Reference letters are a simple endorsement of a candidate's qualifications from someone they know. However, people often make these mistakes while writing them:
The more you know about the candidate, the more specific and meaningful your letter will be. Take the time to read their resume, transcript, and personal statement. If possible, meet with the applicant to discuss their goals and why they are applying to a program.
Don't just say that the student is "a good student." Instead, provide specific examples of their academic achievements, such as their GPA, class rank, and awards. You can also talk about their research experience, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities. Or if you're writing a letter for your employee, then mention examples from the work they've done in projects.
A letter of recommendation should be positive and enthusiastic. Avoid saying anything negative about the applicant or dwelling on their weaknesses.
Maintain integrity and honesty in your recommendation. Exaggerating or providing false information about the applicant's abilities or achievements can have severe consequences for both you and the applicant. It is easy to see through flattery and excessive praise.
Don't pick a template you found on the internet or use ChatGPT directly to write your reference letters. The biggest downside is these letters are not personal, and if caught, can lead to loss of a job / admit for the candidate. Instead, use specialized tools like GradGPT's AI LOR writer to generate authentic LORs.
Make sure to submit your letter on time. Late letters may not be considered.
Once you have finished writing your letter, ask the student to review it. They may have some suggestions that will make your letter even stronger.
