Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Tips on Writing Letter of Recommendation

Several friends, co-workers and people I’ve hired over the years to work for me have helped me become more proficient in writing letter of recommendation type documents that were required. When writing letter of recommendation and other types of documents, it’s important to provide benefit statements about the person that are personalized and to the point.

What to include when writing letter of recommendation

Introduction – When I’m writing letter of recommendation documents I always introduce myself and how I’m associated with the person for whom I’m writing. I state my position, years of knowing the person, and what joy and privilege it is that I’m writing letter of recommendation for the particular person.

Emphasis on character – Most organizations that require writing letter of recommendation documents want to hear about a person’s character. They are looking for reliability, honesty, individuals who will come into work on time, high moral ethics, flexibility, and the ability to get along well with others. When writing letter of recommendation documents, I always emphasize these things as well as their communication and work skills and knowledge.

Recommending the individual to the organization - Writing letter of recommendation documents are basically like a promotion or PR piece on the person. After establishing yourself through an introduction, and after emphasizing the individual’s character traits, next, when writing letter of recommendation documents, you must recommend them highly. Use active language, power words and strong verbs that are descriptive and draw the point home. For example: “It is with great pleasure that I can recommend John Doe for the position of advertising manager. He has a strong commitment to success; a tremendous dedication to the pursuit of greatness, and his loyalty and vision as a past employee and friend are unsurpassable. John comes highly recommended by me, and my team of marketing associates.”