Recommendation Letter Template

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How do you write a professional letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation, or also often called a 'reference letter', is often sent from the current or previous manager, supervisor, professor, coworker, peer, or personal contact who can describe the knowledge, skills, or aptitudes that you possess.

Uses for Recommendations

Recommendation letters can be used when looking for work or applying to graduate school. Reference letters may be required when applying for monetary awards, such as a fellowship or grant. When presented selectively

in a portfolio, reference letters provide compelling evidence to an employer or committee about your abilities.

While your referees can provide a verbal reference, letters can be used if your reference has moved away, is no longer with the organization, or is out of reach for some reason, such as on holiday, when you need to supply your references.

Who makes a good reference?

When looking for employment, a current or previous employer or direct supervisor is the best reference. It is also acceptable to include a direct supervisor from unpaid employment, such as a practicum or a volunteer position. When applying for graduate or professional school, persons who can comment on your academic achievements, such as a professor, or a professional who is active in the field you wish to enter, are excellent choices. Personal and/or professional acquaintances, for example, a high-ranking community member or professional in good standing whom you know personally, are also acceptable.

What makes an effective Recommendation letter?

Consider the following writing suggestions when writing a recommendation letter:

Write a positive draft. Your letter should confirm that you believe the person is a strong candidate for the job with no reservations;
Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments, skills, and strengths.
Use of the active voice indicates that you completed tasks and demonstrated desirable behaviors. The passive voice can indicate that events happened to you and tasks would have been completed whether you were there or not.
How you performed the responsibilities required for the position or role. A glowing reference letter will include how you exceeded expectations in your position/role, even if it is only in one area.
Descriptions of your contributions to the work/academic environment, whether in regards to your
work habits, such as completed tasks on time, or your personal strengths, for example, you are collegial and supportive.
• If possible, a statement indicating that the referee would re-hire you or collaborate with you on another project. People may also work several times for the same organization and it is beneficial for you if the letter indicates that you worked for or with the referee several times or that they expect to work with you in the future.
The referee’s contact information including his or her full name, appropriate title, address, phone number, and/or e-mail address.
Focus on the most important qualifications that you have experienced and might be relevant for the new employer;
Follow the request instructions from the person you write the letter for, if reasonable.
Download this standard business letter format and amend it according to your desired content and tone...

Sample Employment Recommendation letter:

Dear Mr./Mrs. {{Name}},

I have been the {{Job position}}at {{Company}} for the past {{#}} years where it was my privilege to hire and work with {{Name}}. This letter is a response to your request for references dated {{Date}}.

I originally hired {{Name}} {{#}} years ago to work in support services within our {{department}}. It became evident very quickly that {{Name}} was overqualified for this job and he was quickly promoted to our development group where he has been managing internal development projects for our company for the last {{#}} years. His duties included writing specifications, sourcing hardware, managing external software engineers, and overseeing quality assurance testing.

We are extremely sad to see {{Name}} leave our team, but understand his desire to relocate to the west coast. I have always found him to be an honest, hardworking, intelligent, and trustworthy individual. I highly recommend, without reservation that you seriously consider {{Name}} for any open positions within your department.

{{Name}} is a self-starter and works well with others. I am confident that he will be able to quickly begin to provide value to your team. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call me at {{Phone nr}}.

Yours sincerely,

Download this professional recommendation letter for employee from employer!

DISCLAIMER
Nothing on this site shall be considered legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is established.

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