What To Include In A Recommendation Letter: A Comprehensive Guide

A recommendation letter is a written testimony that provides insight into a person’s character, skills, and abilities. It is often used to support an individual’s application for a job, scholarship, academic program, or award. 

Writing a recommendation letter can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to get it right. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to include in a recommendation letter.

Introduction

The introduction of a recommendation letter should begin with a statement of your relationship with the person you are recommending. State your name, your position, and your relationship with the person being recommended. You should also mention the purpose of the recommendation letter.

For example, “I am writing this letter of recommendation for John Doe, whom I have had the pleasure of working with for the past two years. John has requested my endorsement for a job opportunity at ABC Company.”

Description Of The Person Being Recommended

The first paragraph should give a brief overview of the person being recommended. You should mention the person’s name, their job title, and how long you have known them. It is also helpful to describe the context of your relationship with the person being recommended, such as working together on a specific project or in a specific department.

Skills And Qualifications

In the body of the recommendation letter, you should highlight the person’s skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position or opportunity they are applying for. 

Provide specific examples of the person’s work or achievements that showcase their skills and abilities. Use quantitative data if possible, such as sales figures, project outcomes, or academic achievements.

For example, “During John’s time at ABC Company, he consistently demonstrated excellent project management skills. He successfully led a team of five employees on a project that resulted in a 20% increase in sales for the company.”

Characteristics

In addition to highlighting the person’s skills and qualifications, it is also important to describe their personal characteristics. These may include traits such as reliability, dedication, initiative, and teamwork. Provide examples of situations where the person demonstrated these characteristics and explain how they benefited the team or organization.

For example, “John is a dedicated and reliable team player who always goes above and beyond to ensure that tasks are completed on time and to the highest standard. He was instrumental in leading a team that successfully launched a new product line, which resulted in a 30% increase in revenue for the company.”

Conclusion

In the conclusion of the recommendation letter, summarize your overall recommendation of the person being recommended. State that you highly recommend them for the position or opportunity they are applying for, and express your confidence in their abilities to excel in the role. Provide your contact information and invite the recipient to contact you if they have any further questions.

For example, “In conclusion, I highly recommend John Doe for the position at ABC Company. He is a skilled and dedicated professional who would make a valuable addition to your team. If you have any further questions about John’s qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Closing

End the letter with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” Sign your name and include your title and contact information.

Final Thoughts

Writing a recommendation letter can be a challenging task, but it is an essential part of supporting someone’s application for a job, scholarship, academic program, or award. 

By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your recommendation letter highlights the person’s skills, qualifications, and personal characteristics in a way that is clear, concise, and effective.

Remember to provide specific examples and be honest in your assessment of the person being recommended. With these tips, you can write a recommendation letter that helps the person you are recommending achieve their goals.