How to Write a Letter of Recommendation That Will Get Your Friend or Colleague Their Dream Job


How to Write a Letter of Recommendation That Will Get Your Friend or Colleague Their Dream Job

Writing a letter of advice is a good way to indicate your assist for a pal, colleague, or acquaintance who’s making use of for a job. A well-written letter of advice can spotlight the applicant’s abilities, expertise, and private qualities, and might make an enormous distinction within the hiring supervisor’s determination.

When you’ve been requested to jot down a letter of advice, do not panic! We’re right here to assist. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the method of writing a letter of advice, step-by-step. We’ll cowl every thing from gathering details about the applicant to formatting your letter.

Now that a bit bit extra about what goes right into a letter of advice, let’s get began on writing one.

the best way to write a letter of advice

Observe these eight tricks to write a robust letter of advice:

  • Know the applicant effectively.
  • Use knowledgeable format.
  • Spotlight the applicant’s abilities.
  • Present particular examples.
  • Be persuasive.
  • Proofread fastidiously.
  • Ship it on time.
  • Observe up.

By following the following pointers, you may write a letter of advice that can assist your pal or colleague get the job they need.

Know the applicant effectively.

Step one to writing a robust letter of advice is to know the applicant effectively. This implies understanding their abilities, expertise, and private qualities. It additionally means having the ability to communicate to their character and work ethic.

  • Spend time with the applicant.

    One of the best ways to get to know somebody is to spend time with them. This might contain engaged on a venture collectively, volunteering side-by-side, or just socializing. The extra time you spend with the applicant, the higher you can perceive their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Ask questions.

    Do not be afraid to ask the applicant questions on their abilities, expertise, and objectives. It will make it easier to to get a greater understanding of their background and {qualifications}.

  • Take note of the applicant’s work.

    When you’re a colleague of the applicant, take note of their work. This gives you firsthand expertise of their abilities and skills.

  • Get suggestions from others.

    When you’re undecided the best way to consider the applicant’s abilities and expertise, ask for suggestions from others who know them effectively. This might embody their supervisor, co-workers, or buddies.

After you have a very good understanding of the applicant, you can write a letter of advice that highlights their finest qualities and makes them stand out from the competitors.

Use knowledgeable format.

A letter of advice is a proper doc, so it is vital to make use of knowledgeable format. This implies utilizing a typical font (similar to Instances New Roman or Arial), 12-point font measurement, and single line spacing. You also needs to left-align your textual content and use one-inch margins throughout.

  • Use a letterhead.

    If in case you have a letterhead, use it to create your letter of advice. It will give your letter a extra skilled look.

  • Embody your contact info.

    Ensure to incorporate your identify, handle, cellphone quantity, and e mail handle on the prime of your letter. It will make it straightforward for the hiring supervisor to contact you if they’ve any questions.

  • Tackle the letter to the hiring supervisor.

    If the identify of the hiring supervisor, handle the letter to them straight. If you do not know the hiring supervisor’s identify, you may handle the letter to “Expensive Hiring Supervisor.”

  • Use knowledgeable salutation and shutting.

    Begin your letter with knowledgeable salutation, similar to “Expensive Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name].” Finish your letter with knowledgeable closing, similar to “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”

By following the following pointers, you may create a letter of advice that’s skilled and simple to learn. It will make a very good impression on the hiring supervisor and assist your pal or colleague get the job they need.

Spotlight the applicant’s abilities.

The physique of your letter of advice ought to give attention to highlighting the applicant’s abilities and {qualifications}. That is your likelihood to promote the applicant to the hiring supervisor and persuade them that they are one of the best particular person for the job.

  • Begin with the applicant’s most related abilities.

    When highlighting the applicant’s abilities, begin with those which are most related to the job they’re making use of for. For instance, if the applicant is making use of for a job as a advertising and marketing supervisor, you would possibly begin by highlighting their abilities in market analysis, information evaluation, and marketing campaign administration.

  • Use particular examples.

