29: The Work of Writing Letters of Recommendation in Higher Ed

Given the ubiquity of recommendation letters in graduate school admissions processes, fellowship applications, job searches, and promotion cases—particularly in North America, it’s pretty wild that there isn’t more attention paid to this genre of writing. 

Why is it that faculty receive such little training on how to craft letters of recommendation? Especially when these letters can have a critical impact in an evaluation process? 

In this 29th episode of the Rise with Clarity Podcast, I’m going to be reflecting on this mysterious, yet ubiquitous genre of writing. I also provide some strategies on how to better manage the labor that is entailed in writing these letters.

Find the full transcript for this episode at RisewithClarity.com/29, along with all of my other podcast episodes and other useful resources for women of color faculty in higher education.

Dr. Katherine Lee is a Higher Ed Coach and Career Strategist and a former tenured professor at an R1 university. She helps women of color faculty to manage the tenure track, navigate politics, and take the next steps to advance their careers. To find more resources or to work with Katherine, check out her website at: Rise with Clarity.