[Updated Aug 2026] Many students ask me to write them a recommendation letter, whether for a job or internship application, or for graduate studies. I usually decline, unless I have worked with the student in a project before. Here's why. Concrete Examples To write a good letter, I need to be able to give concrete examples. General comments, such as, "This student is hardworking and smart", are weak and useless. Everybody applying for a job or for graduate school is ha
