Reusable Materials 22: Outline for Reusable Letters of Recommendation

Thursdays we discuss how reusable materials help you WOW committees and save time

Joel needed letters of recommendation for his scholarship applications. He identified former scoutmasters, civic leaders, and leaders of organizations he led or served. He called each one to ask them to write a letter. He offered to share statements about what he did for them. He sent them an email including the value statements that applied to that particular person. As a result, his letters of recommendation confirmed the value statements he copied from his master application into the scholarship applications.

Suggestions for Reusable Letters of Recommendation

You will need 5-6 reusable letters of recommendation. You invite people to write letters on your behalf. The following tips will help you get impressive recommendations:

• Explain that you will use the letters to apply for more than 155 scholarships
• Share value statements that apply to the organization with the letter author
• Offer to draft the letter on the author’s behalf and let them review and edit it
• Obtain a PDF or scanned copy of the letter on their letterhead and signature
• Attach copies of the letters to your applications

Suggested Introduction Paragraph

Your introduction paragraph includes 3 sentences in a paragraph format rather bullets:

“I recommend (insert your name) receive the (insert the name of the award) scholarship. I know (Insert your first name) because he/she (describe what you did). (Insert your first name) will represent (Insert the scholarship name) well.

Suggest Body of the Letter

The body of the letter includes the results portion of the applicable value statements related to that organization. They should be listed in a bulleted format.

“(Insert your full name) provided our organization with the following assistance:

• Result 1
• Result 2
• Result 3”

Suggested Closing Paragraph

Close the letter with three sentences similar to the following:

“I hope you see why I recommend (Insert your name) to receive the (name of the award) scholarship. He/she will bring honor to the award. I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Name

Job Title”

Saturday we share a tip about using educational reimbursements from your employers