How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation

How to Write a Stellar Recommendation Letter

Want to help someone land their dream job or program? Writing a great recommendation letter is key. It's more than just summarizing their resume; it's about selling them. This guide will show you how.

Why Write a Recommendation Letter?

It's not just about listing facts. You're painting a picture of this person – their skills, personality, the whole deal. Think of it as a persuasive argument for why they're awesome.

Getting Ready to Write

1. Confirm with the candidate: Ask them exactly what they need. What job? What are their strengths? Get their resume – you'll need it!
2. Honest self-assessment: Know your relationship with the person. Can you truly vouch for them? If not, it's okay to say no. A weak recommendation is worse than none.
3. Gather your intel: Refresh your memory. Look at old projects, emails, anything that reminds you of their amazing work. Don't rely on memory alone!

Structuring Your Letter

Think of it like a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

1. Introduction

• Who are you? State your relationship (professor, boss, colleague) and how long you've known them.
• What's the context? Mention the specific job or program. This shows you’re paying attention.

2. Body Paragraphs (Several are best!)

• Show, don't tell: Use specific examples. Instead of "good worker," say "increased sales by 15%." Numbers impress!
• Personality matters: Mention their teamwork, leadership—the soft skills. Connect these to examples, too.
• Address requirements: If the job wants someone who's organized, prove this person is.
• Compare and contrast: "Out of all my students, [Candidate's Name] consistently showed the most initiative." This makes your praise more meaningful.

3. Conclusion

• Strong endorsement: Say clearly that you recommend them. Reiterate your confidence.
• Contact info: Give your phone number and email. Makes you easily reachable.

Writing Style: Keep it Simple

Use clear, concise language. No jargon! Be positive and enthusiastic. Think of it like you're talking to a friend about this awesome person.

Different Types of Recommendations

A recommendation for a job focuses on work experience. For grad school, it’s about academics and research. Scholarships? Highlight their character and potential impact.

Proofreading and Editing: Crucial!

Read it carefully. Then, ask someone else to read it. Typos and grammar errors hurt your credibility.

Using Keywords (Subtly!)

Don't stuff keywords. But, if you know what they're looking for (from the job description, for example), naturally work them in. Clarity comes first!

Submitting Your Letter

Follow the candidate's instructions precisely. Meet the deadline.

Ethical Considerations

Be honest. Don't exaggerate. If you can't write a strong recommendation, politely decline. Your integrity matters.

Conclusion: Make it Count!

Writing a strong recommendation is a big deal. But it's also a chance to make a real difference in someone's life. Following these tips will help you write a letter that makes them shine.