Get the final copies of the LoR from each recommender and then upload from my docusign account and send to each recommender to sign.
or
Ask the recommender to do the upload themself and sign and then send me the signed copy (which then would have only their IP, but none of my details)
What is the recommended option please?
Question 2
What is the implication of not using Letterheads. 2 of my recommenders now work in companies such as a bank and I am not sure whether they can use their job’s letterhead to submit a LoR for me. Please advise.
It’s generally best if you prepare the final draft of the letter, then upload it via your DocuSign (or similar) account and send it to each recommender for signature. This way you maintain consistency across all documents and ensure the audit trail is clear. Many applicants follow this approach successfully.
Using an official letterhead is preferred, but it’s not mandatory. What matters most is that the recommender includes their full name, current role, contact details, and LinkedIn profile. A detailed CV is also helpful as supporting evidence. If your recommenders cannot use their company letterhead (e.g. due to restrictions at banks), that’s fine—letters without letterhead have been accepted before. If possible, you could consider asking alternative recommenders who are able to use letterhead, and reserve these two for reference letters within your evidence criteria instead.
@Maya
Thank you so much for your response. I understand now and will go with the option of uploading for them to sign.
Just one more clarification please, regarding adding the CV as supporting evidence, does this mean that in the same LoR letter, the recommender should add their detailed CV? If the LoR is already 2 pages long and the CV and Docusign certificate increases the total number of pages for the LoR, is this acceptable?
As per the Tech Nation guide, the recommendation letters themselves can be up to 3 pages long. The audit trail, CV, and any supporting documents are not counted within this page limit. So even if the total file ends up being more than 3 pages once you include the recommender’s CV and the DocuSign certificate, that’s perfectly fine.
Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts on this. I get your point, but I think it is safer to go with option 2. Even though we do not fully know why TN has recently started asking for Docusign, as reported by some applicants, I believe the whole value of using Docusign is that it proves the letter is authentic, confidential, and clearly authored by the recommenders(showing their IP, other tracking details but none of applicant details).
To stay consistent with that purpose, it seems best to let the recommender handle the upload and signing directly. This way it align with the most likely reasons TN is emphasising Docusign.
It’s up to you. They just have to ensure that the document and signature originates from their device at the time of signature.
It should be fine with or without them. Without the letterhead, attach 3rd party proof of the person’s affiliation with the organisation - news article or any other proof
