When it comes to writing a recommendation letter, the title of the letter is just as important as the content. A well-crafted title can catch the attention of the reader and provide a clear indication of the letter’s purpose. This article will provide tips and examples for creating effective titles for recommendation letters.
Before we dive into the tips and examples, let’s briefly discuss the importance of a good title for a recommendation letter. The title sets the tone for the letter and can help the reader understand the context of the recommendation. In the following sections, we’ll explore tips for creating effective titles and provide examples that you can use as a starting point. It’s important to note that these examples can be edited as needed to fit your specific situation.
Tips for Creating an Effective Title
Creating an effective title for a recommendation letter can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Start with a descriptive title
The title should clearly indicate the purpose of the recommendation letter. It should give a brief description of the person being recommended, their position or role, and the purpose of the letter. For example, “Recommendation Letter for John Smith, Marketing Manager.”
2. Keep it concise
The title should be brief and to the point. A long, convoluted title can be confusing and may turn off the reader. Stick to the essentials and keep it simple.
3. Use keywords
Including relevant keywords in the title can help the reader understand what the letter is about. For example, if you’re writing a letter of recommendation for a job applicant, include the job title in the title of the letter.
4. Be specific
The title should be specific to the person being recommended and the purpose of the letter. Avoid generic titles like “Recommendation Letter” that don’t provide any context or information.
5. Consider the audience
Think about who will be reading the letter and tailor the title accordingly. If the letter is going to a specific company or organization, include their name in the title.
Examples of Effective Titles for Recommendation Letters
Recommendation Letter for Jane Doe, Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for Jane Doe, who is applying to graduate school in the field of psychology. Jane was a standout student in my undergraduate psychology course, consistently earning high marks and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter. I have no doubt that she would excel in a graduate program and make valuable contributions to the field.
Best regards,
Professor John Smith
Recommendation Letter for John Smith, Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. John worked for me as a marketing intern for six months, and during that time he demonstrated exceptional creativity, initiative, and attention to detail. I believe he would be an excellent addition to your marketing team and would thrive in the role of Marketing Manager.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Recommendation Letter for Sarah Johnson, Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for Sarah Johnson, who is applying for a scholarship to support her studies in the field of education. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah during her time as a volunteer tutor at a local elementary school, where she showed exceptional dedication, patience, and creativity in working with the students. I have no doubt that she would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship and would make valuable contributions to the field of education.
Sincerely,
Professor John Smith
Recommendation Letter for David Lee, Leadership Program Application
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to recommend David Lee for your leadership program. David was a member of my team at a nonprofit organization, where he consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. I believe he would be an excellent candidate for your program and would benefit greatly from the experience.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Recommendation Letter for Maria Garcia, Internship Application
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for Maria Garcia, who is applying for an internship at your organization. Maria was a student in my marketing course and demonstrated exceptional creativity, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of marketing principles. I believe she would be an excellent intern and would make valuable contributions to your organization.
Sincerely,
Professor John Smith
Recommendation Letter for Michael Brown, Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for admission to your graduate program in the field of computer science. Michael was a student in my computer science course and consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. I believe he would be an excellent addition to your program and would make valuable contributions to the field.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Recommendation Letter for Emily Nguyen, Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Emily Nguyen for the position of Software Engineer at your company. Emily was a student in my computer science course and consistently demonstrated exceptional coding skills, as well as a deep understanding of software development principles. I believe she would be an excellent addition to your engineering team and would thrive in the role of Software Engineer.
Best regards,
Professor John Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in the title of a recommendation letter?
The title of a recommendation letter should be descriptive, concise, and specific to the person being recommended and the purpose of the letter. It should give a brief description of the person being recommended, their position or role, and the purpose of the letter.
Should I include the recipient’s name in the title of the letter?
If the letter is being sent to a specific person or organization, it can be helpful to include their name in the title to personalize the letter and make it more relevant to them.
Can I use a generic title like “Recommendation Letter”?
A generic title like “Recommendation Letter” doesn’t provide any context or information and can be confusing for the reader. It’s better to use a descriptive title that clearly indicates the purpose of the letter.
How long should the title of a recommendation letter be?
The title should be brief and to the point. Aim for a title that is no more than a few words or a short phrase.
What’s the best way to start a recommendation letter?
A good way to start a recommendation letter is with a brief introduction that explains your relationship to the person being recommended and the purpose of the letter. From there, you can provide specific examples and details to support your recommendation.
Should I include my contact information in the letter?
It’s a good idea to include your contact information in the letter so that the recipient can reach out to you if they have any questions or need further information. Be sure to include your name, title, and contact information (phone number and/or email address).
Conclusion
Creating an effective title for a recommendation letter can be challenging, but it’s an important part of the process. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a title that catches the reader’s attention and clearly indicates the purpose of the letter. Remember to keep the title concise, specific, and tailored to the person being recommended and the purpose of the letter. With a well-crafted title and strong content, your recommendation letter can make a powerful impact.