Please give me your best rec writing advice
 

I did a search and didn't turn up anything.

I'm looking for your best rec writing advice. What words of wisdom and experience would you share about writing recs for women you don't personally know?

I'd like to do a good job on them and don't want to recreate the wheel. So I'm all ears.

Thanks! :)

Find someone who DOES know them, or at least their mama and daddy, and says they're OK.

Be sure to say at the end whether you are endorsing her or not

Anything from " I dont know her well enough to recommend her" to "i have known her forever and I recommend her highly" can be helpful.

If you can this helps your GLO and the PNM!

First, I like to start my letters with a sentence stating that I am pleased to recommend NAME, a YEAR IN SCHOOL MAJOR from HOMETOWN and (something outstanding about them; e.g., varsity cheerleader, student council president, regional president of NHS, etc.) for membership in the sorority. Second, I point out what makes her a scholar: list GPA, and any scholarships or academic honors. Third, I talk about leadership/athletics/activities, including any offices held and awards (this is a great place to suggest chapter office positions for which the PNM might be suited based on your knowledge of her and her experiences). Fourth, I'll talk about community service and involvement. Fifth, I'll mention that she's prepared to handle the financial responsibilities of membership and how she'll be paying for dues (parents, scholarship, etc.). Sixth, I'll talk about how I know her and what I know of her personality that would make her a good sister. In closing, I'll wish the chapter a wonderful recruitment and hope they enjoy meeting this special PNM.

That post is a keeper! I don't write many recs and the form we use only allows so much flexibility, but this is a great template for filling in blanks for the best possible result.

If you are NOT endorsing someone, check that box (if there is one). Then add a sticky note saying "CALL ME." No need to put anything in writing.

To echo what adpiucf said, we have 4 points to our pin. They each represent something. I try to point out how Suzy PNM's attributes apply to the each of the diamond's 4 points.

Each GLO's rec/ref form will mirror the GLOs core values, so make sure you cover those points with evidence from the PNMs resume and other materials or research you have done. If she is lacking any particular core value, it will show.

I'm still new to the rec writing business, but one thing I really like to ask, especially when I don't know the PNM that well, is "why do you want to join a sorority". The answer can add in a ton to the letter. If an answer is "everyone in my family is greek and my family has been super involved" that can be "Suzy has seen the lifelong bond between members and will be a lifelong and involved member" That might be little far to extrapolate, but a little conversation about why, can go a long way.

I also like to get transcripts. It explains a lot about a GPA especially when low. "Suzy struggled her freshman year, but as she continued through high school she really blossomed." Or if an upperclassman "Suzy originally had a hard time adjusting to the rigors of college life, but her second semester she learned how to balance. Not only did she make dean's list, but was involved in four clubs including being a student government representative for her dorm."

This is why I like to get a transcript.

I was going over some info forms last night with a friend in another sorority. She saw what the girl put down for grades on her form and hooted. The transcript showed the real story. That doesn't happen often, but it does happen. What is the PNM thinking??

Keep it simple. An advisor/member processing 150 or 1500 doesn't have time to read every golden word. You don't have to make beautiful sentences. A list is fine.

Use facebook and twitter and google and such even if you know the PNM because sometimes they will show you a very different side to her that you don't know about. That can save you a whole lot of trouble!

If I could throw instagram in as well? Pinterest may not show quite as much but still have some things.