Student Workshop III: Recommendation Letters - Ground Rules
On August 14, 2025, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh organized a workshop titled “Recommendation Letters: Ground Rules,” aimed at offering valuable guidance on how to request effective recommendation letters. The workshop supports final year undergraduate students enrolled in ENG 4208, ENG 4298, and ENG 4299, as well as graduate students, and was conducted by Ms. Nadia Rahman, Assistant Professor at DEH, who explained both the technical and practical aspects of recommendation letters for academic and professional purposes.
Ms. Rahman began by providing a definition of a recommendation letter and clarifying its importance as a formal document that conveys an applicant’s achievements, skills, and character. She emphasized that generic letters carry little value, as they fail to highlight specific qualities that set the applicant apart. Instead, students should ensure that each letter is tailored to the intended purpose, whether for academic admission, scholarship, higher studies, internship, or employment, by providing the recommender with transparent, relevant, and verifiable information.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the student’s role in the process. Participants were advised to identify suitable referees who are well-acquainted with their work and accomplishments, supply necessary details and evidence such as transcripts, CVs, certificates, appointment letters (if they have any), or project summaries, and make requests via polite and concise emails. The importance of approaching the recommender well in advance was reiterated to allow sufficient time for a well-crafted letter.
Ms. Rahman also outlined the key “dos and don’ts” in requesting recommendation letters. Dos included being specific about the purpose of the letter, providing the deadline, mentioning particular things that you need to have highlighted, maintaining professional etiquette, and ensuring accuracy and honesty in the information provided. Don’ts include sending last-minute requests, irrelevant details, forging signatures, and using vague or exaggerated claims.
The session concluded with Ms. Rahman presenting examples of both well-crafted and poorly written emails requesting recommendation letters. She highlighted common issues found in ineffective emails, such as vague requests, lack of professionalism, and informal language, emphasizing how these mistakes can hinder the chances of receiving a well-built and timely letter.
Report by Nafisa Zaman (221013031)
