intensive workshop on 'writing persuasive recommendation letters in english for students'...

Intensive Workshop on 'Writing Persuasive Recommendation Letters in English for Students'

Lam Yan, Shirley

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To familiarize serving Secondary School Teachers with the skills in writing Recommendation letters;

To provide a variety of good and updated samples, i.e. past recommendation samples for reference/analysis of teachers in writing recommendation letters for students;

To provide Human Resources Terminology in line with Human Resources Language in order to strengthen Teachers’ capability in writing professional Recommendation Letter so as to improve students’ chance for better securing study/employment opportunities.

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1. Factors driving to Recommendation Letter for School Applications/Employment

2. Components to a Recommendation Letter 3. Appraisal Grid4. Increasing Student “interestingness”

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FACTORS DRIVING TO RECOMMENDATION LETTERS FOR

SCHOOL APPLICATIONS/EMPLOYMENT

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• "When choosing someone to write a letter of recommendation, don’t get wrapped up in title

• You want someone who can write the recommendation letter and at the same time really answer the questions.

• You want someone who knows what you have done and provide insight into your potential to be a future leader.“

(Wendy Huber, the Associate Director of Admissions at the Darden School of Business)

Source : http://businessmajors.about.com/od/recommendationletter1/a/GoodRecLetters.htm 5

• "The two letters of recommendation that you submit should be professional in nature.

• Your recommenders may be anyone (former supervisors/tutors of summer internship/exchange programme, etc.) who is able to comment on your personal qualities, career potential, and potential to succeed ….

• Recommenders should know you personally and be familiar with your work history, credentials, and career aspirations.“

(Christina Mabley, Director of Admissions at McCombs School of Business)

Source : http://businessmajors.about.com/od/recommendationletter1/a/GoodRecLetters.htm 6

• Critical Qualities• Sense of commitment and being responsible• Team Player• Steep Learning curve• Flexible• Trustworthy• Proactive• Common sense• Self motivated : Self + immediate Manager + know the

boundaries• Interestingness of the Student

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• It is very important to note the differences between Reference Letter and Recommendation Letter.• A Reference Letter is a document you could provide to all

students. The Reference Letter includes details such as Student’s name, year period that student studied in school and other general factual information

• A Recommendation Letter has many meanings to it. To start with, if you have decided to write up a Recommendation Letter for student application to employment/school application, you have to be prepared to act as the Reference checking point as well. A Recommendation includes an appraisal of the student

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1. To provide a Recommendation is to provide a comment for recommending or highly recommending a person to a School or an Organization.

2. Therefore it is very important for you to know the student very well to be able to do that.

3. Meanwhile, the comments provided in the recommendation letter must be positive and constructive.

4. The purpose of the recommendation letter is for aiding the student to get the school/job.

Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter samplesOn “Positive touch to writing” then to Group Exercise Worksheet #1

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• Signing the Recommendation Letter – To sign off for the letter meaning you understand and is agreeable to the fact and the content of the letter

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• You have to know someone really well to commit to writing the recommendation letter while at the same time possibly be one of your reference checking point

• Former supervisors/tutors, etc.• Your Teacher/Professor

• Some students send me their Personal Statement as reference, it helps a lot

Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter samplesOn “Be the Reference Checking point”

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• Write and Talk to the person writing your recommendation in person

• Email is not recommended• In person is highly recommended or if not possible at

least call the person before sending the material by mail over

• Provide basic details to the person writing your recommendation letter such as

• What schools are you applying for ?• What is your aspiration ?• When is the deadline for submitting the letter ?

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• Important to highlight student’s strength• Recommendation letter should be tailor made• Insightful appraisal of the student• To ensure formality use letter head of the organization/school

you are representing• Be crisp and to the point

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COMPONENTS TO A RECOMMENDATION LETTER

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• A paragraph or sentence explaining how you know the person you are writing to recommend and the nature of your relationship with them• Your connection to the person recommended• How you got to know the person recommended• How you have known the person recommended• Your position writing the recommendation letter

• Sample : I have been Loretta’s Instructor for the school year 2008 – 2009 at the XXXX College. During Term 1 from September 2008 to December 2008, Loretta was on my XXXX class. For Term 2 starting January 2009, Loretta is currently on my XXXX Class.

Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 1st Paragraph 15

• A paragraph or sentence to set the stage

• Sample : Based on Loretta’s academic performance, academic results; achievements at the XXXX College and her personality, I would highly recommend Loretta to your reputable Company for the position of XXXX. Loretta will be a very outstanding member to your reputable company should she be offered the position. I am confident that Loretta will be an important asset to your company.

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• An honest evaluation of the person's skills and accomplishments. Try to include specific examples.• An appraisal of why you would recommend the student• Should include wordings like “highly recommend” or

“recommend without reservation”

• Sample : I would like to recommend Loretta to your reputable organization without reservation. For the purpose of her application to your reputable company, below is my appraisal on Loretta.

• During Loretta’s endeavor at the XXXX College, she had been Star Student Top List of the year 2008 – 2009 amongst 1000 students. She has also been Champion of the Inter school Basket Competition for the year 2007 – 2008. She has also been House Captain of the Blue House

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• Sample : I would like to recommend Loretta to your reputable organization without reservation. For the purpose of her application to your reputable company, below is my appraisal on Loretta.

• Professional Capabilities – Result oriented : From the onset of Term 1, Loretta had shown herself to be very result oriented. Once she is assigned with an objective or task, she has very clear vision of what she needs to do and achieve that objective with zest.

Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 2nd Paragraph & 3rd Paragraph 18

• A statement or summary that explains why you would recommend the person you are writing about.

• Sample : The thing I treasured most about Loretta is her independence and her willingness to learn more and to be stretched outside of her comfort zone in order to strive herself towards success after success.

Let’s refer to consolidated Recommendation Letter Sample : 4th Paragraph 19

• Support both in terms of recommendation letter and also the Reference Check

• Allow Employers to contact you, should a reference be required of the student

• Sample : Should you require further information or details, please do not hesitate to contact undersigned at 3793 3081 or at my email address [email protected].

Please refer to Worksheet #2 for Group Work

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APPRAISAL GRID

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Extraordinary Exceptional Excellent Outstanding

Marvelous Great Admirable Outstanding

Remarkable Incomparable Brilliant Significant

Superlative Notable First-rate Terrific

surprising Unique

Wonderful Significant

Striking

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In the workplace1.proactively taking the initiative in ensuring that department’s processes are well updated in benefiting your own department and other related departments 2.being willing to step into Manager, Co-worker, Direct reports’ shoes in understanding their perspective and point of view3.willing to empathize other department’s situation and taking the lead in “Quality Outputs Quality Inputs”

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Exceptional1. Looks for reasons and ways to projects and ideas to

succeed2. Is enthusiastic about work and projects3. Likes to collaborate and contribute4. Puts team interests ahead of her individual interests5. Cooperates with team members6. Is realistically positive7. Looks to optimize every situation8. His ability to look on the bright side of any situation is

illuminating

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•seek to accomplish work goals through collaboration with others

Exceptional1. Holds team goals clearly in mind2. Will place team goals ahead of personal goals3. Pitches in to team efforts where needed4. Sees what needs to be done and does it5. Shares expertise freely6. Works effectively with others7. Brings out the best in the team8. Helps others to cooperate9. Contributes to team discussions10. Inspire others to cooperate

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•seek to resolve problems through teeing up of issues for solutions while persuading team or teams to arrive at consensus of pursuing with actions on solutions

Exceptional1. Displays clear reasoning skills2. Methodical in analyzing data and solving problems3. Performs complex calculations with ease4. Data analysis results in actionable conclusions5. Comprehends complex data and issues and draws accurate

conclusions6. Develops deep and accurate insights from research7. Maintains awareness of the big picture while accurately

analyzing details8. Objectively allows data to lead him to accurate conclusions

9. Stays focused on goals and objectives while analyzing relevant details

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•Taking initiative in using good approaches in resolving problems or taking the lead in analyzing situation and problem quickly for solution

