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Do You Write a Recommendation Letter to a Person You Dont Know?

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Writing a alphabetic character of recommendation can be intimidating, specially because the person you're writing information technology for is counting on you lot to pull through for them. Fortunately, there's a general formula you lot can apply to write a letter of recommendation that is both professional and effective.

Sample Letters

  1. 1

    Employ standard formal letter writing conventions to begin. A letter of the alphabet of recommendation is like any other professional communication, and follows the same general rules and guidelines.[1]

    • Identify your address on the top right, followed by the date—spelled out.
    • Below that, on the left, identify the recipient'due south name (if known) and accost.
    • Open the letter with a formal business greeting. Ex:
    • Beloved Ms. Smith,
    • Dear Sir or Madam, (if you lot don't know the recipient's name)

  2. two

    Open with a short, but enthusiastic, scrap of praise. Allow the company know right off the bat that yous believe in this person. You don't take to be over the meridian or insincere, but a positive note to start will make a big divergence.[2]

    • "It makes me extremely happy to recommend Michael for the position of Director of Development at XYZ Corporation."
    • "Any company should count themselves lucky to accept an employee equally bright, friendly, and defended as Gina."
    • "No affair what she does, Helena Bonham does it well."

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  3. 3

    Describe how you know the person. Give some context for your recommendation. Allow the reader know how you lot met them, how you worked together, and your basic qualifications.[3]

    • "As VP of Awarding Development, I was Michael's directly supervisor from 2009 through 2012. We worked closely together on several key projects, and I got to know him very well during this fourth dimension.
    • "I was both Gina'due south adviser and teacher throughout her fourth dimension at Hamilton Higher. I watched her shine both in the classroom and in office hours, and had the joy of watching her meet then exceed expectations with her thesis."
    • "Equally the Dean of Students, I deal with many young people throughout the twenty-four hours. However, I was lucky to spend several hours a calendar week with Ms. Bonham in her role as Committee President. In my 32 years as Dean, I accept rarely been then impressed."

  4. 4

    Be specific virtually the candidate'due south qualifications and successes. Describe what the person has washed using specific instances and examples, rather than generalities. Whenever possible, give show or stories to back yourself up.[4]

    • "Michael's sophisticated grasp of database architecture, combined with an innate feel for UX design and a warm, personal approach to his in-visitor client base dramatically improved the productivity of our company's merchandising, creative, and editorial departments. His approach to managing awarding support, maintenance, and training was highly professional and profoundly respected, both by finish users and by the executive team."
    • "Gina was always inquisitive merely never pushy. Despite being able to answer almost any question, Gina would rather sit back and assistance others find the reply for themselves. Countless students, who I thought were doomed to struggle, happily told me how tutoring sessions with Gina helped them plough the corner. And I had many conversations, both as her professor and a peer, that I will recollect happily for years."
    • "When Ms. Bonham hears the give-and-take "no," you can well-nigh see the gears start to turn. She is mover and a shaker -- interfacing with students, faculty, staff, and fifty-fifty outside agencies to detect solutions to any trouble."

  5. 5

    Make comparisons to illustrate their success. To put the candidate's accomplishments into perspective, include comparisons so that the recipient volition have some footing to understand why you are recommending this person.[v]

    • "Michael's output of completed projects has exceeded the combined results of all other development efforts I've witnessed during my 8 years at UVW Company."
    • "The best students are ones that genuinely beloved to learn. A educatee that pushes themselves always 24-hour interval to learn more and be better, and enjoys every minute. Gina is that kind of student.
    • "I tin can say with confidence that my job working with the Student Committee was never easier, nor more enjoyable, than when I got to work with Ms. Bonham."

  6. 6

    Don't exaggerate -- bear witness where and how they tin can improve. Don't put the candidate on a pedestal. Not simply does it not look plausible, information technology will also prepare expectations for them that will be side by side to impossible to meet. If they have an Achilles' heel, don't exaggerate it, merely don't hide it, either.[6]

    • "Despite coming in as a novice, Michael has worked hard to improve his documentation and commenting of scripts and processes, making it easier for those filling his shoes in the future to work effectively."
    • "Gina is always on the move -- tutoring, taking classes, joining clubs, etc. -- and though her schedule is perchance too tightly packed, she somehow manages information technology all with a grin on her face."
    • "Of course, Ms. Bonham'due south determination and drive occasionally led to butting heads and conflicting opinions. However, though she is never ane to shy abroad from conflict, Ms. Bonham passion was never mean-spririted or rude."

