What does a good letter of recommendation look like?

A great letter of recommendation includes specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate the applicant's skills and qualifications. It backs up descriptions of your qualifications with examples. You want your letters of recommendation to demonstrate that you not only possess good qualities but also apply them.

What does a good letter of recommendation include?

The letter of recommendation should give a picture of the candidate's personal characteristics, performance and experience, strengths, capabilities, and professional promise from someone who has worked closely with the candidate. The selection committee relies on these letters to assist in making a final decision.

What is an example of a strong recommendation letter?

Letter of Recommendation Template

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with [Name], and came to know [him/her/them] as a truly valuable asset to our team. [He is/She is/They are] honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, [he is/she is/they are] an impressive [soft skill] who is able to [result].

What is the proper format for a letter of recommendation?

Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout. The format typically consists of 1) the letterhead and full contact information, 2) a salutation, 3) an introduction, 4) an overview, 5) a personal story, 6) a closing sentence and 7) your signature.

How do I know if my letter of recommendation is good?

Your letter is strongest if it comes from someone who knows you well and highlights your personal strengths. A letter that only lists out out grades, activities, and other facts and figures could be written by anyone with a copy of your resume.

Elements of a strong recommendation letter

What does a weak letter of recommendation look like?

The letter lists duties expected of any student, but is vague and does not give specific, accurate details about skills or attitudes, communicating that the letter writer knew the student well. There is also no comment on the quality of the student's work.

What should you not do in a recommendation letter?

Although it is important to explain why you are qualified to write the recommendation, mention only your role in the candidate's life and how long you have known the candidate; do not expound upon your own career path. Write only what will allow the reader to weigh what you say about the candidate.

What are the 6 details that should be included in a letter of recommendation?

What is the best opening sentence of a letter of recommendation?

Establish excitement for your strong recommendation in the first sentence. Stating that it is your pleasure to recommend Marcy Jones, for example, is a good way to kick things off. Explain your relationship. If you're the manager at XYZ company who supervised the candidate for four years, say this.

Should I use first name or last name in recommendation letter?

The body of the letter

Many counselors recommend beginning with a statement of how you know the student (did you teach them in a subject, coach them in a sport or supervise them in an internship?) and for how long you've known them. Use the student's full name in the first mention, then just the first name.

What makes a letter of recommendation stand out?

Letters should be honest— and honest criticism, if generously presented, can enhance the force of a letter—but committees take critical comments very seriously. It is best to be cautious when making critical remarks and to avoid any sense of indirection.

What are key phrases in recommendation letter?

What are three important things to mention in a letter of recommendation?

Context. A recommendation letter should include information on who you are, your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the specific skills they have.

What is a catchy opening sentence?

A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”

What are strong recommendation phrases?

They do this by invoking the linguistic terms mentioned above: standout terms or phrases, such as “unparalleled,” “one of the best I have worked with,” “incredible,” “fantastic,” “prodigy,” “unrivaled,” “outstanding,” “rising star,” “as good or better than” (a well-known person), “amazing,” and others.

What should be the last line of a letter of recommendation?

Emphasize your enthusiasm about recommending the candidate for the role by using a phrase like, "Without a doubt," "Unequivocally" or "With the utmost certainty." You can also end by mentioning the dedication, strong work ethic and other positive qualities of the candidate.

What should not be included in the recommendation?

How do you introduce yourself in a letter of recommendation?

Introduce yourself

Give a brief sentence or two explaining your position and your relationship to the candidate. While it's not necessary to go into depth with your history, this will help give the letter context and explain why you are in a good position to recommend this person.

How do you start off a letter?

The standard format is the same: the word “Dear” followed by the person's name, as in “Dear Mr. Lestrade,” using title capitalization. However, informal letters provide more freedom when it comes to what you say in your greeting, and it's not uncommon to see casual greetings like, “Hi [Name],” or “Hello [Name].”

How do you write a lukewarm letter of recommendation?

Who should not write letters of recommendation for you?

Avoid recommendation letters from well-known or influential people who don't know you well or personally. Having someone write on your behalf just because they are “cool” or impressive doesn't boost your application; it can actually hurt it.

Can someone write you a bad letter of recommendation?

If you're applying for a job—or college or graduate school—you may be asked to submit a letter of recommendation letter. A negative recommendation letter can cost you your dream job. Even a recommendation letter that's lukewarm about you can damage your ability to land a job or get accepted to a program.

What do employers look for in a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation can help show a school or employer why you'd be a good fit for their program or organization. If you choose references who know you well, they can speak about your character, achievements and qualifications in a positive and authentic way.

What are positive things to say about someone for a reference?

These qualities could include things like dedication, communication skills , leadership abilities , positive attitude, efficiency, commitment to quality and other relevant soft skills .

How do you write a killer letter of recommendation?