Getting Started
Writing a strong letter of recommendation can open doors for someone aiming for academic or career growth. A well-penned letter shines a light on the applicant’s strengths and proves their readiness for the role or program.
Letter Format and Structure
Keeping things structured helps get the point across. A standard layout:
- Heading: Pop your contact info at the top, then add the date.
- Salutation: Try to address it to a real person, check out our salutation tips.
- Introduction: Get into the why and how you know the candidate.
- Body Paragraphs: Dive into the candidate’s skills, successes, and qualifications with real-life examples. Explain why they’re the right fit.
- Conclusion: Wrap up with the key points and confirm your endorsement. Offer to share more details if needed.
- Signature: Sign off with your name and signature.
How Long Should it Be
Usually, a recommendation letter sits comfy at about 300 to 500 words. Keep it sharp but thorough, covering what’s needed without extra fluff. Here’s a handy guide:
| Length | Word Count |
|---|---|
| Short | 100 – 200 words |
| Standard | 300 – 400 words |
| Detailed | 400 – 500 words |
Writing Each Section
Start with a snappy intro stating the purpose of your write-up and how you know the person. Mention how long you’ve been acquainted with them and your role. For example:
“I am pleased to recommend [Candidate’s Name], who has been a standout student in my Biology class for the last two years.”
Body Paragraphs
This is where you spill the deets about the candidate’s skills. Talk about specific abilities, achievements, and qualities that match the position or program. Get into specifics. For instance:
“During class, [Candidate’s Name] showed top-notch analytical skills and a wicked work ethic. They’ve scored high on all assignments and often helped classmates grasp tricky concepts.”
Break the body into two or three paragraphs, each zeroing in on a different attribute of the candidate that matters for the application.
Conclusion
Finish off by summing up your recommendation and stressing your belief in the candidate’s talents. Offer to give more info if needed. Like this:
“To wrap up, I wholeheartedly endorse [Candidate’s Name] for [position/program]. With their dedication, smarts, and team spirit, they’ll be a great asset. Feel free to reach out if you need more details.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls when drafting a recommendation letter:
- Vague Statements: Swap fluff for actual examples of what the candidate’s achieved.
- Overly Lengthy or Too Short: Aim for a sweet spot that covers essentials without dragging or skimming.
- Lack of Personalization: Tailor the letter to the specific role or academic setting.
- Negative Comments: Stick to the positives and avoid their shortcomings.
- Informal Tone: Keep it professional all the way.
By considering these pointers, you’ll nail a clear and persuasive letter of recommendation.
Types of Recommendation Letters
Ever been asked to write a recommendation letter and don’t know where to start? No worries, I’ve got your back. Whether it’s for a student, a buddy, or a character reference, knowing what to include makes the process a breeze. Here’s how to nail those letters and make sure they shine a light on the best qualities of the person you’re writing about.
Letter of Recommendation for a Student
When crafting a letter for a student, think of it like cheering them on at their academic game. These are usually penned by teachers, professors, or academic coaches, and they help students get into colleges, score scholarships, or join academic programs.
What To Include:
- Relationship: Open by spilling the beans on how you know the student and for how long.
- Academic Performance: See if you can include something flashy like their grades and ranking in the class.
- Skills and Qualities: Talk up their skills like they’re the next big deal—leadership, teamwork, solving problems, you get the drift.
- Real-life Examples: Paint a picture with some specific tales of their accomplishments and killer projects.
Example time: “As [Student’s Name]’s Biology teacher for the past two years, I’ve watched them dive into their studies with determination…”
Letter of Recommendation for a Friend
When it’s about a friend, you want to shine a spotlight on their personal and likable side. This type of letter works great for informal job applications, volunteer gigs, or when someone asks for a personal reference.
What To Include:
- Relationship: Share how your friendship began, and how long you’ve been pals.
- Character Traits: Go all in on their rock-solid dependability, honesty, and their knack for getting along with people.
- Stories and Examples: Add juicy stories that highlight their best personality traits and social skills.
