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The amazingly easiest way: How to Write a Recommendation Letter (5 Step-by-Step Guide with Tips & Examples)
In this writing, we are going to learn how to write a recommendation letter. This writing will also inform about the structure, important elements, template and tips.
A recommendation letter is an influential document that exhibits the skills, characters and achievements of a person. The role of recommendation letter is vital in taking admission in universities, for scholarships, jobs and promotions. A proper and well-structured recommendation letter plays a significant role to get success.
Definition
A recommendation letter is an official letter (also called reference letter) written on behalf of a candidate who apply for admission in university or for a scholarship. A credible person like professor, supervisor, teacher or an employer write this letter to validate a person’s qualification, skills, character or achievements.
Purpose of Recommendation letter
The basic purpose of writing a recommendation letter is to convince the management that the recommended person is fit for the job, admission or scholarship by providing the reliable evidence and mentioning the abilities, grades and achievements of the candidate.
Types of Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are written by keeping in view the purpose which can be academic, professional or character of the individual.
According to purpose a recommendation letter can be:
Academic recommendation letter
Academic recommendation letter is written for educational courses in schools, colleges or universities. Professors, teachers, supervisors write such type of letters to highlight the intellectual skills and academic performances of candidate.
Professional recommendation letter
These letters are written for job applications. Managers, supervisors, or colleagues wrote these letters. The focus of paid on the work abilities, team work skills, and achievements of the candidate.
Character recommendation letter
In these letters the emphasis in given on the character of individuals instead of academic or professional abilities. community members or family friends wrote about the attitude and behavior of the candide.
Basic elements of a recommendation letter
Step-1: Header
Header includes date, name and address of recipient or the admission committee
Step-2: Salutation
Salutation includes formal greeting phrases such as Dear admission committee or Dear Hiring Manager
Step-3: Introduction
In introduction, the writer mentions his name and his relation with the candidate and the nature of their relationship. He also needs to mention the capacity in which they work together. For example, It is my pleasure to recommend (name of candidate). She has been my student for four years. She is an exceptional student with many academic skills………….
Step-4: Body of Letter
The body of letter consists on the paragraphs about skills and achievements of candidate. The academic knowledge, abilities, academic achievements, and accomplishments are mentioned in detail to make the position of candidate strong. Moreover, the character, team work ability, problem solving skills, leading capacities are focused. If it is considered necessary, the comparison of the candidate with other individuals can also be made to project candidate as suitable person for example, the teacher can say: he is among the first five top ranked students.
Step-5: Conclusion
In conclusion, the teacher should endorse the candidate and openly offer to provide the further detail and references. At the last signature, title and contacts are provided for further detail.
Key points for Effective recommendation letter
Specificity
specificity means you should be specific, relevant, simple and pure. You should avoid complex and vague praise.
Authenticity
Provide authentic, powerful and sincere evidence. They should not be general. Therefore, you should be sincere.
Relevenacy
Be relevant in provide the exact detail related to the program
Credible
Recommendation letter should write a credible person who have direct relation with the candidate and know closely the skills, character and achievements of the candidate.
Professionalism
The recommended letter must show professionalism of the person who is recommended. The letter should follow a formal structure, and error free and must observe brevity.
Examples of Recommendation Letter
Professional recommendation letter
Dear Hiring Committee,
It is a great pleasure that I recommend Mr. Hamdan for the post of Analyst. As He had worked in Shining Company as data analyst for 4 years where he consistently distinguished himself as an innovative, thorough, and collaborative professional. In my decade of managing data teams, He ranks among the most talented analysts I have had the privilege to work with.
His technical expertise is matched by his ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights. The projects under his supervision had earned a lot for the company. Company official had presented him the token of appreciation.
Beyond the technical skills, Hamdan is a natural mentor and team player. He voluntarily helped for junior analysts, which improved our team’s overall proficiency. He can explain the complex concepts in easy way and like to work in collaborative and skilled team environment. His colleagues had showed immense respect for him as he is reliable, sincere, intellectual and positive.
In summary, I give Hamdan my highest recommendation without reservation. He possesses the rare combination of deep analytical prowess, strategic business acumen, and exceptional interpersonal skills. I am confident he will exceed your expectations and become a valuable asset to your organization.
Please feel free to contact me at (contact number) or (email) if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Position
Institute/company
Contact number
Academic recommendation letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing with utmost prestigious to recommend Eshaal Fatima for admission to your Master of English program. As a Professor of English Literature and Language, I served as Eshaal’s academic advisor for three years and was the primary supervisor for her senior thesis project. In my teaching career, she proves herself as one of the most inquisitive and methodical undergraduate researchers I have encountered.
She is intellectually curious and wants to find out the thing in deep. During her thesis project she asked wonderful question about topic and methodology and data analysis. She proved herself a good researcher in all aspects.
She is not only a gifted student but also a supportive peer. She worked in collaboration to make a research society in college to help those who were not able to do research. She is an innovative team leader.
In conclusion, I believe Eshaal has the intellectual maturity, research tenacity to excel in your rigorous program and contribute meaningfully to your research community. She has my highest recommendation. I am confident shhe will succeed.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Dr. Naeem Abbas
Professor of English Literature and Language
Iqra University
Contact no.
Conclusion
In this writing we learn about how to write a recommendation letter. It is not just a formal pieces of writing but is a significant letter that shows the potential of a candidate. By following the essential steps, a forceful recommendation letter can be written.