What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A basic letter of recommendation is a document written by someone who knows an individual professionally or academically and can provide an external perspective on their skills, knowledge, and abilities.
This letter serves as a way to support the applicant by highlighting their achievements and abilities and providing insight into their personal qualities. It can help the applicant stand out from their competition and increase their chances of getting the job or position they are applying for.
Why are Letters of Recommendation Important?
Letters of recommendation are important because they provide a third-party perspective on an applicant’s qualifications and character. Employers often rely on these letters to gain insight into an applicant’s abilities and potential fit within their organization.
They can help employers make informed decisions by providing additional information that may not be evident from the applicant’s resume or interview.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
When writing a letter of recommendation, there are a few key steps to follow:
- Familiarize yourself with the applicant’s qualifications: Before writing the letter, review the applicant’s resume, cover letter, and any other relevant documents to get a clear understanding of their skills and experiences.
- Use a professional format: Format the letter using a professional tone and structure. Include your contact information, the date, a formal salutation, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing.
- Highlight the applicant’s achievements and abilities: Focus on specific examples of the applicant’s accomplishments and skills that are relevant to the job they are applying for. Provide clear and concise descriptions to support your statements.
- Include personal qualities: In addition to highlighting the applicant’s professional skills, mention any personal qualities that make them a strong candidate, such as leadership abilities, teamwork, or problem-solving skills.
- Be honest and specific: Provide an honest assessment of the applicant’s abilities and qualifications. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and help the reader understand the applicant’s strengths.
- Conclude with a strong recommendation: Clearly state your recommendation for the applicant and express your confidence in their abilities. Offer to provide additional information if needed.
Example of a Letter of Recommendation
Tips for Writing a Successful Letter of Recommendation
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a letter of recommendation:
- Be specific: Provide specific examples and details to support your statements about the applicant’s qualifications.
- Focus on relevant skills: Highlight the applicant’s skills and experiences that are directly related to the job they are applying for.
- Use a neutral tone: Maintain a neutral and objective tone throughout the letter to ensure fairness and credibility.
- Proofread for errors: Take the time to proofread the letter for any grammatical or spelling errors before sending it.
- Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide sufficient detail, keep the letter concise and to the point.
- Ask for permission: Before writing a letter of recommendation, ask the applicant for their permission and inquire about any specific points they would like you to include.
In Conclusion
A basic letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in helping an applicant stand out from their competition. By highlighting their achievements and abilities, and providing insight into their personal qualities, this letter can provide an external perspective on the applicant’s skills, knowledge, and abilities.
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can write an effective letter of recommendation that will support the applicant in their job search.
Basic Letter of Recommendation Template – Download
