So I was asked to write a recommendation letter for a senior in high school who is applying to colleges. First time writing a rec letter so I wanted to crowd source how I can best write one to help the person (who I think is a great student). Any tips appreciated! Really want the student to get in!

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Ask the student what the themes are that they’re trying to communicate with their application and make sure your letter clearly demonstrates them.

like

Have them write it and you review it.

like

Yes, this is best!

like

To start with, do you know this person?

Yes I do! Know him very well! Just wanted to get a sense of a structure for the rec letter and what are the best ways to portray him as an awesome student among a huge pile of candidates.

When I asked for MBA recommendations , it was stressed to provide substance to things you say about the candidate not just generalities.

"Joe is a hard working and very dedicated..." Doesn't say much as it is broad and is very flat. Make it specific so that the statement describes your candidate and not 100s of other people.

"Joe is very dedicated and hard working as he balances a challenging curriculum of 3 AP courses as well as serving as captain of the track team. For the past 4 years, he wakes up each morning at 6am to do his morning run before school and also leads the team in track practice after school. He doesn't let his school work drop as he maintains strong GPA and also tutors algebra..."

Figure out what story you want to tell the admissions. If there are 2 or 3 other recommenders you could ask your friend what message you want to tell so you're not repeating the samething.

If you work with him in sports, volunteer work, or even as a family member seeing how is a leader amongst all the cousins organizing family picnics. Etc.

Tell the story, use examples not just throwing out statements.

talk about specific experiences where you interacted with them and they showed exemplary work ethic, intelligence and character. that they care about impact to society and personal growth.
you should write it yourself, huge difference in high school and adult writing skills (or at least I hope so) but ask them for any info/context so u have something to work with.
rather than hitting everything their common app already contains, try to really hone in on your experience with them and why they will be successful regardless of where they go to school, but do drop in that you know they're super interested in __insert the uni name here___.

Related Posts

What should I know/how to be prepared for FSO senior interview with EY?

like

Any advice for understanding whether sourcing would be a good match for your personality/innate skill set?

Im pretty extroverted, I have been told in reviews that I peak in verbal communication, and I have really loved conducting expert interviews in DDs.

However, I’ve worked some sales jobs in the past, and I had a hard time with the variability and staying positive bad times when nothing is sticking.

like

After successful technical interview with IBM India, approximately after how many days will they take to call us like for HR round and salary negotiations? My YOE is 11 and currently have an offer of 24. How much can I ask to IBM? Tech stack: JavaScript Node React Etc.,IBM Consulting IBM

like

Hii Guys, Could anyone give me some clarity on the below point. I have cleared 2nd round of technical interview at Deloitte, but my candidature is still showing as interview in progress at Deloitte careers page. I had a discussion with HR on this and she told me that next process is pending from management side. It's been almost 10 days since from 2 nd round of interview. How much more time does it gonna take, any idea? Or is it normal. Please help me with this 🙏🙏 .Deloitte

like

Hi fishes,
My friend have cleared Tata Elxsi interview 5 months back and received her offer letter. Still now she haven’t recvd a joining letter. Couple of other friends are also facing similar issue.
Does anyone have any update on this?
Tried mailing to the HR and to their help desk. No response.
Its really disappointing. Even if they are not able to onboard candidates now, the least they can do is aknowledge and respond to the queries.
Hope someone can give more insight onto this issue.

like
like

Not sure if this is the best place but I have my first round with JPM for quantitative research analyst but not sure what to expect. Can any one share any insights or pointers? Been really looking for this opportunity and not sure where to start besides brushing up on my work experience. Any technicals or coding questions that I should anticipate?

like
funnylikehelpful

Got an email that the recruitment is posted. How much more time before they apply for PERM? Strangely enough they took 3 months for this step after I got the pwd in August.

like

Hello Fishes

I will be appearing for an Interview with Credit Suisse Next week for an ENO role. I have a total Experience of 2.5 years and current Fixed CTC at 3.4lpa and I demanded a Fixed CTC at 6 Lpa , does anyone know how much an ENO salary bracket is being followed at Credit Suisse ?
Vertical is Financial Operations

