How to Write a Job Recommendation Letter
For some jobs, especially in academia and high-profile positions, employers sometimes request that top candidates submit letters of recommendation as part of the decision-making process. In some instances, employers might even ask for a letter of recommendation to accompany a resume and cover letter as part of the initial application. Colleges also request letters of recommendation as part of applying students’ applications, especially as part of master’s and doctoral-level degree applications.
Letters of recommendation carry a fair amount of weight for the recipient, and therefore, candidates must carefully consider whom they ask to write one for them. Writing an effective letter of recommendation takes time and effort, though when it’s looked at as a privilege, the task can feel more meaningful and enjoyable.
If you’re asked to write a letter of recommendation, if you truly don’t have the time or don’t feel you can represent the candidate in a positive light, it’s OK and best to decline the request.
However, if you agree to accept the request and be part of the team helping the person achieve this treasured goal, you’ll need to include some basics. It’s completely acceptable to ask the requester to provide notes on what they’d like you to include. Here are some tips that can help them. This post provides you with tips to make writing letters of recommendation straightforward, with a letter of recommendation example included.
SAYING “YES” TO RECOMMENDATION LETTER REQUESTS
If you’re on the fence as to whether to write a recommendation letter, consider the following questions:
• Have you directly observed the applicant in class, in extra-curricular activities, at work, or in a relevant situation that allows you to share authentic insights? • Are you aware of the individual’s skills
and strengths?
• Do you have specific examples of the individual’s relevant accomplishments or work?
• Are you able to provide positive feedback
about the person?
• Do you have the time and availability to give the letter what it needs to best represent the one requesting it?
If you answered “no” to any of those questions, then declining to write a letter of recommendation for the individual might be best. This is especially true if you can’t provide positive feedback about the person. It’s best to decline the request vs. writing a letter that’s lukewarm or inaccurate.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: THE BASICS
As with all business letters, recommendation letters follow a similar format: address and contact information with date, salutation, body, and closing signature. If you refer to recommendation letter samples, you’ll find that the body of most well-written recommendation letters will include the following:
• A brief introduction that indicates your intent for writing the recommendation, who you are, and your relationship to the requestor.
• An overview of the positive attributes you’ve experienced while observing and interacting with the candidate.
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• A closing statement that summarizes your points and why the candidate would be a good fit for the program or position.
• Yourcontactinformation in case additionalinformationisneeded.
Ask the individual to provide you with a copy of a resume, cover letter, and job description or program information to help jog your memory and give you some informationtoworkwithasyoudevelopyour points for the letter.
TIPS FOR WRITING A RECOMMENDATION LETTER
Collect information.
Ask the person requesting the recommendation to provide you with a current resume. Also, ask for a copy of the job description or program details. A copy of their cover letter can also be helpful. Reviewing these documents will help you align the relevant information you provide with the requirements of the position or program.
Follow the request instructions. To best support the application process, you want to adhere closely to any instructions the employer or institution provided regarding what to include and how to deliver the letter.
Use standard business letter format. A letter of recommendation is a professional business letter and, as such, should follow the standard formatting for business letters.
Be direct and honest, while r maining positive. You want the letter to have a positive spin and vibe, while also being concise and to-the-point, providing the information the employer or institution needs to make an informed decision based on your perspective.
Focus on the most pertinent traits and qualifications. Sharing two to three of the most relevant achievements related to the program or job description with specific examples to highlight successes will provide the greatest impact.
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