Table 1.

Key do’s and don’ts when being asked to write a letter of recommendation

Theme	Do	Do Not
Writing a letter in place of the candidate’s research advisor	A personal situation that might require discussion would be when the candidate is unable to ask their advisor for a letter of recommendation due to a bad relationship. If you, as the letter writer, know about this situation, you might want to mention in the letter that “there was a personality conflict but it does not reflect on the ability of the candidate to do the job.”	Do not write anything that is not true, do not stretch the facts.
Co-signing recommendation letter	Sometimes, a lab member or non-faculty ECR will have had more direct and notable mentoring experience with the candidate. Thus, the non-faculty mentor may be involved in writing the letter and included as a co-signed referee. Do suggest a direct mentor as a co-signing referee, if relevant.	Do not take credit for a letter you did not write on your own. Do not leave out the direct mentor if their insight can help to support the candidate.
Candidate waiver to read the letter	Be sure to clarify that it is up to the reference provider to decide on a waiver. Candidates should check if this requirement holds before they ask a mentor for a letter.	Do not avoid discussions about the recommendation letter or a waiver with the candidate.
Candidate requesting a letter while still employed	Do provide the letter to a candidate requesting a reference while they still work in your lab and assure them of your good intentions. Do have an open and honest conversation with your mentee about why they are applying for another job.	Do not let your personal feelings come across, impact the writing of the letter or your relationship with the candidate when making a recommendation under these circumstances. Do not refuse a candidate a letter if requested before leaving a lab/position.
Candidate drafting the letter	Candidates: if drafting a letter for the first time, study examples when possible and remember to use specific examples that pertain to your relationship with the mentor. Make sure to give the official letter writer a draft far in advance to permit for their editing and timely submission.	As a candidate, do not undersell yourself.