THE ART OF WRITING A HEARTFELT LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: TIPS, TRICKS AND EXAMPLES

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

A recommendation letter is written by someone who knows a job candidate, student, friend, or colleague well and can attest to their qualifications, skills, character, and achievements. 

It is a formal letter that also evaluates the candidate's abilities and can be used as evidence of competency for a job application, school admissions, scholarships, and other career-changing opportunities.

Why are letters of recommendation important?

A letter of recommendation provides valuable information about the candidate that may not be available from other sources.

Employers, admissions, scholarship, and selection committees also use letters of recommendation to gain insight into a candidate's character, work ethic, and potential for success

How to write a letter of recommendation for an employee

As an employer, you may be asked to write a letter of recommendation for an employee who is seeking a new job, applying for a promotion, or pursuing a higher education. 

A letter of recommendation is a vital tool that can make or break your employee's chances of success because it provides credible testimony of your employee's claimed skills, work attitude, and awards.

It is also an avenue to show gratitude for their contribution to your organization.

To write a letter of recommendation for an employee, follow the below tips.

1. Understand the purpose of the letter to help you tailor it toward the specific requirement for the job or program.

2. Gather necessary information; your employee's story will come in handy here; for performance, be accurate about performance evaluations, accomplishments, and new skills they have developed while working for you that may be relevant to the new position.

3. Start with a strong opening, it should be strong and attention-grabbing. Start by introducing yourself and the relationship you maintained with the employee. You can then proceed to how long the employee worked with you and in what capacity.

4. End with a strong conclusion by summarizing your key points and reiterating your support for the employee.

Letter of recommendation for an Employee (Example)

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to endorse [name of employer] for any position or employment that she or he may apply for 

For the last three years that I have had the pleasure of working with [employee first name], he/she has continuously displayed outstanding job performance, great leadership abilities, and a deep devotion to both her coworkers and the organization as a whole.

[Employee first name] is a great team member who constantly goes above and beyond to make sure that tasks are finished promptly and to the highest standards. 

[She/he] is incredibly organized and capable of managing several chores and projects at once without sacrificing quality. Both [his/her] great work ethic and attention to detail have repeatedly impressed me and her coworkers.

In addition to putting in a tremendous effort at work, [Employee [First name] is a natural leader who encourages others to pursue success. 

[She or he] has assumed leadership positions in several first projects and has consistently shown exemplary collaboration, good communication, and a strong dedication to attaining the project's objectives.

In conclusion, I heartily endorse [Employee Name] for any position or career for which [He/She] may apply. [He/She] is a valuable asset to any firm due to her excellent job performance, leadership abilities, and devotion to perfection.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

How to write a letter of recommendation for a Student (Tested Tips) 

When writing a letter of recommendation for a student, it is important to focus on their academic achievements and potential.

1. Provide context by first introducing yourself, followed by how you know the student and in what capacity. If you are a teacher or professor, mention the class the student took with you, highlighting any notable achievements they had in the course.

2. Focus on academic achievements, such as GPA, class rank, academic honors, or the awards they have received. Mention notable projects or research the student has completed, as well as extracurricular activities related to their field of study.

3. Discuss the student's potential, including work ethic, critical thinking skills and leadership abilities. Be formal and to the student's specifics and give examples to illustrate your points.

4. End strong by personalizing the letter and highlighting the student's unique qualities and strengths to make it memorable and impactful.

Letter of recommendation for a student (Example)

To Whom it may concern

I'm writing to urge you to accept [Student Name} into your computer science undergraduate program. As [Student's first name] instructor for [Mention the classes and course], I've had the chance to get to know [him/her] well and see firsthand [his/her] outstanding academic prowess.

[Student's first name] is a highly [course's profession] who has a thorough grasp of [specific subjects] Both in the classroom and on his projects, [ he/she] continually demonstrates a strong work ethic and a dedication to excellence. 

[He/She] has moreover continuously displayed strong leadership and teamwork abilities, frequently assuming the position of project lead and ensuring that his team functioned successfully and efficiently.

[Student's first name] enthusiasm for [course] is also apparent in his extracurricular pursuits. He has taken part in several [ name the extracurricular activities and achievements].

In conclusion, I heartily endorse [Student's first name] for enrollment in your [name of the program]. He is a fantastic prospect for your program due to his outstanding academic accomplishments, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for the course.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

How to write a letter of recommendation for a Friend (Tested Tips) 

Striking a balance between personal tales and expert credibility is crucial when drafting a letter of reference for a friend. These are some guidelines to follow while writing a successful letter:

1. Be Sincere

It's crucial to be sincere in your letter of reference, even if It means pointing out potential growth areas for your buddy. This will support the letter's credibility and authenticity.

2. Consider the friend's advantages.

Focus on your friend's positive traits, such as their strong work ethic, capacity for problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Provide particular instances to support your arguments.

3. Talk about your connection.

Give the letter some context by describing your friendship with your friend. Describe how and in what capacity you know them, e.g., through employment, school, or a volunteer group.

4. Make the letter your own.

Try to make the letter feel more personal by mentioning stories or events from your own life that highlight your friend's best traits. This can enhance the letter's impact and memorability.

5. Accentuate the friend's personality

You may talk about your friend's accomplishments and character in addition to their professional abilities. Their honesty, compassion, and leadership qualities are a few examples of this. Provide precise details and examples to support your arguments.

Letter of recommendation for a Friend (Example)

Greetings, Admissions Committee.

I'm writing to suggest [Name of friend], a close friend of mine, for enrollment in your [Course Program]. 

I have known [Friend's first name] for more than [x] years, and throughout that time, I've seen [his/her] dedication to [his/her] own development as well as [his or her] love for assisting others.

[Friend's first name] has shown outstanding interpersonal abilities during our time together, including active listening, empathy, and effective communication. [He/She] has a natural ability to connect with people and win their trust, which I think will be helpful to her work as a [Course profession].

[Friend's first name] dedication to her development is also worthy of note. [He/She] has engaged in a profound respect for treatment and self-examination, which has aided her in understanding her own experiences and in growing profound respect for the therapeutic process' transforming potential.

In conclusion, I heartily endorse [Friend's first name] for your program in counseling psychology. [He/ She] is a strong candidate for your program because of [his/her] dedication to personal development, enthusiasm for helping others, and remarkable interpersonal abilities.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Writing a recommendation letter may seem difficult, but hopefully, these proven examples will make things easier.

As an employer looking to fill in some positions in your company, hubforjobs.com is the best place to find qualified potential employees. With a user-friendly interface, you only need to register and follow the necessary steps. 

Start your recruiting journey here and good luck writing an amazing letter of 

recommendation.