next »

[inquisitivequant]

A colleague mentioned that when past students ask him for a recommendation letter, he gives them a questionnaire to fill out regarding their experiences, strengths, etc. Since our class sizes are large, this is the only way to get to know them well enough to write a decent letter. Also, it means you can write the letter quickly.  It's the custom here to write letters for A students unless there was some big issue, so I'll probably follow that.

What do you think of the following questionnaire? Am I missing anything? (For context, many of my students are seeking internships at companies.)




Please tell me about the job/internship you are seeking--both the company and the nature of the position.

What do you think makes you especially well qualified for the job/internship that you are applying to?

Tell me, briefly, about your experience working on the consulting project we did in class. Please describe the project as a whole and what did you (personally, rather than as a group) contributed to it.

In what areas of the class did you excel? What skills did you gain from the class that would help you add value to your employer?

Please describe any extracurricular activities you are involved in and paid jobs that you have held during college. Most importantly, describe what skills you have gained from each that will make you competitive for the job/internship that you are seeking.

Is there anything else I should know that will help me write the letter?

Basic info:
Year:
Major:
School (within the university):
GPA (major)
GPA (overall)

Company to which you're applying:
Name of company:
Name of person to whom letter will be addressed:
Position:
Full address to which the letter should be sent:

Please provide a stamped envelope with the destination address written on it.

Thank you,
Professor Inquisitive

[new_bus_prof]

The questionnaire is a good idea. It also helps keep the number of requests down, as some students will go away when presented with the questionnaire. The only other thing I would add is to ask for a copy of the resume they plan on sending to the company.

[blackadder]

I like this. Do you mind if I plagiarize use it? Much of my interaction with students is via online courses. Then they come to me for LORs. All I have to go on sometimes is "turned in assignments on time 85% of the time" and "Generally spells things correctly".

Some students have no picture on their file for which to provide a clue in case I have seen them around the building. Most don't ever come to my office either.

[plasmodesmata]

Perfect timing for this thread. I am in the process of adding a "Requesting a LOR" section to my CMS. I teach allied health students and I get so many requests for letters. Your suggestions are valid especially for students looking for internships. I agree with New Bus Prof that in your situation a resume is an excellent idea. Depending on your discipline, you can even give some input there.

My main reasons for adding this step are: a. I also dislike writing overly generic letters when I do not know the student well b. I absolutely want the student to take ownership of this type of time-consuming request c. to insert a "you must have earned/be earning at least 85% in the course" clause. It is sometimes difficult to dissuade the less than stellar students. They do not believe me when I say "My input will not be an asset to your cause." I want to be able to point to a rule. It is on the CMS, therefore it is law!

[lucero]

The questionnaire is a good idea for big classes. I don't use questionnaires but I always ask them for a resume before I will write a letter of recommendation. Depending on what they are applying for they may also have to give me their proposal and/or have a meeting to discuss what the job/internship/opportunity is. I have small classes so basically I'm doing the questionnaire bit when I speak with them. 

[scienceprof]

I get an increasing number of requests that will want the letter submitted electronically, so I now also ask how the letter is to be delivered: snail mail, email, the organization will send me a link, I upload on Interfolio (so give me your profile # !), etc. 

I also ask for the deadline by which I need to send the letter.

[proftowanda]

Saved this for future use; thanks.  Much easier than emailing back for such info, over and over and over. . . .  (In other words, why didn't I think of doing this?  Doh.)

Fyi, in addition to a resume, I always ask for a transcript.  At my campus, students can get copies for free.

I find that can be more reliable than having them self-report their GPAs.