Hey everyone! At what stage do you think it would be appropriate to share that I am currently on an H-1B work visa? I got reached out by the CEO regarding an opportunity they are recruiting for. I applied and have made it to the final round of interviews that’s this week. In the application they didn’t ask about sponsorship or anything, and I didn’t want to automatically disqualify myself by telling them before giving my final round presentation. My final interview is Tuesday.

like

Hello LTItes, i joined LTI a month back.
I attended a client interview last week and was selected for the same. Now they are asking to join within a day or two. I'm having my mom's surgery this week. How to safely refuse to join this client project for at least 10 days. I can't take leave for 10 days.
Can anyone please help me with this? I'm confused and scared.

Thanks

like

Do you ever conduct the hiring process for a research project? What do you look for in potential hires?

like

Anyone here working at West Monroe’s Healthcare and Life Sciences practice? Would like to connect about culture and experience. Interested in applying, but not too familiar with the firm. Please and thank you!

like

Interviewing for “Lead analytics consultant” with CVS health. Next round with the Senior Director. Any tips on what i should expect? Also if I get the job what is comp I should expect? 8 Yr exp currently a M with Deloitte

like

Has anyone ever asked to renegotiate their salary after starting a job? I’m 2 months into my new job and I have far more responsibilities than what I was told. It’s a lot different than what was relayed in the posting and during the interviews. Additionally, they hired my counter part in as a senior manager which is at least $30k more than what I make. My peer has more experience so I expect that but I feel that I should be paid more, however I don’t want to leave a bad impression… any advice?

like

I was initially considered for an insights and analytics Manager - experience management opportunity, aced all the interviews and the recruiter got back to me saying they really liked me but are considering me for a Senior Consultant position in order to ‘set me up for success’, and that I could be promoted to manager anywhere within 3 to 6 months..
Not super excited about the ‘drop’ in title, I currently am Sr Mgr of analytics at a Fintech managing a team of 4 FT analysts

like

Hey all, having issues with interviewing this year. I’ve been passed over every opportunity I really want and I’m unsure how to regroup and move forward. I’m really trying to break into method development roles and I haven’t had the opportunity to do so with my analytical experience. A lot of my HPLC and LCMS experience is with already established methods. Any tips?

like

Hi fishes, I have 1year of experience working in pre sales. Since I started off in an IT start-up, I had given the designation as senior consultant. Will that be a problem while applying to MNC's?

like

I’m new on the job search and still employed. I’m looking to grow further in the logistics industry. While I look for work, it’s a bit discouraging seeing how hundreds of people apply for positions I see on LinkedIn. I still apply because you never know and AI plays a huge effect in selections. Should I even bother applying when there are more than 100 applications?

like

More Posts

What do u prefer

Post Photo
helpfullike

IBM wants to retain me, manager told me told withdrawal the paper. But still didn't get the revised offer/promotion letter? So before withdrawal will not get yhe letter from ibm?

like

Does anyone know when the JS salary bumps occur?
I graduated in May 2020, but did not start working at my firm until September 2020. I’ll start my clerkship in June 2021 — will I start at JS-12 or JS-13? If I start at JS-12, will I ever bump up to JS-13?

like

Question for my 401k focused advisors out there--what programs are you using that is instrumental to your 401k practice that you simply can't do without? I'm being pitched on Envestnet & im not sold.

like

Hi guys, i am looking for an opportunity in PWC for the position of Document specialsit. Can anyone help me with the reference. I would be great help

I’m new on the job search and still employed. I’m looking to grow further in the logistics industry. While I look for work, it’s a bit discouraging seeing how hundreds of people apply for positions I see on LinkedIn. I still apply because you never know and AI plays a huge effect in selections. Should I even bother applying when there are more than 100 applications?

like

Hey Sharks, I want to opt out from my LTA & Telephone benefits. When and how can I do it.

Also I have doubts regarding my compensation structure, whom should I connect with, please guide.

like

Why in EY GDS orientation, they are calling Gurgaon people to office on the second day?

