Writing or requesting a letter of recommendation template can be really challenging for you. You have to follow some tips and guidelines in order to write an effective letter of recommendation. There are several letter of recommendation templates available online you can select from. They will save you time as well.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a letter of recommendation?
- 2 Different types of recommendation letters:
- 3 The importance of letter of recommendation:
- 4 The key components that can assist you in standing out in a recommendation letter:
- 5 How do you write a letter of recommendation?
- 6 Some tips to write a strong letter of recommendation:
- 7 Conclusion:
- 8 Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal letter in which someone else praises the applicant performance or personality. A candidate who is looking for admission, employment, or a scholarship send this letter to an admissions officer or hiring manager.
Your former student or an employee may ask you to write a letter of recommendation for them. You should provide positive feedback on their work in the letter. Before writing the letter, make sure that whether you are able to actually recommend them or not.
Different types of recommendation letters:
These are as follow;
Landlord/tenant recommendation letter
This type of recommendation letter comes in handy during the rental application process. This letter gives a testimonial to an applicant. The former tenant may ask the former landlord to write the letter. The letter contains details like whether or not the former tenant kept the residence in good condition, and other relevant details.
College recommendation letter
A student needs a college recommendation letter to get admission to a college they are applying for. With the help of this letter, the student can be get accepted to the college of their choice. Usually, a teacher or someone having knowledge of the applicant’s grades or talent may write this letter.
Professional recommendation letter
A professional recommendation letter is written to advocate a person for a job position. The skills of the applicant in the workplace and any achievements that they got during working for their former company are written on this letter. This type of recommendation letter is generally written by a coworker or former employer.
Personal recommendation letter
A personal recommendation letter specifies the personality of an applicant. Someone who is applying to be a tenant, for a job, or another type of vacancy may require this type of recommendation letter. The writer of the letter must know the applicant well.
Graduate school recommendation letter
A college student who is applying for a graduate school program requires a graduate school recommendation letter. This letter makes the applicant able to get accepted to the graduate school they want to get admission. A college professor or the person in charge of internship may write this letter.
Teacher recommendation letter
This type of recommendation letter specifies teaching credentials and the reasons that make the teacher the best candidate. You should mention the candidate’s impressive achievements.
Scholarship recommendation letter
A scholarship recommendation letter endorses someone for a scholarship. Specify the applicant’s accolades and the best parts of their personality in order to advocate someone properly. The letter clearly explains that why recommended the applicant is deserving of the scholarship.
The importance of letter of recommendation:
A letter of recommendation for job is used by employers to decide on who to promote or hire. During this process, the candidates struggle hard to present themselves in the best manner. The hiring manager see the recommendation letter along with the resume and interview. Through this letter, they gain insight from the third party and confirm a candidate’s qualifications.
Moreover, the employers by having recommendation letter want to know what contribution the employee can provide to the organization. Also, they want to know about their behavior. This letter also tells them the experience of the applicant. In simple words, the job recommendation letter speaks about the future performance of the applicant by mentioning their views from the past.
There are also college recommendation letters that are from students’ perspectives. With the help of this letter, colleges check out the potential students so that they find candidates who are respected by professionals. Furthermore, the letter also states the personality of the student through the past school experiences. While asking for recommendations, you should go to the professor or teacher who can paint in the best light.
Likewise the above types of letter of recommendations, the letter of recommendation for teacher assists in looking over the image and past performances of the teacher. Basically, the letter of recommendation highlights the positive and good image of the candidate, employee, teacher, or anybody.
The key components that can assist you in standing out in a recommendation letter:
Below are some important components in a recommendation letter that can assist you in standing out from others;
Describes a solid reason to recommend you
During writing a recommendation letter, you should ensure that it comes from a reputable firm or source. The specific firm demands that the letter of recommendation should be written by a professional and reliable company or firm that you have previously worked with. The one who has supervised the candidate, the letter should be written by them.
Includes specific anecdote and examples
In addition, the recommendation letter should also give anecdotes and some examples of different scenarios in order to justify your skills. Also, these examples should be positive and provide a good image in front of the reader. Some writers use simple adjectives to put in more value to the letter and the reader.
These examples not just help in providing value to the candidate but also indicate that the applicant works on day-to-day operations. In the recommendation letter, a writer should at least use two to three anecdotes. You should make sure that your letter does not sound insincere in order to provide a strong and positive image of the candidate.
Customized to the new position
When writing the letter, keep in mind that you have to portray a candidate’s accomplishments with respect to the past role. You should ensure that it properly connects to the next position when writing about their past role. Additionally, the writer should make them sure that they are compatible of making a career change by stating that they would surely do well in the new industry.
The customized job position is the place where the applicant should open communication with the applicant. You should share the job description with the writer so that he/she gets a clear understanding about the requirement of the position.
How do you write a letter of recommendation?
Here is the steps that you should follow to write an effective letter of recommendation;
Start with the formal letter writing format
You should start with a formal letter. At first, place the address on the top right corner and then place the date. Then, on the left side, write the recipient’s name and address. After that, open the letter with a formal business greeting.
Begin the letter with an enthusiastic and short praise
After the salutation, start the letter with enthusiastic and short praise. Don’t make sentences too long. You just have to state that you trust the person and he/she is credible and liable for the opportunity.
Describe how you know the candidate
Next, describe about the candidate’s qualifications and successes specifically. To back yourself up, specifically tell about the candidate’s stories and evidences.
Demonstrate about the success
By comparing a candidate’s achievements and accomplishments with other things the reader will get an understanding of why you are recommending the other person.
Indicate where they can improve, don’t exaggerate
You should be very honest while writing the recommendation letter. Don’t exaggerate about the candidate. Also, use the statements that are realistic and plausible. You have to give such statements so that the expectations are not too high. In case, the candidates have a weakness, handle it tactfully by remaining honest. Never include the things that will not possible for a candidate to meet.
Close the letter positively
Now, close the letter by repeating the recommendation of the candidate and also invite the recipient to contact you.
Use business closing and signature
You have to be professional most importantly along with all things mentioned above. In case, the letter is sending in a hard copy then simply get it printed and signed by hand. On the other hand, if you are sending the letter as a soft copy then simply state your name and use the words like Sincerely, Thank You, and Best Regards.
Some tips to write a strong letter of recommendation:
Here are some tips that you must consider while writing a letter of recommendation;
Do your research
You should first do some research to determine exactly what the candidate is applying for. Ask them to give you a copy of the job description or academic program requirements and their resume. Furthermore, ask them about any particular skills, achievements, or qualifications that they possess. This way, you can pay attention to the skills or qualifications that are relevant to the job the candidate is applying for.
Be specific
Make use of a template as it acts as guidance while writing but don’t forget to make it personal. While explaining the reasons that why this person is the best candidate, provide examples and particular details. Instead of using general terms or clichés, you should use strong and accurate adjectives. Write a letter in such a way that the recipient clearly know about the candidate you are recommending.
Stay positive
You should make sure in the letter that the recommended candidate is well-deserved for whatever they are applying for. Don’t provide negative comments and honestly explain everything.
Keep it formal and precise
It is suggested to use a business letter format. The font style should be Times New Roman containing a twelve point font size. There is a number of letters that they have to read so try to keep your letter concise and to the point. It shouldn’t be no more than two pages.
Follow the guidelines
You must follow particular submission guidelines and submit your letter on time. Make sure that your letter leaves a good impression on the recipient.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a letter of recommendation template should be written in an effective and professional manner. The writer of the letter has to leave positive descriptions of a candidate’s skills in a powerful and precise manner. The letter should use error-free, clear and effective language.
Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, a letter of recommendation is different from a reference letter. The letter of recommendation pays more attention to specific abilities and skills of the applicant. On the other hand, the reference letter discusses more about a candidate’s character and personality.
A letter of recommendation should consist of 1 or 2 pages. It should be precise and not more than 2 pages. However, the number of pages doesn’t matter the thing that matter the most is the quality of the letter.
You should ask for a letter of recommendation about 2-3 months before it is required so that the write has enough time to draft the document.
