Writing a recommendation letter can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to drafting the opening lines. The first few sentences of the letter can set the tone for the entire content, making it important to create a strong opening. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write impressive opening lines for recommendation letters and present seven examples that you can use as a guide.
Tips for Writing Recommendation Letter Opening Lines
Before presenting the examples, here are some tips on how to craft effective opening lines for recommendation letters:
1. Keep it concise: Be brief and straightforward in your opening lines. Avoid lengthy explanations or unnecessary details.
2. Create an introduction: Start with a sentence that introduces the purpose of the letter and your relationship with the person you are recommending.
3. Explain your connection: Give a brief explanation of your connection with the person you are recommending. Mention how long you have known them and in what capacity.
4. Provide examples: If possible, highlight specific examples of the person’s skills, achievements, and character that you plan to mention in the letter.
5. Edit as needed: Remember that opening lines can be edited and adjusted as necessary. Review and make changes to ensure your letter is strong and effective.
Seven Examples of Recommendation Letter Opening Lines
Academic Recommendation Letter
Greetings Professor Smith,
I am writing to recommend John Doe for admission to your graduate program in English Language Studies. I have known John for three years as his academic advisor and have been impressed with his dedication and academic achievements.
Best regards,
Employment Recommendation Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for five years and witnessed her excellent leadership and professional skills.
Thank you,
Character Reference Letter
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Jane Doe. I have known Jane for five years as a neighbor and have observed her to be an honest, dependable, and caring individual.
Sincerely,
Graduate School Recommendation Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for admission to your graduate program in Computer Science. I have known Michael for four years as his professor and mentor and have been impressed with his academic achievements and research skills.
Best regards,
Recommendation Letter for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for the ABC Scholarship. I have had the privilege of teaching Maria in my literature class for two years and have witnessed her outstanding academic performance and dedication to her studies.
Thank you,
Recommendation Letter for Promotion
Dear HR Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the position of Operations Manager at your company. I have worked with John for five years and have seen his exceptional leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
Best regards,
Internship Recommendation Letter
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Samantha Lee for the summer internship at your organization. I had the opportunity to work with Samantha on a class project and was impressed by her creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should the opening lines of a recommendation letter be?
A: The opening lines of a recommendation letter should be brief and concise, ideally no more than two to three sentences.
Q: What should I include in the introduction of a recommendation letter?
A: The introduction of a recommendation letter should include the purpose of the letter and your relationship with the person you are recommending.
Q: How can I make my opening lines stand out in a recommendation letter?
A: To make your opening lines stand out in a recommendation letter, consider highlighting specific examples of the person’s achievements or character that you plan to mention in the letter.
Q: Can I edit the opening lines of a recommendation letter after writing them?
A: Yes, you can and should edit the opening lines of a recommendation letter as needed to ensure they are effective and strong.
Q: Should I use a formal or casual tone in a recommendation letter?
A: While a recommendation letter should maintain a professional tone, it can also be written in a friendly and personal style.
Q: Can I provide examples of the person’s work or achievements in the opening lines of a recommendation letter?
A: Yes, highlighting specific examples of the person’s work or achievements can help create a strong opening to a recommendation letter.
Conclusion
Writing an effective recommendation letter requires careful consideration of the opening lines. By following the tips provided in this article and using the examples presented, you can create impressive opening lines that set the tone for a powerful and persuasive letter.