  7. 7

    Keep your writing action-oriented. Brainstorm each paragraph with a punchy, active affirmation of the candidate'south qualities or character. Strong verbs are your friend.[seven]

    • Don't say "Over the course of the last couple years, I have been pleased to watch the ongoing development of Michael's talents." Say instead, "Michael'southward skills take grown apace in the final couple years."
    • "Gina exhibits the drive and dedication of the best students. Her writing is articulate and concise, a rarity among many young people simply effortless for her."
    • "Ms. Bonham fights for what she believes is right, even if it doesn't mesh with her own preferences. This clear-eyed and selfless attitude will catapult her far in life."

  8. viii

    Shut the alphabetic character affirmatively. Reiterate your recommendation of the candidate and, if appropriate, invite the recipient to contact y'all.[8]

    • For example, say, "For all of these reasons, I call up Michael volition make a fine addition to your team. Should you have any questions, I invite yous to contact me at the number or address, to a higher place."
    • "Gina is the kind of person I would honey to rent to work for me, and I know she volition be an incredible asset for you."
    • "I have no qualms about giving Ms. Bonham the highest recommendation for the position. If you have any questions, please contact me."

  9. 9

    Use a business organisation closing and sign your name. Above all, exist professional. If the you're sending a physical letter of the alphabet, impress information technology out and sign it by hand. Otherwise, just typing your proper name volition do.[9]

    • "Sincerely,"
    • "Best regards,"
    • "Cheers,"

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  1. 1

    Interruption downwards the letter into short, but specific, paragraphs. Don't ramble, but exercise flesh out your key points. Endeavour to go along information technology at 1 page, covering the diverse aspects of their recommendation in brief, specific item.[10]

    • Introduction
      • Your qualifications, how you lot know the candidate, general recommendation.
    • Professional person Success
      • Why they volition be effective, productive workers. Examples of successes.
    • Personal Testimony
      • Why they will exist a great addition to piece of work and function culture.
    • Closing.
      • Reaffirm your willingness to recommend them, offer contact information.

  2. 2

    Target the recommendation. Is it for an academic post, a job, a volunteer position, a background check, or a personal reference? Write your letter and so that it is focused on this purpose.

    • For instance, if the alphabetic character is office of a job application package, it should focus on the professional qualifications and comport of the candidate.

  3. three

    Familiarize yourself with the position. Go a copy of the job clarification, if you tin, and talk to the person you lot will recommend. If you know the intended recipient of the letter of the alphabet, ask them about the position also.[11]

    • The more you know about the position, the better you will be able to tailor your letter to suit the needs of both parties.

  4. 4

    Inform yourself about the person y'all are recommending. Spend some time talking to them about their goals and the position they are applying for. Assemble together their electric current resume, any memos or notes you may take on them, and any other information that will help you as y'all write the letter. The all-time recommendations are thorough and specific, and having all the information at mitt will make the process much easier.[12]

    Tip: Y'all put your own reputation on the line when you write a alphabetic character of recommendation. If you lot feel you do non know the person well plenty, or they are somebody you cannot in good censor recommend, pass up their request.

  5. v

    Get feedback. If you're not sure of your letter-writing skills, or if your letter volition behave a corking deal of weight for the candidate'south awarding, ask for feedback from a trusted colleague who may also know the candidate. If you are putting your reputation on the line for this person, you want to put your all-time foot forward with this letter of the alphabet.[xiii]

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Add New Question

  • Question

    How practice I address a general letter of recommendation for an office intern?

    Community Answer

    "To whom information technology may concern," or "Dear Sir or Madam,".

  • Question

    Tin can anyone write a letter of recommendation?

