about doing so. Someone who truly believes in your potential will naturally write a more passionate and compelling recommendation.
Tips for Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
Give Plenty of Time: Don’t rush your recommenders. Provide them with as much time as possible (at least 4–6 weeks) to write a thoughtful letter.
Provide Context: When you ask for a letter, share the specifics of what you're applying for. Provide your recommender with your resume and any key points you'd like them to highlight. This ensures they can tailor the letter to the application.
Make It Easy for Them: Provide your recommender with all necessary details, such as the submission process, deadlines, and any guidelines for the letter itself. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to write a strong recommendation.
Be Grateful: Writing a recommendation letter is a favor, so always express your gratitude to the recommender both before and after they write the letter. A simple thank-you note goes a long way.
Conclusion
Letters of recommendation help paint a complete picture of who you are, offering a personal perspective that can't be captured in a resume. The key to getting a strong recommendation is in choosing the right person—someone who knows you well, can speak to your unique qualities, and is willing to write a detailed, enthusiastic endorsement.
When thinking about your next application, take the time to choose your recommenders carefully. After all, their words may just be the ones that tip the scales in your favor.
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