Letter Of Recommendation: How To Write (With Example)
Writing a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task for anyone, whether you are a student, a job seeker, or a professional in any field. A letter of recommendation is a formal document that serves as a reference for someone seeking admission to a school, applying for a job, or pursuing other opportunities. It is often required by the recipient to provide an assessment of the applicant’s qualities, skills, and experience. A well-written letter of recommendation can make a significant difference in the applicant’s chances of success. In this post, we will discuss how to write a letter of recommendation that stands out and provides valuable information for the recipient.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Letter
The first step in writing a letter of recommendation is to understand its purpose. You should know why the letter is being written and what it is expected to accomplish. Is it for a job application or admission to a school? Who is the recipient of the letter? What are the key qualities, skills, or experiences that the recipient is looking for in the applicant? Understanding the purpose of the letter will help you tailor your content to meet the recipient’s needs.
2. Gather Information About the Applicant
The next step is to gather information about the applicant. You should ask the applicant for a resume, transcripts, and any other relevant documents that can help you get a better understanding of their background, experience, and achievements. You can also ask the applicant to provide you with a list of qualities, skills, or experiences that they would like you to highlight in the letter. It is important to have a clear understanding of the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can provide an honest and accurate assessment.
3. Use a Professional Tone
A letter of recommendation is a formal document, and it should be written in a professional tone. You should use formal language and avoid slang, jargon, or abbreviations. Your letter should be well-structured and easy to read, with clear headings and subheadings. You should also make sure to address the recipient of the letter in a respectful and professional manner.
4. Provide Specific Examples
One of the most important things to include in a letter of recommendation is specific examples of the applicant’s skills and experience. You should provide concrete examples of how the applicant has demonstrated their skills or qualities, and how they have contributed to their previous organizations or projects. These examples should be relevant to the recipient’s needs and should provide a clear picture of the applicant’s strengths and potential.
5. Be Honest and Accurate
A letter of recommendation is a reflection of your own credibility, and it is important to be honest and accurate in your assessment of the applicant. You should avoid exaggerating or embellishing the applicant’s achievements or skills, as this can be misleading and can harm the applicant’s chances of success. At the same time, you should also avoid being overly critical or negative, as this can also harm the applicant’s chances of success.
6. Emphasize the Applicant’s Potential
A letter of recommendation should not only provide a summary of the applicant’s past achievements, but also emphasize their potential for future success. You should highlight the applicant’s strengths and potential, and provide specific examples of how they can contribute to the recipient’s organization or project. This can help the recipient see the applicant as a valuable asset and increase their chances of success.
7. Include Your Contact Information
Finally, you should include your contact information in the letter of recommendation. This can help the recipient reach out to you if they have any questions or need further information about the applicant. You should include your full name, title, organization, phone number, and email address, and make sure to format it in a professional and easy-to-read manner.
Example of a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant’s Name], who is applying for admission to [Name of School/Program]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Months/Years], and I can confidently say that [he/she] is one of the most talented and hardworking individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
[Applicant’s Name] has demonstrated exceptional skills in [Area of Expertise], and has consistently exceeded expectations in [Specific Projects/Assignments]. [He/She] has a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of [Related Field]. [His/Her] ability to [Specific Skill or Ability] has been instrumental in [Achievement or Success].
Moreover, [Applicant’s Name] is a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile to help [His/Her] colleagues. [He/She] has a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a strong work ethic. [His/Her] ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines is commendable.
Based on [Applicant’s Name]’s performance and achievements, I am confident that [he/she] has the potential to excel in [Name of School/Program]. [He/She] has a passion for [Related Field] and a desire to make a positive impact in [Related Industry]. I strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to [Name of School/Program] and believe that [he/she] will be a valuable asset to the community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information about [Applicant’s Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can provide valuable information that can help the applicant succeed. By understanding the purpose of the letter, gathering information about the applicant, using a professional tone, providing specific examples, being honest and accurate, emphasizing the applicant’s potential, and including your contact information, you can write a letter of recommendation that stands out and provides valuable insights for the recipient.
FAQs
1. Who can write a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation can be written by anyone who has had a professional or academic relationship with the applicant, such as a supervisor, professor, colleague, or mentor.
2. What should be included in a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation should include the applicant’s name, the purpose of the letter, specific examples of the applicant’s skills and experience, an honest and accurate assessment, an emphasis on the applicant’s potential, and the writer’s contact information.
3. How long should a letter of recommendation be?
A letter of recommendation should be concise and to the point, typically no more than one or two pages long.
4. Can a letter of recommendation be negative?
A letter of recommendation should always be honest and accurate, but it should avoid being overly negative or critical. If the writer cannot provide a positive assessment of the applicant, it is better to decline the request for a recommendation.
5. How should a letter of recommendation be formatted?
A letter of recommendation should be well-structured and easy to read, with clear headings and subheadings. The writer’s contact information should be included at the end of the letter, formatted in a professional and easy-to-read manner.