Recommendation Letter Format

A letter of recommendation or a reference letter is one that is requested by someone who is evaluating the abilities of the person, whom the letter commends. The letter is generally asked for, when a person either applies for a job or sends in his application for further studies. According to most recommendation letter formats, the writer of the letter is generally expected to evaluate the characteristics, qualities and abilities of the person who is being recommended. It is a character evaluation of the person and an assessment of the person's ability to perform specific functions, or educational capabilities.

Letter writing is an art not many are able to master. In order to write a good letter, it is important to focus on the correctness, clarity and conciseness. The same is true for a recommendation letter. While it may be a good idea to praise the person you are writing about (after all that is the aim), it is essential that you sound sincere and not like you are a sycophant. A reference letter should definitely highlight your relationship with the person you are recommending and also your contact details. In this article, there is basic recommendation letter format, and examples of recommendation letter sample.

Recommendation Letter Template
This template will serve as a guide if you are wondering about how to write a recommendation letter.

Salutation/Greetings Dear Ms./Mr. (addressee), or To whom it may concern The introductory paragraph of the letter should explain how you know the person whom you are recommending and why you are eligible to write a letter for him/her. You can also add details of why you are writing the letter. The second para can be a testimony to the capabilities of the person you are recommending, and an assessment of their qualifications and achievements. You can also write about their contribution to a team, especially for an employment related recommendation letter. You could include a third paragraph, in case of a recommendation letter from employer, matching the person's capabilities to the requirements of the job, especially in light of the fact that he/she was a former employee. This para could also serve as a summary of the letter, where you should state something like, I highly recommend. The last paragraph of the article will be the conclusion, with your contact details. Valediction/Goodbye Yours sincerely, (Your name)

Recommendation Letter for Job
The following letter is a recommendation letter example for when you have to write a reference letter for someone who is applying for a job.

Dear Ms. White, I, the undersigned, am the Vice President, Communications, at ABC company, and I am writing this letter to you today on behalf of Jeremy Griffins. Jeremy has worked as my executive assistant for almost three years now. During his tenure here, he has been an asset to my team and everything that I am about to say is a result of my observations during the period. Jeremy is an excellent organizer and is able to multitask very well. His responsibilities included, handling my correspondence and communication, researching subjects and managing my schedule. On several occasions, he has also had to act as a proxy for me at meetings. He has a high level of business acumen and understands his duties and responsibilities extremely well. Jeremy is extremely well suited for the post of Executive Assistant to the President and will be an asset to your company. I highly recommend him for the job. I would like to thank you for considering Jeremy Griffins for the job. Please feel free to contact me at following address or phone number, in case you have any queries. Ms. Barbara Golding VP, Communications ABC Company Phone no - 333-121-2670 Thanking you, Yours sincerely Barabara Golding

College Recommendation Letter Sample
In case you are writing a letter to recommend someone to a college for further studies, then this is a recommendation letter sample for education.

To Whom It may Concern, I, the undersigned, am the Principal of JFK High School, and I am writing this letter to you today on behalf of Maria Solares. Maria has been a student of mine for the past four years and I have known her as an outstanding student. Maria has always been an exemplary student, who has got excellent grades since the first grade. She has shown initiative and diligence not only in academic pursuits but also co-curricular activities. Maria was the editor of our school paper, and displayed leadership abilities and maturity beyond her years. She has been helpful to fellow students and a good team player. I believe that she will be a success in whatever she intends to do and highly recommend her for your Journalism Scholarship Program. I would like to thank you for considering Maria Solares for the scholarship. Please feel free to contact me at following address or phone number, in case you have any queries. Mr. Geofferry Brown Principal, JFK High School Phone no – 333-243-6578 Thanking you, Yours sincerely Geofferry Brown

You can also read related articles on:

• Writing Tips
• Business Writing

I hope that these examples of recommendation letters are helpful, and the recommendation letter format is clear to you.