If you
are requested to write a letter of
recommendation but think that he/she is
a poor employee/student or if you don't
know him/her very well it is best if you
decline. If you feel that you know the
employee/student well it is a good idea
to ask for additional information and/or
conduct a short interview with them so
that you'll have solid information to
write in your letter
Follow the business letter format with
the exception of the inside address
which you can leave out if it is
unknown. Unless the name of the person
is given to you, you should address the
"To Whom It May Concern:" Also be sure
to include your phone number and/or
e-mail so the reader can contact you
with any questions.
Letter of Recommendation Writing
The first paragraph should start out by
stating your relationship to the
applicant and how long you have known
him/her. You should also state your
professional position at the
company/school and any additional
information about yourself that will
help build your credibility as a good
reference.
The second paragraph should focus on
building the applicant. It should give
an overview of the candidate and his/her
strengths and qualities.
The next 2 to 3 paragraphs should focus
on a single quality followed by an
example(s) of how they show that
quality.
The closing paragraph should reiterate
that the applicant would be a good
employee/student and add any additional
comments that you may want to bring up.
You can also write about why you think
the employee/student will be a good fit
with the company, school, and/or
position. Also let the reader know that
he/she can contact you if they have any
additional questions.
Download - Recommendation Letter Example
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
Getting a good recommendation letter can
significantly help you out in your
application process so it is important
to ask someone who you are in good terms
with for a letter. It is also important
to ask someone that knows you well for a
recommendation and ask them for it in
person. If you are seeking a letter for
college or graduate schools, then it is
recommended that you request letters
from your teachers/professors. If you
are seeking a letter for a job, business
or professional school then it would be
ideal if you got one from your current
company. If you have not been at your
current company long or if you are not
currently employed then asking a
previous employer is recommended. If
that is not possible seek
recommendations from respected
professionals that you may know, such as
doctors, lawyers, politicians, ministers
and so on.
Ask for the letters early on, don't wait
until the day before the letter is
supposed to be sent in to request the
letters of recommendation. Instead ask
ahead of time. If you are going to apply
to school ask your professor at least a
month ahead of time. If you are seeking
a professional letter, ask for a letter
of recommendation whenever you leave a
job.
Assist the writer with as much material
as necessary, providing the writer with
your resume and a list of achievments
will make it easier on the writer. You
may also want to give him/her any
information that will help with the
letter including your plans for the
future, your strengths, experiences and
other qualities you want to be presented
in the letter. Be honest about the
information you give, if you embellish
it'll catch up with you later.
You should provide the writer with a
stamped and addressed envelope. Also if
there is a guideline that needs to be
followed or any other material that
needs to be filled out, you should
provide that to him/her.
After the letter is sent out, you should
send a thank you note to the writer. You
can also thank them in person or over
the phone as well.
A TO Z SAMPLE
LETTERS:
1-100 -
101-200 -
201-300 -
301-400 -
401-500 -
501-600 -
601-700 -
701-800 -
801-900 |
