Reference letter functionality in InfoReady is the same across templates but may look slightly different based on which template is used.

The information below focuses on the administrator configuration and applicant experience for reference letters in an opportunity made with the Form Designer template. 

For more information on reference letter actions for different users, please visit these sections:
- Administrators
- Letter Writers

Administrators can add the Reference Letters tool to any place in the form. This area allows applicants to request letters of reference, recommendation, or support directly through InfoReady. Once submitted, these letters become part of the application packet that reviewers and administrators have access to. Letter writers are each sent a unique link to a letter upload page. They do not have to create or activate accounts to upload their letter.

Administrator View (Requirements Page)

In the expanded toolbar on the left side, add by selecting Reference Letters as shown below.

Once added to the desired location in the form, the Settings panel immediately opens on the righthand side of the screen:

1. Edit the field label to clarify to customize the term (optional).

2. Decide if reference letters are required or optional.

3. If required, specify the minimum and maximum number of letters allowed (or number permitted if optional).

4. Decide if reference letters should be hidden from applicants after they are submitted (default behavior). Check the box to allow applicants to see the letters.

5. Determine reference letter deadline.

• Check box next to Use internal submission deadline to have the letter deadline match the application due date.
• To use another date/time (recommended), fill out the Deadline Date and Deadline Time fields.

6. Hide from reviewers

• The default setting will hide the configuration details such as the applicant instructions, email message sent to letter writers, and the letter writer email addresses. 
• If you'd like to show those elements to reviewers, un-check the box.
• With either setting, reviewers will see any submitted reference letters as part of the application packet.

7. Read through the default applicant instructions and modify as needed. You may want to include things like:

• Who letter writers should be
• How the letters will be evaluated

8 Read through the default email message to letter writers and modify as needed. You may want to include things like:

• Brief description of the opportunity/program
• Letter length
• Letter format
• Note: {Applicant name} is a system mail merge field that will populate with the user's name who is requesting the letter.

Default Configuration

Customized Configuration Example

Configuring Logic (Optional)

• Click Logic below the main configuration options if you would only like to make the reference letters section only visible for certain applicants, based on an earlier question in the form.
• Click the magic wand icon to configure the logic. Full instructions are available here: Adding Conditional Logic

8. Once all areas are configured, scroll up and click the arrow (shown below), or click onto the main part of form (i.e., middle of page) to collapse the configuration panel.

Applicant View

• Read the instructions directly above the reference letter writer email address field(s).
• Enter one email address per field.

A. Read the text of the email message that will be sent to the letter writers. Add in additional text as needed.

B. Select if you'd like to receive email notifications as letters are submitted.

C. Click Select dropdown to set a reminder email for the letter writers.

D. Click the Add Reminder link to set additional reminders.

Reference Letters are a Form Designer Pro feature. For more information, contact your account manager or view this article: Form Designer Template: Core vs. Pro Comparison Chart

Have more questions about this topic? Go to the Community Forum to pose the question to other users or submit a support ticket to InfoReady.