Writing a Letter of Recommendation

[Resume and Cover Letter Writing Tips]Purpose: The main purpose of the resume is to get you into an interview. Basic information: name, address, email, telephone number(s), fax number, etc. IT IS VE...+阅读

Once you he enough information to actually write the letter, set aside anywhere from an hour or two to write it. Remember that, if the applicant needs five versions of the letter (say, for five different graduate programs), you don't necessarily need to write five separate letters. Application forms usually request the same type of information, and you simply need to create variations based on a template.

MAKE A LIST

A great first step is to jot down a list of keywords and key phrases -- acplishments and qualities -- you want to address within the letter. Such a list will help you oid the most mon mistake made in these letters: vague, metaphoric writing. Anchor your writing to specific images and anecdotes; provide concrete, convincing evidence.

Classify your keywords into:

* professional/academic qualities

Is this person a leader?

Is this person a strong team player?

Is this person a keen analytical thinker?

Is this person capable of conducting sophisticated research?

* specific skills

Strong munication skills?

Fluency in certain languages?

* personal qualities

Does this person get along with peers?

Does this person he a good sense of humor?

* past acplishments

What are the principal two or three acplishments this person has achieved under my guidance?

* weaknesses

What are some points this person must address to advance his/her career?

How well does this person learn from past mistakes?

* future potential

What do I believe this person is capable of achieving?

Letters of remendation vary widely in content and form, but solid letters contain a number of mon traits. Here below is an outline for a well-structured letter that covers all main points.

INTRODUCTION

First Paragraph: Introduce Yourself

Begin the letter by clearly stating your position, where you work, y

our relationship to the applicant, and how long you he known and/or worked with the applicant.

Second Paragraph: Give Your General Impression of the Applicant

BODY

Third Paragraph: Applicant Quality &emsp 1

State the applicant's most noteworthy quality, and support that claim with a specific anecdote. For instance, you might say that Samantha is, first and foremost, a born leader; then, support that statement by telling about the time Samantha took the initiative to form a task force to deal with a glitch in the pany's puter accounting system.

Fourth Paragraph: Applicant Quality &emsp 2

Again, state your claim with specific anecdotes and concrete examples.

CONCLUSION

Sixth Paragraph: State why you think the applicant's plans suit him/her.

Seventh Paragraph: State how you think the applicant will contribute to the program or pany.

Last Paragraph: Strongly reaffirm your confidence in the applicant's abilities and conclude by telling the readers they should feel free to contact you in case they need more information. Don't fet to include your contact information beneath your signature and name.

NOTES ABOUT THE FORMAT AND LENGTH:

Don't handwrite the letter; type it. Handwriting a letter is a sign that you are not serious about the task and will reflect poorly on the applicant.

Remember to use official letterhead, to sign the letter, and to include both plete contact information. When you he folded the letter and put it in an envelope, sign across the seal.

The length of letters of remendation varies greatly, but five paragraphs is usually the minimum. On the same note, don't go overboard and churn out seven pages, even if you are highly enthusiastic about the candidate. Choose your content wisely, and remember that a concise letter is usually more effective than an overly verbose one.