How do I sign a letter of recommendation, if I've left academia? I recently left academia. A former student of mine asked for a letter of recommendation for graduate school applications. I've typically seen references sign with their title, to provide context. Should I sign mine as follows?

My Name
Former Thisorthat Postdoctoral Fellow
Former Institution Name
In your case, write on personal letterhead.  As Alexander Woo has said, the first paragraph should be something like this: &quot;I'm writing in support of the application of Bob Brown to your doctor of divinity program.  Bob was my student when I was a postdoctoral fellow at the Close Cover Before Striking University.&quot;  Then you go on to explain briefly your qualifications to make the recommendation and in more detail why Bob would make an excellent and successful DD student.