What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal document that is typically written by a professor, employer, or colleague, and is used to recommend an individual for a particular job or academic program. It is important to note that a recommendation letter is not an employment reference. A letter of recommendation should include information about the individual’s character, qualifications, and experiences, as well as an overall assessment of their suitability for the position or program.
The Importance of Formatting
When writing a letter of recommendation, it is important to pay attention to the formatting. The letter should be professional and concise, and it should be written in a formal, business-style format. The letter should also be tailored to the individual and the position or program for which they are applying.
The Basics of Letter of Recommendation Formatting
When writing a letter of recommendation, the following elements should be included: the date, the letterhead, the recipient’s address, the salutation, the body of the letter, a closing, and the sender’s contact information. It is important to use proper formatting and to proofread the letter carefully to ensure that it is free of errors.
The Date
The date should be written in the upper right-hand corner of the letter. The format should be month, day, year. For example, July 10, 2023.
The Letterhead
The letterhead should include the sender’s contact information and should be printed at the top of the page. The letterhead should include the sender’s name, address, telephone number, and email address.
The Recipient’s Address
The recipient’s address should be written below the letterhead. The address should include the recipient’s name, title, company, and address.
The Salutation
The salutation should be written immediately after the recipient’s address. The salutation should be formal and should include the recipient’s title and last name. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith.”
The Body of the Letter
The body of the letter should include information about the individual’s qualifications, experiences, and character. It should also include an overall assessment of their suitability for the position or program for which they are applying. The letter should be concise and should not exceed one page in length.
A Closing
The closing should be written at the end of the letter. The closing should include a sincere expression of appreciation and should include the sender’s signature. For example, “Sincerely, [Signature].”
The Sender’s Contact Information
The sender’s contact information should be included at the end of the letter. The sender’s contact information should include their name, address, telephone number, and email address.
Tips for Writing an Effective Letter of Recommendation
When writing a letter of recommendation, it is important to keep the following tips in mind: be specific, use concrete examples, avoid using overly formal language, and be honest and sincere. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the letter is free of errors and is written in a professional, business-style format.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, but if you keep the above tips in mind, you can create a letter that accurately reflects the individual’s qualifications and experiences. It is important to pay attention to the formatting of the letter and to ensure that it is free of errors. By following these tips, you can create an effective and professional letter of recommendation.