    Community Answer

    Yes, equally long as you state how you lot know the person in the alphabetic character. You should also include the reasons why yous feel qualified to recommend the person (such every bit, you may have known them for years, you have professional experience in the position they are seeking etc).

  • Question

    Tin can I write a letter of recommendation for a young man employee who is leaving the company if the dominate does not yet know the employee is leaving?

    Community Answer

    I don't see why not, as long as you lot believe your coworker is worthy of a recommendation. Your employer shouldn't have a problem with this, and it'southward actually none of their business anyway.

  • Question

    How exercise I write a letter of recommendation to a university?

    Community Answer

    When writing a recommendation for a student, it is best to talk most the student's qualities and back them up with specific examples. Referrio is a corking site to help you lot go professional person recommendations.

  • Question

    Can a letter of recommendation be handwritten?

    Community Answer

    Yes, while typed recommendations have a professional advent, messages that are handwritten show sincerity and dedication. Both are adequate.

  • Question

    How exercise I write and send a letter via email?

    Community Answer

    If you have a scanner, put the alphabetic character in there and scan it. Make sure that it is connected to the computer and it is going to the correct identify. One time you practise that, type up that email and attach the scanned letter to the email. You can as well etch the letter using a word processor and so send it as an attachment.

  • Question

    Do I sign my name to a higher place or below my typed proper name?

    Community Answer

    Get out some space in between your closing ("Sincerely," "Best," etc.) and the printing of your proper noun, and sign information technology in that space.

  • Question

    Do I demand to blueprint a letterhead for a recommendation letter, or I could but use my address?

    Community Answer

    You don't demand to design a letterhead for a recommendation letter, merely use your name, address and postal lawmaking.

  • Question

    When writing the salutation "To Whom It May Business organization" on a alphabetic character of recommendation for a pupil, do I utilise a colon or a comma?

    Community Answer

    When addressing a letter of the alphabet "To Whom It May Concern," the entire phrase is capitalized, followed by a colon. Leave a space in between the salutation and the beginning of the trunk of your letter of the alphabet.

  • Question

    What font is appropriate to use in a letter of recommendation? Times New Roman? Calibri?

    Dvortygirl

    Dvortygirl

    Community Answer

    Choose any basic, businesslike font. Sans serif tends to exist easier to read on reckoner screens. Don't apply anything outlandish. Information technology'south important for what you're saying to stand out, not the letters themselves.

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  • If you enquire a candidate to write their own letter of recommendation, recognize that many people discover it difficult to write about themselves in this way. Read the letter of the alphabet and make certain that y'all agree with what they have written before you sign it.

  • Be complimentary and positive, only be honest.

  • Type the letter. It is more formal and businesslike—and your recipient won't have to decode your handwriting.

  • The start time you name the candidate who is the subject of the letter, use his or her full name. After that, apply either the beginning name or a championship (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and the last proper name, depending on how formal you want to be. Whichever y'all choose, be consistent.

  • Keep the tone and the content factual, businesslike, and specific throughout.

  • If you are put in the position of writing your own letter of recommendation, perhaps for somebody else to sign, be honest and specific. Try to write as y'all would write about a candidate with your qualifications. Get help from a friend or colleague seeing yourself as others see yous. Ask your friend to tell yous how your letter comes across.

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  • A alphabetic character of recommendation should focus on the key knowledge, skills, and abilities of an individual. Don't spend your fourth dimension inflating your letter of the alphabet of recommendation with excessive positive tones, every bit this is mostly overlooked by recruiters.

  • Make up one's mind carefully whether to give a copy of the letter to the candidate, specially if you lot express reservations. A recommendation may hold more sway if the recipient knows that the views in it are candid, and not written for the gratification or flattery of the candidate.

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About This Article

Article Summary X

The best way to write a letter of recommendation is to start out with a formal greeting, or using "To whom information technology may concern" if you don't know the recipient. Follow the greeting with 2-three sentences of praise for the person you're recommending. So, explicate how y'all know the person and why you're qualified to recommend them. Include specific examples of the person's qualifications and successes in the torso of your letter, then terminate with a sentence affirming that you lot recommend the person for the job or position. For more tips, like why you shouldn't exaggerate, read on!

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