    Do not simply listing the applicant’s abilities; use particular examples to indicate how they’ve used these abilities to realize success. For instance, you would possibly speak about a time when the applicant led a advertising and marketing marketing campaign that resulted in a big enhance in gross sales.

  • Quantify the applicant’s accomplishments.

    Every time attainable, quantify the applicant’s accomplishments. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “nice salesperson,” you can say that they “elevated gross sales by 15% of their first 12 months on the job.”

  • Tailor your letter to the job description.

    When highlighting the applicant’s abilities, you’ll want to tailor your letter to the particular job description. It will present the hiring supervisor that you have taken the time to know the position and that you just consider the applicant is an effective match for the job.

By highlighting the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments in a transparent and concise approach, you may assist them stand out from the competitors and enhance their possibilities of getting the job.

Present particular examples.

Utilizing particular examples is likely one of the finest methods to make your letter of advice stand out from the competitors. If you present particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, you are displaying the hiring supervisor precisely what the applicant is able to.

Listed here are some suggestions for offering particular examples in your letter of advice:

  • Use anecdotes.

    Anecdotes are quick tales that illustrate a specific level. They’re a good way to carry the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments to life. For instance, you would possibly inform a narrative a couple of time when the applicant went above and past to assist a buyer or a time once they got here up with a artistic answer to an issue.

  • Use information.

    Knowledge can be used to supply particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments. For instance, you would possibly point out that the applicant elevated gross sales by 15% of their first 12 months on the job or that they diminished buyer churn by 20%.

  • Use quotes.

    Quotes from different individuals can be used to supply particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments. For instance, you would possibly embody a quote from a buyer who says that the applicant is “one of the best salesperson I’ve ever labored with” or a quote from a colleague who says that the applicant is “an excellent workforce participant.”

  • Be particular.

    The extra particular you’re, the higher. Do not simply say that the applicant is a “arduous employee”; give particular examples of how they’ve demonstrated their arduous work. For instance, you would possibly say that the applicant “persistently arrives early to work and stays late to complete tasks” or that they “by no means misses a deadline.”

By offering particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, you may assist them stand out from the competitors and enhance their possibilities of getting the job.

Be persuasive.

The purpose of a letter of advice is to steer the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant. To do that, it’s essential be persuasive in your writing. Listed here are some suggestions for being persuasive in your letter of advice:

  • Use sturdy language.

    When describing the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, use sturdy language that can make the hiring supervisor sit up and take discover. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “good salesperson,” you can say that they’re a “top-performing salesperson who persistently exceeds their gross sales objectives.”

  • Use emotional appeals.

    Along with utilizing sturdy language, it’s also possible to use emotional appeals to steer the hiring supervisor. For instance, you would possibly speak about how the applicant’s work has made a constructive impression in your firm or in your clients. You could possibly additionally speak about how the applicant’s abilities and expertise could be a worthwhile asset to the hiring supervisor’s firm.

  • Use social proof.

    Social proof is the concept individuals are extra prone to do one thing in the event that they see others doing it. You need to use social proof in your letter of advice by mentioning that different individuals have additionally been impressed with the applicant. For instance, you would possibly say that the applicant has obtained constructive suggestions from their colleagues or clients.

  • Use a name to motion.

    On the finish of your letter of advice, it’s best to embody a name to motion. It is a assertion that tells the hiring supervisor what you need them to do. For instance, you would possibly say that you just “extremely advocate” the applicant for the job or that you just “urge” the hiring supervisor to interview the applicant.

By utilizing the following pointers, you may write a persuasive letter of advice that can assist the applicant get the job.

Proofread fastidiously.

As soon as you have completed writing your letter of advice, it is vital to proofread it fastidiously for any errors. This contains checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting points. Even a small error could make a foul impression on the hiring supervisor, so it is vital to verify your letter is error-free.

Listed here are some suggestions for proofreading your letter of advice:

  • Learn your letter aloud.

    If you learn your letter aloud, you are extra prone to catch errors that you just would possibly miss whenever you’re simply studying it silently. It is because you are in a position to hear the phrases and phrases as they’re meant to be spoken, which may also help you determine any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.

  • Use a spell checker.

    Whereas spell checkers aren’t excellent, they are often useful for catching typos and different frequent errors. Nevertheless, it is vital to do not forget that spell checkers do not catch all errors, so it is nonetheless vital to proofread your letter fastidiously even after you have run it via a spell checker.

  • Have another person proofread your letter.

    When you’re not assured in your proofreading abilities, you may ask another person to proofread your letter for you. This could possibly be a pal, member of the family, or colleague. Getting a second pair of eyes in your letter may also help you catch any errors that you just might need missed.

  • Take your time.

    Do not rush via the proofreading course of. Take your time and thoroughly learn your letter over a number of occasions. The extra time you spend proofreading, the extra doubtless you’re to catch any errors.

By proofreading your letter of advice fastidiously, you may be sure that it is error-free and that it makes a very good impression on the hiring supervisor.

Ship it on time.

As soon as you have completed writing and proofreading your letter of advice, it is vital to ship it to the hiring supervisor on time. This reveals that you just’re organized and that you just respect the hiring supervisor’s time.

Listed here are some suggestions for sending your letter of advice on time:

  • Verify the deadline.

    Earlier than you ship your letter of advice, you’ll want to test the deadline for functions. This info is normally included within the job posting. If there isn’t a deadline specified, it’s best to purpose to ship your letter inside two weeks of the applying deadline.

  • Use a dependable technique of supply.

    There are a couple of other ways to ship a letter of advice: you may mail it, e mail it, or hand-deliver it. When you’re mailing your letter, you’ll want to permit sufficient time for it to reach earlier than the deadline. When you’re emailing your letter, you’ll want to embody the applicant’s identify and the job title they’re making use of for within the topic line.

  • Observe up.

    After you have despatched your letter of advice, it’s best to comply with up with the hiring supervisor to verify they obtained it. You are able to do this by sending them a short e mail or giving them a name. Following up reveals that you just’re within the applicant and that you just’re assured of their skills.

By sending your letter of advice on time and following up, you may present the hiring supervisor that you are a dependable {and professional} particular person. It will make a very good impression and enhance the applicant’s possibilities of getting the job.

Observe up.

Following up after you have despatched your letter of advice reveals the hiring supervisor that you just’re within the applicant and that you just’re assured of their skills. It additionally provides you a chance to reply any questions that the hiring supervisor could have.

  • Ship a thank-you word.

    After you have despatched your letter of advice, ship the hiring supervisor a thank-you word for his or her time and consideration. It is a easy gesture that reveals your appreciation and professionalism.

  • Observe up with the applicant.

    After you have despatched your letter of advice, comply with up with the applicant to allow them to know. This reveals that you just’re supportive of their job search and that you just’re assured of their skills. You can even ask the applicant if they’ve any questions concerning the job software course of.

  • Attain out to the hiring supervisor.

    A couple of week after you have despatched your letter of advice, you may attain out to the hiring supervisor to see if they’ve any questions. You can even ask them in the event that they’ve had an opportunity to evaluation the applicant’s supplies. This reveals that you just’re within the applicant’s job search and that you just’re assured of their skills.

  • Provide to supply further info.

    If the hiring supervisor has any questions concerning the applicant or your letter of advice, be ready to supply further info. This might embody offering extra particulars concerning the applicant’s abilities and expertise, or it might contain answering questions on your relationship with the applicant.

By following up after you have despatched your letter of advice, you may present the hiring supervisor that you are a dependable {and professional} particular person. It will make a very good impression and enhance the applicant’s possibilities of getting the job.

FAQ

Listed here are some incessantly requested questions on writing letters of advice:

Query 1: How lengthy ought to a letter of advice be?
Reply: A letter of advice needs to be no a couple of web page lengthy. It is vital to be concise and to give attention to the applicant’s most related abilities and accomplishments.

