Providing a curriculum vitae when requesting a recommendation letter equips the recommender with essential background information. This document, outlining one’s education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments, allows the writer to craft a personalized and impactful letter that speaks directly to the applicant’s qualifications and potential. For example, a student applying for a scholarship might provide a CV highlighting academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work to help their teacher write a strong supporting letter.
Submitting a well-structured and comprehensive document offers several advantages. It refreshes the recommender’s memory of the applicant’s contributions and qualities, particularly if a significant amount of time has passed since their last interaction. It also ensures the letter accurately reflects the individual’s experience and aligns with the specific requirements of the opportunity being pursued. This practice has become increasingly standard, reflecting the competitive nature of academic and professional fields. A strong recommendation often hinges on the recommender having readily accessible and detailed information about the candidate.