Suggestions On Writing Letters Of Recommendation?

I've agreed to do several letters of recommendations for students/ex-students in the past few weeks and am always a little amazed how long these can take to do.I ask them for a copy of their resume and a list of what they believe to be their strengths and weaknesses but still...

Anyone have an idea of how to be more efficient in writing these?

Comments

[Natalie Wojinski]

I've written many letters of recommendation this year. One student made it easy for me, so next year I will require the information she supplied. First, all information was in a manila folder with her name on the tab. She included a cover letter about the letter she required. The letter included due dates, a bit about the college/scholarship and her career aspirations. She included an updated resume, a list of current classes and addressed, stamped envelopes.

The folder saved me SO much time and I felt I was better able to paint a picture of this student's abilities. Apparently, she handed these to everyone who wrote her a letter.

[Dr. Delaney Kirk]

Wow, talk about a student making a good impression! Thanks for sharing.