Writing Letters of Recommendation

Reminders for Reference/Recommendation Writers:

• Letters may be written EITHER on professional letterhead (preferred) OR on the forms provided (Professional Reference Form).
• Please feel free to include an honest and candid assessment of the candidates strengths and weaknesses in the area in which they are seeking employment.
• Specific examples supporting the assessments listed above are always appreciated by readers.
• For assistance in writing letters of recommendation, please contact Marcia Silver, Director of the Writing Studio in the Graduate School of Education and Counseling at Lewis & Clark College. Marcia can also be reached at 503-768-6166.
• Please remember to type OR print your letter. If your letter is more than one page long, please include single-sided additional pages (rather than double-sided).
• Candidates may request that you send hard-copies (to be scanned) or electronic copies of your letter directly to them at their home address or e-address.
• For candidates with placement files (pre-2002), completed references may be sent to the office of Educational Career & Licensing Services, Placement File Manager, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR 97219.
• FINALLY, thank you for offering to write a letter for one of our students or graduates. We know that your time is valuable and appreciate your willingness to share it with our educators!