Query 2: What ought to I embody in a letter of advice?
Reply: A letter of advice ought to embody the next info:

  • Your contact info
  • The date
  • The hiring supervisor’s identify and firm
  • A salutation
  • An introduction of your self and your relationship to the applicant
  • An outline of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments
  • A press release of your suggestion
  • A closing

Query 3: How can I make my letter of advice stand out?
Reply: There are some things you are able to do to make your letter of advice stand out:

  • Use particular examples for instance the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments.
  • Use sturdy language and persuasive appeals.
  • Proofread your letter fastidiously for any errors.
  • Ship your letter on time.
  • Observe up after you have despatched your letter.

Query 4: What ought to I do if I do not know the applicant effectively?
Reply: If you do not know the applicant effectively, you may nonetheless write a letter of advice. Give attention to the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments that you just’re conscious of. You can even ask the applicant for a replica of their resume and canopy letter, and you may discuss to their colleagues or supervisors to get extra info.

Query 5: Can I write a letter of advice for somebody who’s a pal or member of the family?
Reply: It is typically not a good suggestion to jot down a letter of advice for somebody who’s a pal or member of the family. It is because it may be seen as a battle of curiosity. Nevertheless, in case you do determine to jot down a letter of advice for a pal or member of the family, you’ll want to be goal and to give attention to their abilities and accomplishments.

Query 6: What ought to I do if I am requested to jot down a letter of advice for somebody who I do not assume is certified for the job?
Reply: When you’re requested to jot down a letter of advice for somebody who you do not assume is certified for the job, you may politely decline. You can even supply to jot down a letter of advice that focuses on the applicant’s potential and their willingness to be taught.

These are only a few of probably the most incessantly requested questions on writing letters of advice. If in case you have every other questions, you’ll want to seek the advice of a profession counselor or a human assets skilled.

Along with answering these FAQs, listed here are a couple of bonus suggestions for writing an excellent letter of advice:

Ideas

Listed here are a couple of bonus suggestions for writing an excellent letter of advice:

Tip 1: Be particular. When describing the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, use particular examples for instance your factors. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “nice salesperson,” you can say that they “elevated gross sales by 15% of their first 12 months on the job.”

Tip 2: Be persuasive. Use sturdy language and persuasive appeals to persuade the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant. For instance, you can say that the applicant is “one of the best candidate for the job” or that you just “extremely advocate” them.

Tip 3: Proofread fastidiously. Earlier than you ship your letter of advice, proofread it fastidiously for any errors. This contains checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting points. Even a small error could make a foul impression on the hiring supervisor.

Tip 4: Ship it on time. Remember to ship your letter of advice on time. This reveals that you just’re organized and that you just respect the hiring supervisor’s time. When you’re mailing your letter, permit sufficient time for it to reach earlier than the deadline.

By following the following pointers, you may write a letter of advice that can assist the applicant get the job.

Now that you know the way to jot down an excellent letter of advice, it is time to put your abilities into follow. The following time somebody asks you to jot down a letter of advice, be assured and say sure. You’ve gotten the talents and data to jot down a letter that can make a distinction.

Conclusion

Writing a letter of advice is a good way to assist a pal, colleague, or acquaintance who’s making use of for a job. By following the ideas on this article, you may write a letter of advice that can assist the applicant stand out from the competitors and enhance their possibilities of getting the job.

To summarize the details of this text:

  • Get to know the applicant effectively to be able to write a letter that’s particular and persuasive.
  • Use knowledgeable format and tone.
  • Spotlight the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments utilizing particular examples.
  • Be persuasive and use sturdy language to persuade the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant.
  • Proofread your letter fastidiously for any errors earlier than you ship it.
  • Ship your letter on time.
  • Observe up with the hiring supervisor to see if they’ve any questions.

By following the following pointers, you may write a letter of advice that can make a distinction.

So subsequent time somebody asks you to jot down a letter of advice, do not be afraid to say sure. You’ve gotten the talents and data to jot down a letter that can assist the applicant get the job.