Can I join the EY GDS session virtually on the second day also as currently I am not in the base location?

For laptop also I've opted to be couriered.

Will there any issue if I join virtually on the second day for Gurgaon location?

like

EY GDS -X or PWC AC - X+3.5
Have 9 YOE. Which is better?

like

Hi fishes,
Looking for a hr job in mumbai, any leads pls?

For those trying to leave, how do you sneak interviews in?

like

Hi Fishes,

Does mindtree accepts counter offer?? If yes how should I approach them and how many days before do I need to do it?

like

I need to rent a car and drive from NY to PA. Any Cody effective recommendations?

like

What are some interesting non-tech/insurance/advertising/consulting careers where data science is applied? Thinking of epidemiology and economics

like

Accenture federal what’s the day to day like as a manager? Is it hands on or more review? Is there a lot of business development at the manager level?

like

What's that TV moment of 2022 that will be remembered for a lifetime?

like

Best prework that won’t kill me? F 32 looking for a morning pick me up before gym/cardio
Low cal/low sugar if possible

Best time to consume protein powder/shake ?

like

What is everyone’s unhealthy habit they just refuse to shake? Mine is that if I see chips and queso on a menu I am 100% ordering it. If it is queso with chorizo I might as well order two servings. It brings me so much joy to just eat a chip covered in cheese 😂

likefunny

Additional Posts in Consulting

Hug or Handshake: Male consultant here, what's the appropriate way to greet a female coworker? I usually go in for the handshake and it typically comes off as incredibly awkward. Please help.

like

What is your favorite books on leadership/professional development and why?

Looking for some great recommendations! Thanks in advance!

likehelpful

The fact that EY doesn't have a mobile app for making travel reservations means that EY doesn't understand digital. D/PwC/K feel free to use this information in your proposals.

likefunnysmarthelpful

Power Experts specializing in commodities and the short-term and congestion trading desks - what’s the best material out there to self study?

like

Can't tell if I'm less productive on Fridays after lunch, or Monday mornings 🤔

like

Top 10 books to read about consulting life ?

likefunny

ACN people, what to do when compensatory "income" moves me from fully eligible for Roth IRA to not being eligible at all?!

like

So i have been fortunate that i have managed to go through my career without the need for a degree. I was lucky enough to have been hired by one of the worlds top consulting firms, worked with a whole lot of big clients and travelled a lot. It's gotten to the point where I am not even asked about the lack of a degree on my resume. Personally though, it bothers me. I have a whole bunch of certifications in my industry…but just no formal degree. (cont'd)

like

Is there a hard limit on how frequent you can apply in a year at FAANG? (For instance: Amazon, Google)

Also, how many positions are we allowed to apply?
There are just many positions at different teams right.

like

I am currently waiting for the job offer for a consulting firm but I was told it could take several months. Between now and then, I have plenty of time for myself. What should I be doing to prepare myself for the new job? Any recommendations for newsletter/industry reports/books/ coursea courses? Thank you all!

like

PwC, after the recruiter interview, is it typical for multiple directors to interview you? what’s usually covered in those?

like

Never had a medical emergency on my plane. First time today. I hope they are okay. 🙏

like

So my flight to boston got canceled so i had to drive. Just got in. R.i.p. my magical food binge tour

like

I have such bad computer vision syndrome...

like

What are the weirdest reasons you have heard for people being laid-off? I have heard someone getting laid off because they missed submitting their time-sheets for 3 times in a year.

like

Looking to target PE firms as clients, need to do some research on how they work so we can speak intelligently when trying to sell operational work to them. Any book recommendations ?

likefunny

All I want to do is curl up in bed with hot tea and a good book. Recommendations for if I ever achieve said dream?

like

Best rates you guys pay for equinox? ny location? wonder which firm covers 100%

like

Any delta 🐠 willing to donate some miles .

likefunny

Anyone afraid to take vacation in FY18, for fear of missing utilization? 🙋🏼🙋🏼‍♂️

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal