Reference Letter

Let Me Give You a Hand information form for student reference letters
Sample reference letters via About, Inc.

LET ME GIVE YOU A HAND

Richard A.Voorhees, Association for Institutional Research

Larry Landis, Black Hills State University faculty emeritus

More students are requesting reference letters from faculty and staff than ever before. Before I can Give You a Hand, I need to be able to tell prospective reference readers more about you than the fact that you have a nice smile or a pleasant personality. In other words, you need to supply me with specific facts about you so that I can write more than a general letter.

Through experience I have become convinced that employers and graduate school admissions committees are interested in specific information regarding you, the applicant. Please take a few moments to provide me with the following:

A copy of your most recent resume or vita including specific information which may not appear on a standard application form. For instance, membership in campus organizations, volunteer work, awards, leadership positions, etc.
The position description for the job, or information regarding the graduate program, for which you need this letter.
Specific information regarding why you are interested in this position. How does this position fit into your career goals?
Specific information regarding your special interests, background, motivation, and personal qualities which may distinguish you from other applicants.
Three phrases that describe your strengths and weaknesses. (This is the crux of a solid application.)
Your written permission to access your transcripts that on file in the Registrar's Office.

Signed: __________________________________ Date:_______________

As soon as I receive these materials, I will start the process of Giving You a Hand . I will also provide you a copy of the letter I write if you ask . Finally, I will retain your material for a period of two years so that you can request additional letters from me. Requests occurring after two years will require an update.

Name _________________________________________Student ID number: _______________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

Street City State, Zip

E-mail where you can be reached with questions? ________________________

Phone where you can be reached with questions? ________________________

When do you intend to graduate? ______________ What is your overall GPA? ___________

What is your major(s)? ________________________ What is your GPA in your major? ______

What is you minor(s)? ________________________

Date that the letter or form is needed? _________________ Please allow at least two weeks!

Where and to whom should I send the letter or form?

Name ___________________________________________________

Title ____________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

City, State and Zip Code ____________________________________

Attach all requested information to this form! Thank you.