Writing A Recommendation Letter - It's The Info You Want

Writing A Recommendation Letter

Letters of recommendation provide a way for a former employer to provide you with a credible history of your skills, abilities, job performance, and accomplishments. A potential employer may or may not request a letter, but having one or more available upon request is part of careful preparation for the interview. Even if not requested, a well-written letter of recommendation may help you stand out in the evaluation process.

If you've been asked to write a reference letter for a friend, a former employee or even a student, you'll find there are good sample reference letters to follow and some really bad ones, too. The best sample reference letters follow some basic points that can make it very easy to draft a letter for a person you feel is worthy.

The following tips and strategies apply primarily to the writing of letters of recommendation in their various forms.

* A reference letter verifies experience, confirms competence, builds credibility and bolsters confidence.
* The length of letters of recommendation can vary, but five or six paragraphs is usually the minimum.
* Letters of recommendation are typically written within a professional context, so word processing is generally the preferred medium.
* Make a list of key words or phrases that pinpoint the person's skills or talents to help you write a detailed, convincing, concrete letter of recommendation.


Have a look at this sample reference letter

It is indeed a pleasure to write in support of Name's application for a position at your company.



Name is an intelligent and conscientious student. The written work he did for my class was always well above average. He displayed an ability to express her ideas clearly and concisely on paper. He is very articulate in the classroom setting.

Name is organized, efficient, extremely competent, and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. Her communication skills, both written and verbal, are excellent.

Name has excellent communication skills. In addition, she is extremely organized, reliable and computer literate. Name can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done. He is flexible and willing to work on any project that is assigned to her. Name was quick to volunteer to assist in other areas of company operations, as well.

I am extremely supportive of Name, and I am confident that he would make an outstanding employess at your company. I highly recommend him to you, and if I may be of further assistance please phone or write me.

Writing A Recommendation Letter