How to Write a Recommendation Letter

Anyone who has applied for a job knows how important recommendation letters can be for getting hired. Many employers request recommendation letters to help them decide who to hire or internally promote. Throughout the hiring process, the applicant strives to present herself in the best light. Beyond the interview, hiring managers and sometimes even schools and colleges look to recommendation letters to confirm the candidates qualifications and to gain insight from some outside personnel. You might have had asked a letter of recommendation for your own but you may never have had a situation to write one. So, here is what you need to know about writing a recommendation letter supporting a job applicant.

First is collecting all the information you need to write an effective letter. Ask for a resume or curriculum vitae before the beginning of the letter. Ask the subject of your letter about the qualifications required for the job he is aspiring for.

The first paragraph of the letter should explain how you know the person you are writing the letter for. It should include your job title, relation with the subject and also mention if you have ever supervised the subject.

The body of the letter should include different skills, qualifications, areas of knowledge, and other assets of the subject you are recommending. These assertions made by you should have proper proofs. You can even include some examples of situations when you observed the skills highlighted.

The body should also include different projects or roles in which they have successfully applied the mentioned skills. Include different accomplishments of the subject and highlight those which are somewhat linked to the job aspired for. Put some other short bits of praise but dont exaggerate. Not only does it not look plausible, it will also set expectations for them that will be next to impossible to meet.

In your closing statement mention something like, if you were the authority, you would definitely hire this person or if you are the current boss of the subject you may even say that you would hire this person again. Mention that you believe that this person will bring the best in the company.

Do not forget to mention your correct contact details so that if they have any follow up questions, they can contact you. Giving wrong contact details will put a negative impact.

Format the letter in a formal and universally accepted way. If this is your first recommendation letter, it is advisable to use a template so that you do not commit a blunder.

As long as you incorporate the key features discussed above and take the time to make your letter positive and specific, youll provide a strong recommendation letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired.

Sample letters-