Faculty & Staff

Contact Career Services

Summer Hours
Jun. 3 - Aug. 9
Career Services, CLB 220, 240 & 260
7:30 A.M. until 5:30 P.M.
Mon. - Thurs. only
Closed on Fri.

Career Resource Center, CLB 235
8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M.
Open Mon. - Thurs. only.
Closed on Fri.

Location & Contact Details
220 Campus Life Building
815-753-1641
CareerServices@niu.edu
Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Out for Work Gold Certification

Writing Recommendation Letters

What if you are asked to write a recommendation letter? Ask yourself:

  • Are you the right person to write a letter of recommendation?
    If you are asked to write a recommendation letter, you need to discuss the subject candidly with the requester. A letter of recommendation is most effective when a person who knows the requester and his/her reputation writes it.
  • Do you qualify?
    Another consideration is your integrity-- can you honestly write positive things about the requester? If not, you need to bow out gracefully without hurting feelings. On the other hand, if you qualify, you should brainstorm with the requester to write what he or she wishes to be said. Be sensitive to deadlines.

Reprint from "Write Express" www.writeexpress.com/recommendation.htm

On-line sources on how to write a recommendation letter: