Possessing a reference who can attest to your credentials and personal qualities can increase the likelihood that an employer will consider you for a position.
A letter of recommendation attests to the validity of your work, abilities, or academic performance; the next time you apply for a job, you may be asked to provide one. One might be requested of you in the future as well.
This article explains the process of composing a recommendation letter format, includes an example letter and a template for reference, and addresses the procedure for requesting a letter of recommendation from an individual acquainted with your work.
What is a Recommendation Letter?
A letter of recommendation from employer is a formal document that evaluates an individual’s aptitude for a specific position. Recommendation letters and standard references, although similar, have distinct differences. While standard references are typically conveyed through informal chats via email or phone, recommendation letters are more formal in nature.
Check the HR toolkit to get a free sample of recommendation letter and more.
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Note: You can download directly from here and edit as per your need.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation for someone provides a firsthand narrative of your interactions with the candidate. You should be aware of the candidate’s work environment conduct and performance. Consider the following prior to granting a recommendation request:
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Have you observed or collaborated with the applicant?
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On which initiatives did the individual operate while I provided oversight?
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Do you possess any pertinent qualities and abilities that you could personally expound upon?
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Can you provide concrete instances of the individual’s work?
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May I request favourable feedback regarding this particular individual?
If you lack sufficient experience providing positive feedback regarding the applicant, promptly and courteously inform them of your inability to accommodate their request. The candidate is afforded an ample amount of time to devise an alternative solution.
To Read More : Job Confirmation Letter: Dos, Don’ts, Tips, Free Template, and More!
Letter of Recommendation Format
Your recommendation letter ought to contain the following five items:
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Include your name, your connection to the applicant, and any pertinent personal experience or expertise in a concise introduction.
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A synopsis of the candidate’s merits in your personal experience and in their relevance to the position of the recipient.
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A personal narrative that expounds upon one to two attributes that the candidate owns.
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A concluding remark that succinctly encapsulates the reasons why the recommended individual is an excellent choice for the opportunity.
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A signature comprising the signatory’s name and contact details.
Request the candidate’s updated resume and job description if they have not already done so, in order to ensure that you are adequately equipped to compose the recommendation. You can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their accomplishments and experiences through the resume.
Reviewing the job description will assist you in comprehending the qualities the employer seeks in an applicant. Utilise it as a guide for determining which aspects of their resume and your personal experiences working with them to highlight.
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Tips to Write a Recommendation Letter
– Maintain a positive attitude
Your letter should unequivocally state that you consider the individual to be a highly qualified candidate for the position. Refrain from making any remarks that could imply otherwise. Make an effort to employ words that will captivate the reader.
– Adhere to the conventions of business letter structure and tone
You may compose your letter using the template provided below or a standard business letter format. Additionally, your tone should be formal and courteous. If possible, use the letterhead of your business or organisation when composing your letter. Aim for a minimum of one page and a maximum of two.
– Concentrate on the most essential qualifications
For maximum impact, discuss two to three of the candidate’s most pertinent accomplishments as outlined in the job description and provide specific instances to substantiate their suitability for the position.
– Follow the instructions for the request
Request the candidate’s instructions on how to submit the letter. It is imperative to rigorously adhere to the provided instructions and deadline requests in order to prevent any adverse consequences from impacting the status of their application.
– Ensure that your letter is proofread
It is crucial to maintain precise orthography when entering company and individual names. Read your resume aloud; this can be beneficial. This can assist you in identifying any grammatical errors or blunders. Additionally, you could request that a colleague or trusted friend review your resume. You can also use HRMS software to make these steps easier.
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation?
You may eventually be required to request a job recommendation letter. Request recommendations from former supervisors, peers, instructors, mentors, clients, or suppliers regarding your competencies, qualities, and work ethic.
This individual with whom you have had a positive working relationship and who is capable of engaging in a deliberate discussion regarding your skills and abilities should also be considered.
After discussing your request with them in person, proceed to transmit a formal email containing additional details.
Appendix your curriculum vitae, employment description, submission particulars, and the deadline specified. A template to-be-filled-out form could also be provided, which could reduce their burden and increase the likelihood that they will grant your request.
Letter of Recommendation Template
Letter of Recommendation Example
Conclusion
We hope this blog and the aforementioned recommendation letter sample helped you!
If you are unable to write a positive recommendation for someone, be it for graduate school, employment, or any other purpose, it is preferable to inform the requestor in advance rather than composing a negative letter.
This will afford them the chance to locate an individual who can enthusiastically compose a favourable recommendation.
When composing a letter of recommendation, keep in mind that your own reputation is at stake; you do not want to recommend an individual whose performance you do not believe they will achieve success, as doing so could reflect poorly on your own judgement.
Additionally, avoid lying in the letter: Do not embellish your accomplishments. Commendation that is exaggerated may erode the influence of your suggestion.
However, bear in mind that due to the preponderance of positive recommendation letters, any criticism will be readily apparent. Use Superworks’ free templates and samples now to streamline your HR processes!
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