A friend wants you to write a letter of recommendation and you wonder with increasing anxiety if you can do it or not. Statistics show that this is one of the hardest type letters to write. Take heart, you’ve been asked because someone respects your opinion.
Here is a guideline you can follow to write any recommendation letter.
First of all include the address in the left hand margin of person, company or college you’re writing the letter of recommendation to.
Open the letter with a formal Dear Mr. or Mrs. So and so or Sir or Madam if you don’t have the name.
Detail in a minimum of 3-5 lines your professional opinion in relation to her or him as your employee, co-worker, student or volunteer. The lead-in needs to be your qualification to recommend this person.
The body should be a brief account of the person’s qualifications.
In closing, wrap up the above by stating your impression of the person and how he or she would make a good candidate.
If appropriate, leave your contact information. Use a business closing such as Sincerely or Best Regards and end with a comma. Don’t forget to write your signature.
Sample Recommendation Letter Outline:
Your Logo
Address of company or organization your writing to
Dear So an d So,
Lead-in: Your own qualification to recommend this person.
Body: Your experience working with this person listing areas where this person excelled. Getting a job description will help if you’re having trouble remembering some of the specifics.
Closing: Reiterate the letter by recommending the person for the job or position and if appropriate leave your contact information here if you don’t have a business logo.
Use a business closing such as Best Regards,
Signature: Don’t forget to sign it!
Your Name
Tips
Type the letter or have someone type it for you and use a business like tone.
Use the full name of the candidate you’re writing for and then just the first name afterward.
If the candidate was problematic try to emphasize their best qualities.
Be specific, positive and professional in stating your opinion of candidate.
Sample of a Real letter of recommendation
*******
Lois J. Barnes
State Coodinator
Center for parents of children with ADHD
321 Belvedere Road
City, State, zip
Phone number – xxx-xxx-xxxx
Mrs. Linda Westbrook
Department of Education
ABC Road
City, State, Zip
Dear Mrs. Linda Westbrook,
During my tenure as State Coordinator for Parents of children with ADHD an international organization addressing ADHD issues at home and at school, I had a chance to meet with many wonderful people. Volunteers statewide dedicated much time and hard work advocating better services for these children.
Barbara Turner worked with a team of parents and professionals to charter the first local chapter for children with ADHD. She found resources from family, friends and the professional community. It was important to make contacts to further educate the public as well as members of their chapter. She helped establish the bylaws, voted in board members, organized yearly fundraisers, distributed a monthly newsletter, assisted in publication and community awareness. Her hard work paid off for bringing public awareness through radio, television, and the local news on issues concerning ADHD.
Barbara, herself a parent of two children with ADHD definitely contributed to the ADHD mission and philosophy “When you help others, you help yourself.” She has continued to stay informed on the latest technology via the national organization which is located in Anywhere, USA.
Please consider my recommendation for Barbara into your Organization for children with ADHD. She is a hardworking individual who has a keen interest in working with others.
With sincere regards,
Signature
Lois J. Barnes
