Writing a Recommendation Letter: Information and Examples

Introduction

A recommendation letter is a document that provides an evaluation of a person’s skills, qualities, and characteristics. It is typically written by someone who knows the individual being recommended well, such as a former employer, teacher, or mentor. These letters are used for many different purposes, such as applying for a job, gaining admission to college, or receiving a scholarship.

The purpose of a recommendation letter is to provide an honest assessment of a person’s character, abilities, and accomplishments. It is important to provide accurate information in a recommendation letter so that the recipient can make an informed decision. This article will explore what information to give someone writing a recommendation letter, explain the basics of writing one, offer examples of good recommendation letters, and describe how to format and submit the letter.

Explain the Basics of Writing a Recommendation Letter

When writing a recommendation letter, it is important to choose the right references. The person writing the letter should consider their relationship with the reference before asking them for assistance. The reference should know the individual well in order to provide an accurate assessment of their skills and accomplishments.

Before using a reference, the writer should ask permission. It is important to respect the reference’s time and privacy by only asking them to write the letter if they are willing and able to do so. Once a reference has been chosen, it is time to outline the components of a strong recommendation letter.

Outlining the Components of a Strong Recommendation Letter

The introduction of the letter should provide some context about the relationship between the writer and the individual being recommended. It should also explain why the writer is qualified to provide an assessment of the individual’s skills and qualities.

The body of the letter should highlight the individual’s positive characteristics and provide specific examples of their accomplishments. It is important to provide concrete evidence of the individual’s abilities in order to paint a clear picture of their qualifications.

The closing statement should reinforce the writer’s opinion of the individual and emphasize why they would be an ideal candidate for the position or opportunity that they are applying for. It is important to end the letter on a positive note.

Offer Examples of Good Recommendation Letters

Below are three examples of good recommendation letters. Each example is unique and provides an accurate assessment of the individual’s skills and accomplishments.

Sample 1

To whom it may concern:

I have had the pleasure of working with John Smith for the past five years. During this time, I have seen him grow into a dependable and hard-working employee. He is a quick learner and always eager to take on new tasks and responsibilities. He is reliable and always willing to help his colleagues.

John is an excellent problem solver and is able to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. He is organized and detail-oriented, which helps him stay on top of his work. He is also an effective communicator and is able to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.

I highly recommend John for any position he applies for. I am confident that he will be an asset to any team he joins. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Sample 2

To whom it may concern:

I have had the privilege of knowing Jane Doe for the past four years. She is an intelligent and motivated individual who is passionate about her work. She is dedicated to her studies and always strives to do her best.

Jane is a great communicator and is able to effectively collaborate with her peers. She is organized and always completes her work on time. She is also creative and has an eye for detail. She is able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to difficult problems.

I highly recommend Jane for any opportunity she applies for. She is a talented individual and I have no doubt that she will excel at whatever she sets her mind to. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

John Smith

Sample 3

To whom it may concern:

It is my pleasure to recommend Mary Jones for the position she is applying for. I have known Mary for the past three years and have seen her grow into a confident and driven individual.

Mary is an excellent team player and is always willing to help her colleagues. She is organized and pays close attention to detail. She is also an effective leader and is able to motivate her team to reach their goals. She is creative and is able to come up with innovative solutions to difficult problems.

I highly recommend Mary for the position she is applying for. She is a talented individual and I am confident that she will be an asset to any team she joins. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Describe How to Format and Submit the Recommendation Letter

Once the letter is written, it is important to format it correctly. The language used in the letter should be professional and appropriate. The letter should also follow a business letter format, including the date, recipient’s address, and a salutation.

The letter should also be concise. It is important to get to the point quickly and provide only relevant information. The letter should not exceed one page in length.

After formatting the letter, the writer should determine the submission method. Depending on the position or opportunity that the individual is applying for, the letter may need to be emailed, mailed, or uploaded to an online application. If submitting the letter electronically, it is important to follow any instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Writing a recommendation letter can be a daunting task, but it is important to provide accurate information in order to give the recipient an accurate assessment of the individual’s skills and accomplishments. When writing a recommendation letter, it is important to choose the right references, outline the components of a strong recommendation letter, provide examples, and explain how to format and submit the letter.

By following these tips, the writer can ensure that the letter is well-written and accurately reflects the individual’s qualifications. A strong recommendation letter can go a long way in helping the individual achieve their goals.