Consider these general tips before you agree to provide a reference for a student:
Do you really know the student's qualities well enough to provide a meaningful reference that will help the student and not impede their goal or result in a bland reference? Sometimes you may have to politely decline to provide the reference for the student's sake.
Can you make statements based on factual observations or data about the student and not just your interpretive opinions?
Some reference providers will ask the student to write the reference letter themselves! The reference provider will then just make a copy of it and sign it! (Heed the preceding tip!)
Include a range of the student's qualities in your reference, such as their concrete skills, academic success (don't divulge their grades without permission), attitude and personal style. Site brief examples.
Some qualities that employers appreciate are: verbal and written communication skills, ability to cooperate on or lead a team, initiative, goal-oriented, customer service-focused, can multi-task, strong work ethic, flexible and "likeable".
If the student supplies a standard reference form, write comments in addition to marking check boxes, if possible.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers offers additional professional and legal guidelines for providing a written or verbal academic or employment reference for a student or employee.
If you have additional questions on this topic, don't hesitate to contact Career Services at 440-525-7222 or careerservices@lakelandcc.edu. We also welcome your personal visit to our office to meet our friendly and knowledgeable staff in Room A-1039.
