Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation helps you get a job or admission to a university. It is also used by some online networking sites where people can refer you for a suitable job post. For writing a recommendation letter you should know what it is and the things it should include.
Letter of recommendation is a letter in which the writer assesses the qualities, capabilities and characteristics of the individual requesting the recommendation letter. It is addressed to a particular person and is always specific in nature.
There are many types of recommendation letter like job letter of recommendation, personal/character letter of recommendation, student recommendation letter, employment or job letter of recommendation and many more. Each type of letter has its own format that needs to be followed. Each type of letter is written by some experienced writer or a concerned senior person related to the applicant.

Types of recommendation letters

1.Personal/Character letter of recommendation: The personal or character letter of recommendation is written by teachers, business acquaintances, clients or neighbors those who know and can assess the applicant’s skills and abilities
2.Job letter of recommendation: These are written by senior professionals, clients, vendors and business associates
3.Employment recommendation letter: These are written by senior officials and supervisors who can attest the abilities of the applicantr
General Tips

• It should not be of more than 1 page
• Applicant must have 3-5 letters of recommendation, which - he can use in his future job applications
• Should clearly specify how well the applicant fulfills what is there in his resume
• Should not include vague/over exaggerated statements
• Should not be written by family members

Information to be included in the recommendation letter:

• Personal characteristics of the applicant
• Performance information with examples
• Experience
• Professional promise
• Examples of contributions made
• Examples of interpersonal and leadership skills
• Specific information related to the position descriptio

What should not be included in the recommendation letter:

• False praises
• Negative implications/remarks about the applicant that may reduce the chances of him not getting selected/awarded
• Comments on religion, race, marital/parental status, disabilities and family background

Parts of a recommendation letter:

1.Opening- It should include the following contentsr
Applicants professional positionr
Relationship between the writer and the applicant, since when the author knows the applicant and his abilitiesr
A general impression of the applicant

2.Body- The body of the letter should give a brief description about the applicant’s abilities and should be written in paragraphs. It should have the following information

• Strengths: This may include communication skills, positive attitude, high energy and enthusiasm as well as strong background

• Experiences must be verified here with examples
• Personal characteristics: This may include confidence, creativity and patience
• Depending on the type of recommendation letter inclusion of the relevant points should be taken care of

3.Closing: This should cover the following pointsr
A summary of above described pointsr
Recommendations of the applicants stated clearly

One should the keep the above points in mind while writing a recommendation letter so that it benefits the applicant who has requested for the same.