How to Write a Letter of Recommendation?
Writing a letter of recommendation or character reference for someone can be both something that could either make you feel honored (since the other person deems you trustworthy, respectable and noble enough) or makes you feel like you are doomed.
If the latter set of emotions is the sentiments that you experience in the first place, be respectful and decline by saying you will not be able to do justice because knowing how to write a letter of recommendation is, in my humble opinion, a responsibility.
Types of Letters of Recommendation
Depending on the intended purpose of the applicant, you could be inking a letter of recommendation aimed at either a prospective employer, an academia or simply to testify in favor of upholding a person’s character. We can divide letters of recommendation into the following categories:
Type |
Given From |
Purpose(s) |
| Academic | Teacher, Professor, Faculty | Getting Job
Admission Scholarship |
| Character | Friend, Relative, Institute | Getting Job
Court Hearing Applying for Something Child Custody/Adoption |
| Employment | Employer/Boss, HR, Company | Getting New Job |
Tone of Your Letter
Just as you are selling yourself through a cover letter, you are marketing your buddy through a letter of recommendation so you want to make sure that the tone you adopt is one that conveys a great level of your familiarity with the person you are writing for i.e. make it personalized.
And for this reason it is your responsibility to accept the task only if you really do know the person; don’t accept the task just like that; for the hell of it. You need to be conscious about the tone and nature of you letter since a good letter of recommendation largely depends on selecting the right tone.
Format/Template of a Letter of Recommendation
And just like a cover letter, you will be splitting up the letter of recommendation in to either 3 or 4 parts.
Addressing Your Letter of Recommendation
Dear Sir or Madam,
First Paragraph
The 1st paragraph will encapsulate the purpose for which you are writing the letter followed by providing details of how and for how long you have known the person being recommended. You can begin with the following line:
It is my pleasure to recommend Mr./Ms. Abc as a candidate for Position XYZ
Talk about your own qualifications and credentials here as well to establish your credibility and convinces the reader to read on.
Second Paragraph
In the next paragraph will hit on the specific skill set & traits based on which you are recommending the other person. For example, if your friend is applying for work with a public benefit organization and has been active in community initiatives in the past, talk about it.
Concluding Paragraph
In the concluding paragraph, articulate your particular commendation and where you feel necessary, go over any final details you deem to be appropriate.
End your letter with either of the following:
- Sincerely
- Your Truly
- Best Regards