Example time: “I’ve been friends with [Friend’s Name] for over a decade. Their big heart and readiness to lend a hand stand out every time. During our years at [Organization], they showed up consistently as a caring and reliable volunteer…”
Character References
When it’s time for character references, it’s all about digging deep into the person’s core values. These letters often come up in court situations, adoption scenarios, or when someone’s moving to a new country.
What To Include:
- Relationship: Make sure you say how you know them and for how many years.
- Character Evaluation: Chat about their honesty, dependability, and cool-headedness.
- Specific Tales: Don’t skimp on stories where they showed these superpowers.
Example time: “For over five years, I’ve been working alongside [Person’s Name] on community projects. Their truthfulness and kindness stand out…”
Table of Key Elements
| Types of Letters | Relationship | Focus Points | Real-Life Stories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | Teacher/Professor | School smarts, abilities | Report cards, project lists |
| Friend | Trusty friend | Personal virtues, dependability | Volunteering, general kindness |
| Character | Community ally | True values, if you can count on them | Community initiatives, character-test moments |
Always remember, a recommendation letter is your way of giving someone a boost based on their talents and qualities. Focus on the fit between the person and their dream role or program. Need more pointers? Check out our resources on requesting letter of recommendation and recommendation letter for coworker.
Templates and Examples
Crafting a top-notch recommendation letter calls for a sprinkle of thought and a dash of strong content. An arsenal of polished templates and spot-on examples can be your secret weapon. Here’s a handy selection to get you rolling.
General Template
Use this template as your launchpad for any recommendation letter mission. Just tweak each part to match the situation and specific person you’re cheering for.
Reference Letter Format
[Your Contact Info]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name]
[Their Title]
[School/Company]
[Address]
Howdy [Recipient's Name],
I'm buzzed to give [Candidate's Name] a thumbs-up for [position/program/scholarship]. For [length of time], I’ve teamed up with [Candidate's Name] and been wowed by their know-how and contributions.
[Kick-off: Mention how you know the candidate and why you’re their ideal advocate.]
[Middle Bit: Share stories showing off the candidate's skills and why they're a rockstar for the gig.]
[Final Reward: Wrap it up by highlighting the candidate’s standout qualities and what they bring to the table.]
Need more scoop? Reach out at [your phone number] or [your email].
Cheerfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School/Company]
Template for Recommendation for a Student
This one highlights a student’s academic chops, character, and potential for future wins. It’s the student edition of our trusty template.
[Your Contact Info]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[University/School Name]
[Address]
Greetings to the Admissions Crew,
I am thrilled to vouch for [Student's Name] for a spot at your legendary school. Over [time period], I've taught [Student's Name] in [course/subject] at [School's Name] and been blown away by [their] stellar academic feats and eager brains.
[Kick-off: Mention your connection and why you stand in their corner.]
[Middle Bit: Brag about the student’s grades, projects, and participation. Toss in any standout talents.]
[Final Reward: Highlight their potential to succeed in higher learning.]
Feel free to tap me at [your email] or [your phone number].
Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[School's Name]
Template for Recommendation for a Friend
When vouching for a pal, shine a light on their character, reliability, and specific stories that prove their perfect fit for the role or chance.
[Your Contact Info]
[Date]
[Employer's/Committee's Name]
[Company/Organization]
[Address]
Hey [Employer's/Committee],
I’m all in for recommending my buddy [Friend's Name] for [position/program]. Known [Friend's Name] for [years/months], and they’ve constantly amazed me with their integrity, grit, and pursuit of excellence.
[Kick-off: Who's this friend? What's the link? Why are you the cheerleader?]
[Middle Bit: Illustrate the character, skills, and experiences with real-life tales.]
[Final Reward: Seal the deal expressing your confidence in their abilities.]
For more info, ring me at [your phone number] or ping [your email].
Best,
[Your Name]
Use these templates, mix in your touch, and nail getting those powerful letters of recommendation. Need tips on requesting a letter or writing for a colleague? Check out our article on best etiquettes of writing a letter.