Writing Effective Reference Letters - McGill University

Writing Effective Reference Letters

Fabrice Labeau, PhD Lisa Travis, PhD

Associate Deans Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

August 30, 2010

1

Overview

? Objectives of this session ? The value of your reference letter ? Referee's obligations ? What to expect from students ? Elements of an effective reference letter ? Pitfalls to avoid ? Saying No

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Objectives

? To understand your responsibility when writing a letter of reference.

? To understand the essential features that should be present in a reference letter.

? To be knowledgeable about the common mistakes made when writing reference letters.

? To be able to tailor a letter of reference based on varying levels of performance.

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What is the "value added" of a letter of reference?

? Adds life to the paper dossier ? Introduces what is unique and exciting about

the individual ? Gives a flavor of what it would be like to

interact with this person ? Gives information not communicated by the

rest of the application

4

Your obligations

? To the student

Help obtain deserved funding and recognition

? To the reader

Provide useful data to select the best candidate(s)

? To the institution

Help obtain additional funding and recognition

? To society and the profession

Give credit where credit is due

? To yourself

Maintain your honesty, integrity and reputation

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