Exceptional1. Identifies problems at their inception and analyzes them

quickly to find a solution2. Offers a variety of possible solutions for problems3. Solves problems at their root cause4. Solves problems before they become major5. Carefully weighs pros and cons in every decision6. Anticipates problems and finds solutions before the problem

develops7. Is not thrown off by problems but immediately looks for

solutions8. Sees problems as challenges and opportunities9. Knows which problems to solve herself and which problems to

delegate to subordinates and subject experts

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•Taking a leadership role in championing a project in order to facilitate efficiency and effectiveness or to take on extra responsibilities with minimal instructions/ supervision

Exceptional1. Sees what needs to be done and does it2. Requires minimal supervision3. Takes a leadership role when appropriate and needed4. Seeks out and recognizes new opportunities5. Takes charge in the absence of instructions6. Does things without needing to be told7. Anticipates and prepares for problems8. Willingly tries new procedures9. Creates opportunities for himself10. Turn ideas into actions/results

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•Exhibit good listening skills and show interest to what the speaker is saying or trying to express or capable of reflecting back, nonverbal clues, acting enthusiastically, show encouragement and keeping a poker face

Exceptional1. Pays careful attention when spoken to2. Responses make it clear he listened well3. Acknowledges what was said before making her own point4. Attempts to understand before attempting to be understood5. Makes a point of clarifying anything she finds unclear6. Maintains excellent eye contact when someone else is speaking7. Makes a point of ensuring the speaker feels heard8. Avoids distractions when someone is speaking9. Follows directions well10. Listens so well she can summarize what we say better than we

can say it

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•Demonstrate clear sense and capabilities in doing first thing first and be capable of organizing chores even under extreme pressure in meeting tight deadlines

Exceptional1. Has a keen sense of priorities2. Puts first things first3. Efficiently manages competing priorities4. Knows what matters most5. Knows which requests to honor and which requests to

decline6. Does not waste time on nonessential activities7. Prioritizes activities based on long term objectives8. Eliminates activities that do not add value

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•Tapping problems with out of box ideas or finding surprise solutions to problem which saves resources while not compromising on results

Exceptional1. Makes excellent use of both people and material resources2. Finds surprising sources of information and resources3. Finds ways to save resources without compromising outcome4. Makes outstanding use of available resources5. Accurately anticipates resources needed to avoid waste or

shortage6. Respects resource needs of other students/employees while

meeting her own resource needs

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•Being friendly yet maintaining the professional poise with assertiveness

Exceptional1. Is easy to talk to 2. Welcomes questions3. Invites input4. Is available when needed5. Creates a sense of safety and welcome for others6. Inspires an open communication culture7. Makes people feel at home

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•Share and align the institutions/company’s goals and values•Accept responsibility for own actions, decision and directions to subordinates•Respond quickly to pressing organizational demands

Exceptional1. Delivers as promised2. Says what she will do and does what she says3. Can be counted on to pitch in when needed4. Sees projects and responsibilities through to completion5. Meets deadlines6. Is always prepared7. Says what he means. Can be taken at his word.

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•Dress up and culture appropriately

Exceptional1. Looks professional2. Appearance reflects positively on the organization3. Grooming is flawless4. Appearance projects a positive impression5. Grooming is always appropriate for the occasion

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•Candidate as self motivated and readily adapt into environment and be capable of performing according to standard or being willing to overachieve goals

Exceptional1. Is highly self motivated2. Works on projects with an excited gusto3. Has a powerful sense of purpose4. Translates ideas into action without hesitation5. Is inspired to take action6. She is motivated from within7. He works with enthusiasm8. Comes in early and leaves late, not because she has to but

because she wants to9. His enthusiasm is contagious10. I never have to build a fire under her because the fire is burning

inside her

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Increasing “Interestingness” of Students

