Recommendation Letters Template
Recommendation Letter Template: A Guide
A strong recommendation letter can significantly impact an applicant’s chances of success, be it for a job, academic program, or scholarship. While each letter should be tailored to the individual and the specific opportunity, a template can serve as a helpful starting point, ensuring you cover essential elements.
Key Components of a Recommendation Letter Template
- Header: Begin with your full name, title, organization, and contact information (phone number and email address). Include the date of writing. Then, address the recipient formally (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager Name]” or “To the Admissions Committee”). If the recipient’s name is unknown, use a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Introduction (First Paragraph): Clearly state your relationship to the applicant and the purpose of the letter. For instance, “It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Program].” Briefly mention the duration and context of your association (e.g., “I was [Applicant Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name] for [Number] years”). Express your enthusiasm and overall assessment concisely.
- Body Paragraphs (Second and Third Paragraphs): This section is the core of your recommendation. Provide specific examples to support your claims about the applicant’s skills, qualities, and accomplishments. Focus on 2-3 key attributes that are relevant to the target opportunity.
- Skills & Qualities: Highlight relevant skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving, technical expertise) and positive qualities (e.g., work ethic, leadership, creativity, initiative).
- Specific Examples: Don’t just state qualities; illustrate them with anecdotes. “For example, during the [Project Name] project, [Applicant Name] demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by [Specific Action and Result].” Quantify achievements whenever possible.
- Tailoring: Align your examples with the requirements and expectations of the specific opportunity. Research the job description or program details to understand what qualities are most valued.
- Concluding Paragraph: Reiterate your strong recommendation and summarize the applicant’s key strengths. Offer to provide further information if needed. Include your contact information again for easy follow-up. A strong closing sentence might be, “I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization/program.”
- Closing and Signature: Use a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your handwritten signature (if sending a hard copy) and typed name.
Important Considerations:
- Honesty and Accuracy: Only write a recommendation if you genuinely believe in the applicant’s abilities. Be truthful and avoid exaggeration.
- Avoid Generic Language: While a template is helpful, tailor each letter to the individual and the specific opportunity. Avoid using generic phrases that could apply to anyone.
- Proofread Carefully: Ensure the letter is free of grammatical errors and typos. A well-written letter reflects positively on both you and the applicant.
- Respect Confidentiality: If the applicant shares confidential information with you, respect their privacy and avoid disclosing it in the letter.
By using a well-structured template and tailoring it with specific examples and relevant information, you can write a compelling recommendation letter that helps the applicant achieve their goals.
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