Writing a recommendation letter can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the format or if it’s been a while since you’ve written one. A recommendation letter is a document that can make or break a candidate’s chances of landing their dream job, so it’s essential to craft a well-written and compelling letter. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider using a recommendation letter writing service to help you create a professional and personalized letter.
Tips for Using a Recommendation Letter Writing Service
When using a recommendation letter writing service, keep these tips in mind:
Title: Keep It Clear and Concise
When writing a title for your recommendation letter, make sure it clearly states your relationship to the candidate and what the letter will be used for. This will help the reader understand the context of the letter and its importance.
For example, if you’re writing a letter for a former employee who’s applying for a new job, your title could be “Recommendation Letter for [Candidate’s Name] – Former Employee.”
Focus on Specific Examples and Achievements
When writing your letter, focus on specific examples of the candidate’s skills, accomplishments, and work ethic. This can help the reader understand why the candidate is qualified for the job and what makes them stand out.
For example, if you’re writing a letter for a salesperson, you could mention their ability to close deals, their excellent customer service skills, and any awards or recognition they’ve received for their work.
Use a Professional Tone
A recommendation letter is a professional document, so it’s essential to use a professional tone. Avoid using slang or informal language, and make sure to proofread your letter carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
Greeting, Letter Body, and Complimentary Close
Greeting
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the candidate. Mention how long you’ve known them, in what capacity, and what their strengths are.
Letter Body
In the body of your letter, provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. Mention any notable projects they’ve worked on, any awards or recognition they’ve received, and any other relevant information that highlights their qualifications.
You can also mention any areas where the candidate could improve, but be sure to frame it in a positive light. For example, you might say, “While [Candidate’s Name] could work on improving their time management skills, they have consistently delivered high-quality work and have a great attitude.”
Complimentary Close
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Examples of Recommendation Letter Writing Service
Example 1: Recommendation Letter for a Graduate School Application
Greeting
Dear Admissions Committee,
Letter Body
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for admission to [Graduate School Name] for their [Degree Program]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] as their professor in [Course Name] during their undergraduate studies.
[Candidate’s Name] was an exceptional student who consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for [Degree Program Field]. They excelled in their coursework, earning a [GPA] and earning praise from their fellow students for their contributions to class discussions and group projects.
Complimentary Close
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Recommendation Letter for a Job Application
Greeting
Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] for [Length of Time] at [Previous Company Name], where they served as a [Job Title].
[Candidate’s Name] was an integral member of our team, consistently exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional results. They have a strong work ethic and have demonstrated excellent project management skills, consistently delivering projects on time and under budget.
Complimentary Close
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Recommendation Letter for a Volunteer Position
Greeting
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
Letter Body
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] during their time as a volunteer at [Previous Organization Name].
[Candidate’s Name] was an outstanding volunteer, consistently demonstrating a commitment to the organization’s mission and a willingness to go above and beyond to help those in need. They have excellent communication skills and are an asset to any team they work with.
Complimentary Close
Thank you for considering [Candidate’s Name] for this important role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship Application
Greeting
Dear Scholarship Committee,
Letter Body
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] as their mentor during their time in [Program Name].
[Candidate’s Name] was an exceptional student who demonstrated a strong commitment to their academic and professional goals. They have a passion for [Field of Study] and consistently go above and beyond to learn more about the field and gain practical experience.
Complimentary Close
Thank you for considering [Candidate’s Name] for this scholarship opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Recommendation Letter for a Graduate School Fellowship
Greeting
Dear Fellowship Committee,
Letter Body
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Fellowship Name] fellowship. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] as their research advisor during their time in [Program Name].
[Candidate’s Name] is an outstanding researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of [Field of Study]. They have a passion for [Research Area] and have demonstrated an exceptional ability to think critically and independently.
Complimentary Close
Thank you for considering [Candidate’s Name] for this fellowship opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Recommendation Letter for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Greeting
Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the graduate teaching assistantship position at [University Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] as their professor in [Course Name].
[Candidate’s Name] is a talented and dedicated student who consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the course material and a passion for teaching. They have excellent communication skills and have a natural ability to connect with students and explain complicated concepts in an easy-to-understand way.
Complimentary Close
Thank you for considering [Candidate’s Name] for this important role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a document written by a person who knows an applicant well and can attest to their skills, accomplishments, and character. Recommendation letters are often required as part of job applications, graduate school applications, scholarship applications, and other similar processes.
What should be included in a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter should include an introduction that explains your relationship to the candidate, a body that provides specific examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments, and a closing that summarizes your recommendation and provides your contact information in case the reader has any further questions.
How do I write a strong recommendation letter?
To write a strong recommendation letter, focus on specific examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. Use concrete examples and avoid vague or general statements. Be sure to proofread your letter carefully and use a professional tone throughout.
Can I use a recommendation letter writing service?
Yes, you can use a recommendation letter writing service to help you create a professional and personalized letter. These services can help you craft a well-written and compelling letter that highlights the candidate’s strengths and qualifications.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter, it’s okay to decline the request. It’s better to decline than to write a letter that isn’t genuine or doesn’t accurately reflect the candidate’s qualifications.
What should I do if I receive a negative recommendation letter?
If you receive a negative recommendation letter, it’s important to address the issues raised in the letter and provide additional information that highlights your qualifications and achievements. You can also consider asking another person to write a recommendation letter on your behalf.
How many recommendation letters should I submit?
The number of recommendation letters you should submit depends on the requirements of the application or process. Be sure to carefully read the instructions and submit the required number of letters.
Conclusion
A recommendation letter can be a powerful tool in helping a candidate land their dream job or get accepted into a graduate program or scholarship. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to write a recommendation letter, consider using a recommendation letter writing service to help you create a personalized and professional letter. Remember to focus on specific examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments, use a professional tone, and proofread your letter carefully before submitting it.