When it comes to writing a recommendation letter for someone, it is important to include not only their technical skills but also their soft skills. Soft skills refer to a person’s non-technical abilities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for writing a recommendation letter focusing on soft skills.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter Soft Skills
When writing a recommendation letter focusing on soft skills, it is important to:
- Highlight the soft skills the individual possesses that are relevant to the position they are applying for
- Explain specific examples of how the individual demonstrated their soft skills
- Use an enthusiastic and positive tone to convey your recommendation
- Be honest and authentic in your assessment of the individual’s soft skills
- Provide contact information in case the reader has any follow-up questions
Example 1: Recommendation Letter Soft Skills for Communication
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend John Doe for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. John has exceptional communication skills, which make him a great fit for this role.
During his time at our company, John was responsible for communicating with clients, team members, and executives. He was always able to articulate his ideas clearly and concisely, which helped our team achieve its goals. John also has great interpersonal skills, which made him well-liked by everyone in the company.
I highly recommend John for the Marketing Manager position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 2: Recommendation Letter Soft Skills for Teamwork
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Project Manager at your company. Sarah has exceptional teamwork skills, which make her a great fit for this role.
During her time at our company, Sarah was responsible for leading a team of developers and designers. She was able to create a collaborative environment where everyone was able to contribute their ideas. Sarah also has great conflict resolution skills, which helped our team overcome obstacles and deliver projects on time.
I highly recommend Sarah for the Project Manager position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mark Davis
Example 3: Recommendation Letter Soft Skills for Problem-Solving
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend David Lee for the position of IT Manager at your company. David has exceptional problem-solving skills, which make him a great fit for this role.
During his time at our company, David was responsible for troubleshooting complex technical issues. He was able to identify the root cause of the problem and develop a solution quickly. David also has great critical thinking skills, which helped him make sound decisions even under pressure.
I highly recommend David for the IT Manager position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Emily Chen
Example 4: Recommendation Letter Soft Skills for Leadership
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Robert Kim for the position of Sales Director at your company. Robert has exceptional leadership skills, which make him a great fit for this role.
During his time at our company, Robert was responsible for leading a team of sales representatives. He was able to motivate his team to exceed their sales targets and develop new business opportunities. Robert also has great decision-making skills, which helped him navigate complex situations and make the right choice for the company.
I highly recommend Robert for the Sales Director position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Lee
Example 5: Recommendation Letter Soft Skills for Adaptability
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Samantha Smith for the position of Human Resources Manager at your company. Samantha has exceptional adaptability skills, which make her a great fit for this role.
During her time at our company, Samantha was responsible for managing various HR functions such as recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration. She was able to adapt to changing priorities and requirements, which helped our HR department operate smoothly. Samantha also has great time-management skills, which helped her balance multiple tasks and priorities.
I highly recommend Samantha for the Human Resources Manager position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Kim
Example 6: Recommendation Letter Soft Skills for Creativity
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Alex Lee for the position of Graphic Designer at your company. Alex has exceptional creativity skills, which make him a great fit for this role.
During his time at our company, Alex was responsible for designing various marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and banners. He was able to come up with unique and impactful designs that helped our company stand out. Alex also has great attention to detail, which helped him ensure the quality of his work.
I highly recommend Alex for the Graphic Designer position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Adam Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a recommendation letter focusing on soft skills?
When writing a recommendation letter focusing on soft skills, it is important to highlight the individual’s non-technical abilities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Provide specific examples of how the individual demonstrated their soft skills and use an enthusiastic and positive tone to convey your recommendation.
How many examples of soft skills should I include in a recommendation letter?
It depends on the position the individual is applying for and the soft skills that are relevant to that position. However, it is recommended to include at least two to three examples of soft skills in a recommendation letter.
How should I format a recommendation letter focusing on soft skills?
A recommendation letter focusing on soft skills should have a professional and formal tone. Begin with a formal greeting and an introduction paragraph that explains your relationship with the individual and your recommendation. In the body of the letter, provide specific examples of how the individual demonstrated their soft skills. End with a complimentary close and your contact information.
What is the difference between technical skills and soft skills?
Technical skills refer to a person’s ability to perform specific tasks such as coding, designing, or analyzing data. Soft skills, on the other hand, refer to a person’s non-technical abilities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
How long should a recommendation letter focusing on soft skills be?
A recommendation letter focusing on soft skills should be one to two pages long. It should not be too lengthy but should provide enough detail to support your recommendation.
What should I do if I do not have personal experience working with the individual’s soft skills?
If you do not have personal experience working with the individual’s soft skills, it is recommended to speak with other colleagues or supervisors who have worked with the individual. You can also ask the individual to provide specific examples of how they demonstrated their soft skills.
Conclusion
When writing a recommendation letter, it is important to consider an individual’s soft skills as well as their technical skills. By highlighting an individual’s non-technical abilities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, you can provide a more comprehensive and compelling recommendation. Remember to provide specific examples and use an enthusiastic and positive tone to convey your recommendation.