Letters of recommendation are formal documents written by individuals, typically supervisors, teachers, mentors, or other professionals who are familiar with the recipient’s work, academic achievements, character, or skills. These letters are often requested as part of job applications, college admissions, scholarship applications, or other opportunities where a third-party endorsement is beneficial. Here’s what you might find in a typical letter of recommendation:
Header: The letter usually starts with a header that includes the writer’s contact information (name, title, organization, address, phone number, email) and the date.
Salutation: The letter may begin with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name],” or a more general greeting like “To Whom It May Concern.”
Introduction: The writer introduces themselves and their relationship to the recipient, including how long they have known each other and in what capacity.
Qualifications: The writer describes the recipient’s qualifications, skills, accomplishments, and areas of expertise relevant to the purpose of the recommendation. They may provide specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate these qualities.
Character Assessment: The writer assesses the recipient’s character, work ethic, professionalism, integrity, and other personal qualities. They may comment on the recipient’s reliability, leadership abilities, teamwork skills, or adaptability.
Specific Achievements: The writer highlights specific achievements or contributions made by the recipient during their time together. This could include projects completed, goals achieved, awards received, or other noteworthy accomplishments.
Comparisons or Context: Depending on the context, the writer may compare the recipient to their peers or provide context for their achievements within a particular field or industry.
Closing Statement: The letter typically closes with a strong endorsement or recommendation of the recipient, expressing confidence in their abilities and potential for future success.
Contact Information: The writer may include their contact information again at the end of the letter, along with an invitation for the recipient to reach out if further clarification or information is needed.
Signature: The letter concludes with the writer’s signature, often followed by their printed name and title for added authenticity.
