A letter of recommendation can be a valuable resource for the applicant..
If you are an employer or an instructor, you could often be called upon to write a letter of recommendation. This letter, also known as a letter of reference, might be for a former employee or a friend who is applying for a new job or for a former student applying for a job or an academic course. The letter is a formal document that must be truthful and businesslike, and you should know the applicant well.
Instructions
1. Use a traditional business letter format, beginning the letter with the recipient's name and address if you know them after your letterhead. If you do not know the recipient's name, "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam" is acceptable. In the first paragraph, explain that you are writing a recommendation for the applicant. BoxFreeConcepts suggests that the tone of the opening can establish your opinion of the applicant, ranging from very low -- "This letter is in reference to ... " -- to very high -- "It is a genuine pleasure and honor for me to recommend. ... " Introduce yourself briefly by stating your position and your relationship to the applicant: whether you were his employer, supervisor or instructor. The information should include how long you were associated with the applicant.
2. Confirm the applicant's information in your second paragraph by stating the dates that he was employed or the student's term, course work and grades. Describe the job duties if the applicant was an employee. In the third paragraph, elaborate on your experience with the applicant by noting contributions the employee made to your company or outstanding qualities you saw in your student. Address whether the applicant was ambitious and responsible and of good character. If appropriate, state that you would re-employ the applicant.
3. Ask the applicant before you start the letter if she would like anything else included. If so, add that in a fourth paragraph. Close by summing up your overall recommendation. End the letter by offering to follow up, if you are willing, and providing contact information if complete information is not included in your letterhead. Clean up any spelling errors or typos in your letter.
Tags: letter reference, recipient name, This letter, with applicant, your letterhead