Have you ever written a letter of recommendation? Do you even know what that is? Well, you’re in luck because this article is all about how to write a letter of recommendation.
There are some important rules and tips to go over regarding a letter of recommendation. So, let’s jump right into it!
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is when someone writes a letter on behalf of the person applying for a job so that they can vouch for the applicant’s education and work performance.
This letter is sent to the hiring officers of the business, but it can also be for a candidate seeking not just employment, but for things such as scholarships and admissions.
The letter of recommendation helps make the entire application more rounded out. The letter typically delves into the applicant’s character. It is recommended that friends or family not partake in this as it can be biased. Rather, think of people in your life such as:
- Teacher
- Counselor
- Neighbor
- Coworker
- Manager
Having a letter of recommendation can give the applicant a strong chance to stand out from the competition.
The Letter of Recommendation Template
If you are not a strong writer and you have to write a letter of recommendation, then do not worry. Go online and find the letter of recommendation templates that are out there. There are hundreds upon hundreds of these templates that can assist you in your writing.
How to Format the Letter of Recommendation
With so many different businesses and companies out there, it makes sense that their requirements fluctuate between them. If your employer asks for a letter of recommendation, then be sure to ask them about what they want on the letter.
This is how a letter of recommendation can be divided into:
- Date
- Name of Employer
- Title of Employer
- Address of Employer
- Greeting (If you are able to get the employer’s name, then use that in the greeting)
- Introduction of Yourself (You should first start off with a quick introduction of yourself and how you know the applicant.
- Recommendation (Give your recommendation by telling the employer of the applicant’s skills
- Examples (Give an example of the applicant’s character with a personal story)
- Closing (This should be just a rundown of why you would recommend the applicant)
- Contact Information (Sometimes, the employer will want to follow up. In this case, provide your phone number and email)
- Signature
Tips for a Letter of Recommendation
In order to write a good letter of recommendation, you are going to need to do everything you can to ensure that the applicant gets the result they desire. Follow these tips for the best letter of recommendation from the bunch.
Do Some Research
To ensure that your letter is perfect, you need to understand what the job is that the applicant is applying for. You may want some of the following to help you in your writing:
- A description of the job
- The applicant’s resume
- Achievements, credentials, and skills you want to put focus on
Be Detailed
The letter of recommendation needs to be a personal thing. The use of details when describing the applicant’s character is important. Choose the best words in order to avoid any overused terms.
Try to think of what the employer would want to know about the applicant. From that insight, you can give the applicant a glowing review for the employer.
Make it Positive
The letter of recommendation is vital to the application process. Therefore, you want to do everything you can to give an honest overview of the applicant. Highlight the positive traits of the applicant and show enthusiasm as to why you think they deserve the role.
Keep it to the Point
A letter of recommendation doesn’t need to be the applicant’s or your’s whole life story. Rather, keep in mind that the employers have to sift through multiple letters. Keep it to a single page, but filled with the praise and affection that the applicant deserves.
Conclusion
That is all there is to the letter of recommendation. Now, if you still feel uncomfortable and that you are not able to give the recommendation you want to give them, just say no! A mediocre letter could be worse than a bad letter.
However, it can be a good way to hone your writing skills. Plus, this person went to you for the letter. There is some feeling of honor that should be there as they trust you to write it. The best you can do is give them a glowing endorsement of their character.
Luckily it’s just a one-page letter on why someone should get the job. That’s not that hard!
