Writing a Rec for Someone You Don't Personally Know

[Sciencewoman]

Originally Posted by Blondie93

You are on the right track.

1. I have definitely called PNMs and met them in person. I typically start with asking for elaboration of things on their resume, but then transition into rush type questions. I'll ask about their planned major, what inspired them to do that, what they do with their free time, how they spent their summer etc. You would be surprised what you can learn in a phone call. Does it take the place of knowing them personally? Not at all, and I would never presume that. But, you can get an idea of their conversation skills, their motivations, their interests, not to mention their manners.

This is what I do.