When it comes to writing a recommendation letter, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the letter is well-written and provides a clear and concise picture of the person you are recommending. This is where Purdue Owl comes in. Purdue Owl is an online resource that provides examples and guidance on various types of writing, including recommendation letters. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using Purdue Owl for writing a recommendation letter, as well as provide some tips and examples to help get you started.
Why Use Purdue Owl for a Recommendation Letter?
Purdue Owl is a great resource for anyone who needs help with writing, and recommendation letters are no exception. The site provides examples of different types of recommendation letters, as well as tips on how to write a strong letter. By using Purdue Owl, you can ensure that your letter is well-written, professional, and effective.
One of the best things about Purdue Owl is that the site provides examples of recommendation letters that you can use as a starting point. These letters are designed to be edited and customized as needed, which means that you can easily adapt them to your specific needs. Whether you are writing a recommendation letter for a student, employee, or colleague, Purdue Owl has examples that will help you get started.
Tips for Writing a Strong Recommendation Letter
When it comes to writing a recommendation letter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you write a strong letter:
1. Start with a Title
When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to start with a clear and concise title. This title should indicate the purpose of the letter and help the reader understand what the letter is about.
For example, if you are writing a recommendation letter for a student who is applying to college, you might use the title “Recommendation Letter for College Application.” This title clearly indicates the purpose of the letter and helps the reader understand what the letter is about.
2. Address the Recipient Appropriately
When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to address the recipient appropriately. This means using the proper salutation and making sure that the recipient’s name is spelled correctly.
For example, if you are writing a recommendation letter for a student, you might use the salutation “Dear Admissions Committee.” If you are writing a letter for an employee, you might use the salutation “To Whom It May Concern.”
3. Provide Relevant Information
When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to provide relevant information about the person you are recommending. This might include information about their skills, accomplishments, and character.
For example, if you are writing a recommendation letter for a student, you might provide information about their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. If you are writing a letter for an employee, you might provide information about their job performance, skills, and work ethic.
4. Be Specific and Concrete
When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to be specific and concrete. This means providing concrete examples of the person’s skills and accomplishments.
For example, instead of saying that a student is “hardworking,” you might provide an example of a time when the student went above and beyond to complete a difficult project. Instead of saying that an employee is “reliable,” you might provide an example of a time when the employee took the initiative to solve a problem without being asked.
5. Keep it Professional
When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to keep it professional. This means using a professional tone and avoiding overly familiar language.
For example, instead of using slang or informal language, you might use more formal language such as “I am pleased to recommend” or “I have had the pleasure of working with.”
Examples of Recommendation Letters
Recommendation Letter for College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your university. Jane is an intelligent, hardworking student who consistently excels academically. She is also an active member of several clubs and organizations on campus, demonstrating her leadership skills and commitment to her community.
I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past three years as her advisor for the debate team. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with her dedication and work ethic. She is a natural leader who is able to motivate her teammates to work towards a common goal.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Jane Smith for admission to your university. She is an exceptional student with a bright future ahead of her.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Recommendation Letter for Employee Promotion
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter in support of John Smith’s application for a promotion to Senior Account Manager. John has been an invaluable member of our team for the past three years, consistently demonstrating his dedication, professionalism, and expertise.
During his time with our company, John has consistently exceeded his sales targets and has quickly become one of our top performers. He is also a natural leader who is able to motivate and inspire his team to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend John Smith for the position of Senior Account Manager. He is an exceptional employee who would be an asset to any team.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Sarah Johnson’s application to your graduate program. Sarah is an exceptional student who has consistently demonstrated her dedication to her academic pursuits.
During her time at our university, Sarah has shown a remarkable aptitude for research and has consistently produced high-quality work. She is also an excellent communicator who is able to clearly and effectively convey complex ideas.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your graduate program. She is an exceptional student with a bright future ahead of her.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter in support of Tom Jones’s application to volunteer with your organization. Tom is an exceptional individual who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his community.
During his time volunteering with our organization, Tom has shown a remarkable aptitude for working with others and has consistently demonstrated his dedication to our cause. He is also a natural leader who is able to motivate and inspire those around him.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Tom Jones for a volunteer position with your organization. He is an exceptional individual who would be an asset to any team.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Recommendation Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Maria Rodriguez’s application for your scholarship program. Maria is an exceptional student who has consistently demonstrated her dedication to her academic pursuits.
During her time at our school, Maria has consistently excelled academically and has shown a remarkable aptitude for research in her field. She is also an active member of several clubs and organizations on campus, demonstrating her leadership skills and commitment to her community.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Maria Rodriguez for your scholarship program. She is an exceptional student with a bright future ahead of her.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Recommendation Letter for Internship Application
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing this letter in support of Michael Brown’s application for your internship program. Michael is an intelligent, hardworking individual who has consistently demonstrated his dedication to his studies and his career.
During his time in our program, Michael has consistently excelled academically and has shown a remarkable aptitude for his field. He is also an active member of our campus community, demonstrating his leadership skills and commitment to his peers.
In conclusion, I strongly recommend Michael Brown for your internship program. He is an exceptional individual with a bright future ahead of him.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should a recommendation letter be?
A: A recommendation letter should generally be one to two pages long, depending on the specific requirements of the recipient.
Q: What should I include in a recommendation letter?
A: A recommendation letter should include information about the person’s skills, accomplishments, and character. It should also be specific and concrete, using examples to illustrate the person’s strengths.
Q: How should I address the recipient of a recommendation letter?
A: The recipient of a recommendation letter should be addressed appropriately, using the proper salutation and making sure that the recipient’s name is spelled correctly.
Q: Can I use a template for a recommendation letter?
A: Yes, you can use a template for a recommendation letter, but make sure to customize it for the specific person you are recommending.
Q: Who should I ask to write a recommendation letter for me?
A: You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and accomplishments, such as a teacher, employer, or mentor.
Q: Can I ask someone to write a recommendation letter for me via email?
A: Yes, you can ask someone to write a recommendation letter for you via email, but make sure to follow up with a phone call or in-person meeting to discuss the details.
Q: Can I see examples of recommendation letters before I write my own?
A: Yes, you can find examples of recommendation letters online, including on Purdue Owl. These examples can be used as a starting point for your own letter.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter can be a challenging task, but with the help of Purdue Owl, you can ensure that your letter is well-written, professional, and effective. By using the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a strong recommendation letter that will help the person you are recommending achieve their goals.