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• Interesting does not equal to busy• The grown deep and tall rule, in one place

and be a tree• The impact of Accomplishment - School,

Community, National or International

37Source : Mark Montgomery is a College Admission Consultant based in the US. He is a College insider with knowledge for college admission.Information quoted based on his AmCham Speech dated March 1, 2011

• Rules of “Interestingness”• If you can explain easily the accomplishment, it is

more likely to impress (even when English is not super good)

• Interesting does not equal passionate• Interesting equals commitment, for e.g.

running own business with employees and all clients writing recommendation letters for you

• Interesting equals impact, for e.g. put in root to something you are doing like being in the Hong Kong Drama festival for the past XX years


• Using Summer Holiday to increase your “Interestingness” and chances for College Admission

• Number 10 : Prepare for ACT and SAT Tests• Summer is a great time to take a course or get

some tutoring to help improve those scores when you take the tests in the fall. Even working diligently with a good preparation book will help you learn the strategies and remind yourself of the content you will be expected to know



• Number 9 : Take a Summer Class• Nothing shows that you’re serious about

academic work like dedicating a portion of your summer to intellectual pursuits. Whether it’s a high school class you take to get a requirement out of the way, a community college course, or something offered by various prestigious universities like Harvard or Syracuse, you’ll give yourself a bit of an edge by by keeping your brain active over the summer



• Number 8 : Start Those Essays• Most students underestimate the difficulty of

writing a solid essay. Start on a draft or two now, and show your prose to people who know you well. Gather their ideas, revise, and tighten. Those who leave these for the last minute come to regret their procrastination.



• Number 7 : Get a Job• Fewer and fewer students understand the value

of hard work. Holding down a job can not only earn you extra running-around money, it can also teach you things about commitment, responsibility, and leadership. Better yet, start your own lawn mowing, child care, or house sitting service: every college loves an entrepreneur .



• Number 6 : Volunteer• Community service is more and more a

requirement on college applications. The important thing is to find a cause you care about and dedicate a significant chunk of time to the organization. Serving one meal at a homeless shelter is not as good as organizing a weekly musical concert at a nursing home with some of your musician friends.



• Number 5 : Organize Your College Visits• While many students visit colleges in the

summer, campuses become ghost towns during June, July, and August. So spend some time this summer planning trips in the fall to the campuses on your list.



• Number 4 : Get out there and play !• If you’re an athlete, keep working on your sport

and your physical training. If you’re a musician, practice and perform wherever possible. If you’re an actor, audition for summer productions. Whatever your passion and pastime, use the unstructured time of summer to pursue your interests and to be your best .



• Number 3 : Organize your continuing college search• Most students underestimate the volume of

information that requires organization during the admissions process. Make files for the colleges that interest you. Contact admissions offices and let them know of your interest. Get all your documents (transcripts, test scores, recommendations, certificates of merit, your resume) together in a single notebook. Sign up for the Common Application and fill in the basic information. The more you do now, the less crazed the school year will be.



• Number 2 : Read• Go to the library. Sit under a tree, or on the

beach, or in a mountain valley, and read. A good story will transport you to a different world. Plus, it’s a proven fact that students who read more do better on standardized tests. So in addition to the drudgery of test prep (see Number 10 above), make preparation more fun by reading a classic novel or two. Plus, being able to talk intelligently about a book you read on your own will look great in an admissions interview !



• Number 1 : Make time for Yourself and your Family• Summer is for fun. All of the items above (okay,

well maybe not the test prep) can be fun and rewarding experiences, if you structure them well and keep organized.


升學就業輔導： http://www.edb.gov.hk/cgs 勞工處： http://www.labour.gov.hk/ 青少年見習就業計劃： www.ywets.labour.gov.hk 香港人力資源管理學會 : www.hkihrm.org HRM Asia: www.hrmasia.com HRM TV:

http://image.keymedia.com.au/image/hrmasia/newsletter/hrmasia_tv.html

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intensive workshop on 'writing persuasive recommendation letters in english for students'...

Documents

letter of recommendation

letters of recommendation

reference letter

past recommendation

student application

secondary school teachers

career potential

referenceanalysis of