Have you experienced written a letter of recommendation? Do you know what that is? Well, you’re in luck because this article is about how to write a letter of recommendation.
There are some important guidelines and tips to discuss about 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 they can vouch for the applicant’s education and job performance.
This letter is sent to hiring business officers, but it can also be for a candidate looking for not only a job, but for things like scholarships and admissions.
A letter of recommendation helps make the entire application more rounded. The letter usually discusses the applicant’s character. It is recommended that friends or family do not participate in this as it can be biased. Instead, think of people in your life like:
- Teacher
- Advisor
- Neighbor
- Coworker
- Manager
Having a letter of recommendation can give the applicant a strong chance to stand out from the competition.
The Recommendation Letter Template
If you are not a strong writer and you need to write a letter of recommendation, then don’t worry. Go online and find the recommendation letter templates that are out there. There are hundreds of these templates that can help you with your writing.
How to Format a Letter of Recommendation
With so many different businesses and companies out there, it makes sense that their requirements change between them. If your employer asks for a letter of recommendation, be sure to ask them about what they want in the letter.
This is how a letter of recommendation can be divided into:
- Date
- employer’s name
- Title of Employer
- Address of Employer
- Salutation (If you got the employer’s name, then use that in the salutation)
- Introducing Yourself (You should first start with a quick introduction of yourself and how you know the applicant.
- Recommendation (Provide your recommendation by telling the employer of the applicant’s abilities
- Examples (Provide 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 Letters of Recommendation
To write a good letter of recommendation, you will need to do everything you can to ensure that the applicant gets the result they want. Follow these tips for the best recommendation letter from the group.
Do some research
To make sure your letter is perfect, you need to understand what job the applicant is applying for. You may want some of the following to help you with your writing:
- A job description
- The applicant’s resume
- Accomplishments, credentials, and skills you want to focus on
Be Detailed
The letter of recommendation must be personal. The use of details when describing the applicant’s character is important. Choose the best words to avoid any overuse of terms.
Try to think about what the employer wants to know about the applicant. From that perspective, you can give the applicant a glowing review for the employer.
Make it Positive
The letter of recommendation is important in the application process. Therefore, you want to do everything you can to provide an honest overview of the applicant. Highlight the applicant’s positive qualities and show enthusiasm for why you think they are a good fit for the role.
Keep it on Point
A letter of recommendation does not have to be the entire life of the applicant or you. Instead, remember that employers have to filter through multiple letters. Keep it to one page, but full of praise and love that the applicant deserves.
Conclusion
That’s all there is to the letter of recommendation. Now, if you’re still uncomfortable and can’t give the recommendation you want to give them, just say no! A mediocre letter can be worse than a bad letter.
However, it can be a great way to hone your writing skills. Besides, this person came to you for the letter. There is some sense 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.
Fortunately, this is only a one-page letter on why someone should get the job. It’s not that hard!