HOW TO WRITE A RECOMMENDATION LETTER

HOW TO WRITE A RECOMMENDATION LETTER

MEANING OF LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

A letter of Recommendation is the kind of official letter written by a person to testify on one’s ability and character.

It is normally written for a person who is applying for a certain job or even a college course.

Therefore it is written to say or to prove that the applicant is the right candidate depending on how the recommender knows the applicant’s ability and character.

WHO CAN RECOMMEND AN APPLICANT? 

The following can be your recommenders however some institutions would be specific on what kind of recommenders they want.

1. Your supervisor.

If you work somewhere, your supervisors are good to give a testimony about your working ability and your character.

It is essential therefore to work hard because one day, you may need your supervisor to say how much they think you fit into a particular position.

2. Your co-workers. 

People you work with can also bear witness to who you are, what you know and how you are the right person to serve in a particular position.

3. Your teachers.

Teachers are always close to their students, so they know much about them and they are good enough to recommend them.

4. Clients.

This is especially if you are a businessman or woman.

5. Neighbors and friends.

N.B It is crucial to find a person who may positively recommend you because others would not want to and would not admit that they don’t want to.

THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR RECOMMENDATION LETTER

(a) Introduce yourself and write your relationship with the person you are recommending.

(b) Say why the candidate or the applicant is qualified.

(c) Show specific skills they have.

(d) Say how did you know them and since when.

PARTS OF THE RECOMMENDATION LETTER

1. SALUTATION

For example, Dear Sir/Madam. If you know their names you may say, Dear

Mr Godoni. Or use the sentence below if it is the general letter.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. (This is the most used).

2. MAIN BODY

This is where you say what you aim to say. This part can have the following subparts Paragraph

1. Explain how you know the applicant or candidate. Paragraph

2. Write the details about the person you are recommending.

Say why he or she is qualified.

Say what you think they can do better or contribute.

Summary. A brief summary of the candidate or applicant.

Positively recommend him or her. For instance,

I strongly recommend him for he can…..

Or I recommend her without reservation due to her academic potential in………… 

3. CONCLUSION

Show that you are ready to give more information if you will be required to do so. In this part, provide your contacts information such as phone number and an active email address. Then close your letter as follows:

Sincerely

…………..

(Signature: If you are writing a hardcopy letter)

Title. (Examples: Teacher, Attorney General etc).

HOW TO WRITE A RECOMMENDATION LETTER

Attached is the template showing the descriptions above. For more information about the above article, check out the resources below: