|
|
Author
|
Topic: College Letters of Recommendation
|
|
Mike Blakesley
Film God
![](http://www.film-tech.com/ubbmembers/26c.jpg)
Posts: 12767
From: Forsyth, Montana
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 10-10-2016 10:28 PM
I don't really have a template but my basic outline is to just write a greeting and state that I'm recommending so-and-so for consideration.
Talk about how long the person worked for you (or how long you've known him or her). Mention their specific duties, what their major strengths were, etc. and things like customer skills, how well they got along with other employees, friendliness, eagerness to learn, neatness, and any special standout things.
Then I mention things I know about their school career, if any -- honor roll, sports, clubs, etc. -- and if they were good at balancing their busy school schedule with their work schedule. (Here, we hire a lot of kids because just about everybody is in some sports and so we need a bunch of kids in order to always have a couple available.) If they weren't a standout student you can leave that part out.
If they trained other workers or were promoted through the company or given extra responsibilities, mention that. If they were the type to take initiative, go above and beyond without being asked, be sure to mention that.
If you can think of something to "humanize" the proceedings a little, throw that in... for example, once I wrote that a girl was totally shy when she started to work for us but by the time she left, she had received the "gift of gab" and was one of our most outgoing workers.
Lastly, if the kid was a really good employee, mention that they will be missed. Then end with something like "I believe (name) is worthy of any consideration you can give. If I can provide any further information, I can be reached at the address above."
If a less-stellar employee asks for a recommendation, it's better NOT to refuse them unless they were a truly horrible worker. Instead, just write a letter stating when the person worked, what their duties were, and try to find ONE good thing about them....he was pleasant to be around, for example. Just make it less glowing. Then leave out the second recommendation at the end; just end with "If you need any further information..." A smart reader will know exactly what you're getting at.
As a sample, I'll paste a letter I wrote about a girl who just left us three weeks ago and moved to Seattle. She was one of the best employees we ever had and she just texted me last week that my letter helped her land a job. (She wasn't planning to go to college so this letter is geared more toward prospective employers, rather than college scholarship boards.)
quote: To whom it may concern:
I am writing to recommend Sidney (lastname) for employment consideration.
I have known Sidney and her family for many years. She has worked for us at the Roxy as a concessionaire for almost exactly four years, beginning in the summer of 2012. She was the second member of her family to work for us.
Sidney’s main job was to sell and stock concessions, keeping the concession area clean and neat. She either worked with one other person or solo. She is a fast learner, and over the years we gave her more responsibilities, such as selling tickets, maintaining our marquee, and various other duties. Most recently she has been training new employees to take over for herself and two others who graduated high school this year.
Throughout her time with us Sidney has demonstrated an excellent work ethic. She truly loves to work, and greets customers with an enthusiastic smile. She’s never been one to shy away from an unpleasant task or an unfamiliar one. She is detail-oriented, follows directions well and is a self-starter. She always goes the extra mile. She does a thorough job and can be counted on to show up for work on time and with a good attitude. She will truly be missed when she leaves us.
I would not hesitate to recommend Sidney for any available positions. If you need any further information about her time with us please contact me at the address above.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randy Stankey
Film God
![](/ubbmembers/64b.jpg)
Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 10-11-2016 02:23 PM
I have written a few letters during the time I worked at the university.
First, I wouldn't write a letter unless I thought the student was worthy of recommendation. Like others say, students don't often ask for letters unless they are in good standing with the person they are asking the favor from. So, I never had any worries about being painted into a corner, feeling like I have to write a letter for somebody who didn't deserve one.
A recommendation is about the person writing the letter as much as it is the person asking for it. When a potential employer or academician reads the recommendation he considers who the writer is. If a PhD candidate presented a letter from Stephen Hawking or somebody like that, it'd be a done deal, wouldn't it?
Point here is that, unless the employer knows who you are, it might be good to add a few lines describing who you are or what your credentials are. If you're in a smaller town, that might not be necessary. Company letterhead might suffice.
Some of the things I include in letters of recommendation are: • How long the person has been working or studying with me. • What kinds of duties they have had or the position held. • What kind of equipment, if any, they have used. (i.e. If they are a projection tech, what kinds of projectors, or systems they use.) • Work ethic, punctuality and/or thoroughness of their work. • Something personal. (i.e. Good attitude or "works and plays well with others.")
I would also try to tailor the letter to the type of place the person wants to work/study. If the position is a technical one, be sure to talk about the person's competency with appropriate technology. If it's an academic position, discuss the person's line of study, etc. If it's a retail position, try to get in a word or two about the person's ability to relate with customers and whether they are good with POS & cash handling.
I don't think letters of recommendation are form letters. Each one is different, depending on the person receiving the recommendation and the position they are seeking.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
|
Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM
6.3.1.2
The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion
and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.
|