• Know whether your organization allows you to give references on current or former employees/students.
• Consider declining the request if you are unable to provide enthusiastic endorsement or if you do not know the individual well enough to critique performance.
• If you choose to write a letter, clearly identify the person being recommended and the purpose of the recommendation.
• Identify yourself and indicate in what capacity you know the individual.
• Indicate the length of your association and the candidate’s performance during your association.
• Offer assessment of the person’s skills, abilities, attributes important for success, knowledge and experience.
• Provide a closing statement summarizing your opinion of the person’s potential capabilities. Choose descriptive words carefully as they may carry special weight.

Action Verbs