First time writing a rec...

[alum]

I would ask for the girl's resume to be followed up with an interview if necessary especially if you don't know the girl.



I have written many recommendations for Kappa and Carnegie Mellon. I would never write a Carnegie Mellon reference without an interview and resume, no matter how well I know the applicant. I have even written character references for 2 neighbor boys going before their Eagle Scout Boards of Review. Even though I have known both boys for years and knew what they did for ECs and jobs, the resume helped me tie everything together. Even though these are all different types of recommendations, the principle is the same. When asked by my son's Scoutmaster, I will serve on the troop Boards of Review to interview the Scouts striving for their next rank.

[violetpretty]

If the girl is too far away to meet up for coffee/ice cream/lunch somewhere, I'd want to talk to her on the phone.

[honeychile]

The first time is always the hardest!

I don't know what's on your rec sheets, but I always start out the interview (in person or telephone) by saying that you're going to ask some embarrassing questions, and that the more honest they are about answering them, the easier it will be. I've even asked for a resume, much like KSUViolet, and told the ladies what you need to know.