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 point out your assist for a buddy, colleague, or acquaintance who’s making use of for a job. A well-written letter of advice can spotlight the applicant’s expertise, expertise, and private qualities, and might make an enormous distinction within the hiring supervisor’s choice.

Should you’ve been requested to put in writing 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 little thing from gathering details about the applicant to formatting your letter.

Now that you realize 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 powerful letter of advice:

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

By following the following tips, you possibly can write a letter of advice that can assist your buddy or colleague get the job they need.

Know the applicant effectively.

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

  • Spend time with the applicant.

    The easiest way to get to know somebody is to spend time with them. This might contain engaged on a undertaking collectively, volunteering side-by-side, or just socializing. The extra time you spend with the applicant, the higher you’ll perceive their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Ask questions.

    Do not be afraid to ask the applicant questions on their expertise, expertise, and objectives. This may allow you to to get a greater understanding of their background and {qualifications}.

  • Take note of the applicant’s work.

    Should you’re a colleague of the applicant, take note of their work. This will provide you with firsthand expertise of their expertise and talents.

  • Get suggestions from others.

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

After getting understanding of the applicant, you’ll write a letter of advice that highlights their greatest 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 an ordinary font (similar to Occasions New Roman or Arial), 12-point font measurement, and single line spacing. You must also 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. This may give your letter a extra skilled look.

  • Embody your contact info.

    Ensure to incorporate your title, deal with, cellphone quantity, and e mail deal with on the prime of your letter. This may make it straightforward for the hiring supervisor to contact you if they’ve any questions.

  • Tackle the letter to the hiring supervisor.

    If you realize the title of the hiring supervisor, deal with the letter to them immediately. If you do not know the hiring supervisor’s title, you possibly can deal with 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 tips, you possibly can create a letter of advice that’s skilled and straightforward to learn. This may make impression on the hiring supervisor and assist your buddy or colleague get the job they need.

Spotlight the applicant’s expertise.

The physique of your letter of advice ought to concentrate on highlighting the applicant’s expertise and {qualifications}. That is your probability to promote the applicant to the hiring supervisor and persuade them that they are the perfect particular person for the job.

  • Begin with the applicant’s most related expertise.

    When highlighting the applicant’s expertise, begin with those which might be 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 expertise in market analysis, knowledge evaluation, and marketing campaign administration.

  • Use particular examples.

    Do not simply record the applicant’s expertise; use particular examples to point out how they’ve used these expertise to attain success. For instance, you would possibly discuss a time when the applicant led a advertising and marketing marketing campaign that resulted in a major improve in gross sales.

  • Quantify the applicant’s accomplishments.

    At any time when potential, quantify the applicant’s accomplishments. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “nice salesperson,” you would 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 expertise, make sure you tailor your letter to the precise job description. This may present the hiring supervisor that you have taken the time to know the function and that you simply consider the applicant is an efficient match for the job.

By highlighting the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments in a transparent and concise means, you possibly can assist them stand out from the competitors and improve their probabilities of getting the job.

Present particular examples.

Utilizing particular examples is without doubt one of the greatest methods to make your letter of advice stand out from the competitors. Whenever you present particular examples of the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments, you are exhibiting 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 brief tales that illustrate a specific level. They’re a good way to deliver the applicant’s expertise 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 resolution to an issue.

  • Use knowledge.

    Knowledge may also be used to supply particular examples of the applicant’s expertise 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 lowered buyer churn by 20%.

  • Use quotes.

    Quotes from different individuals may also be used to supply particular examples of the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments. For instance, you would possibly embody a quote from a buyer who says that the applicant is “the perfect salesperson I’ve ever labored with” or a quote from a colleague who says that the applicant is “a fantastic group participant.”

  • Be particular.

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

By offering particular examples of the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments, you possibly can assist them stand out from the competitors and improve their probabilities of getting the job.

Be persuasive.

The aim of a letter of advice is to steer the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant. To do that, it is advisable to 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 expertise 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 would say that they’re a “top-performing salesperson who constantly exceeds their gross sales objectives.”

  • Use emotional appeals.

    Along with utilizing sturdy language, you can even use emotional appeals to steer the hiring supervisor. For instance, you would possibly discuss how the applicant’s work has made a optimistic affect in your firm or in your clients. You can additionally discuss how the applicant’s expertise and expertise can be a precious asset to the hiring supervisor’s firm.

  • Use social proof.

    Social proof is the concept persons 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 acquired optimistic suggestions from their colleagues or clients.

  • Use a name to motion.

    On the finish of your letter of advice, you must embody a name to motion. This can be a assertion that tells the hiring supervisor what you need them to do. For instance, you would possibly say that you simply “extremely suggest” the applicant for the job or that you simply “urge” the hiring supervisor to interview the applicant.

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

Proofread rigorously.

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

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

  • Learn your letter aloud.

    Whenever you learn your letter aloud, you are extra prone to catch errors that you simply would possibly miss once you’re simply studying it silently. It’s because you are capable of hear the phrases and phrases as they’re meant to be spoken, which may also help you establish any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.

  • Use a spell checker.

    Whereas spell checkers aren’t good, 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 rigorously even after you’ve got run it via a spell checker.

  • Have another person proofread your letter.

    Should you’re not assured in your proofreading expertise, you possibly can ask another person to proofread your letter for you. This might be a buddy, member of the family, or colleague. Getting a second pair of eyes in your letter may also help you catch any errors that you simply 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 probably you’re to catch any errors.

By proofreading your letter of advice rigorously, you possibly can make it possible for it is error-free and that it makes impression on the hiring supervisor.

Ship it on time.

As soon as you’ve got completed writing and proofreading your letter of advice, it is vital to ship it to the hiring supervisor on time. This reveals that you simply’re organized and that you simply 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, make sure you examine the deadline for functions. This info is normally included within the job posting. If there isn’t any deadline specified, you must intention to ship your letter inside two weeks of the applying deadline.

  • Use a dependable methodology of supply.

    There are just a few alternative ways to ship a letter of advice: you possibly can mail it, e mail it, or hand-deliver it. Should you’re mailing your letter, make sure you enable sufficient time for it to reach earlier than the deadline. Should you’re emailing your letter, make sure you embody the applicant’s title and the job title they’re making use of for within the topic line.

  • Observe up.

    After you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, you must comply with up with the hiring supervisor to ensure they acquired it. You are able to do this by sending them a quick e mail or giving them a name. Following up reveals that you simply’re within the applicant and that you simply’re assured of their skills.

By sending your letter of advice on time and following up, you possibly can present the hiring supervisor that you are a dependable {and professional} particular person. This may make impression and improve the applicant’s probabilities of getting the job.

Observe up.

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

  • Ship a thank-you observe.

    After you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, ship the hiring supervisor a thank-you observe for his or her time and consideration. This can be a easy gesture that reveals your appreciation and professionalism.

  • Observe up with the applicant.

    After you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, comply with up with the applicant to allow them to know. This reveals that you simply’re supportive of their job search and that you simply’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’ve got despatched your letter of advice, you possibly can 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 overview the applicant’s supplies. This reveals that you simply’re within the applicant’s job search and that you simply’re assured of their skills.

  • Supply to supply extra info.

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

By following up after you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, you possibly can present the hiring supervisor that you are a dependable {and professional} particular person. This may make impression and improve the applicant’s probabilities of getting the job.

FAQ

Listed here are some often 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 multiple web page lengthy. It is vital to be concise and to concentrate on the applicant’s most related expertise 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 title and firm
  • A salutation
  • An introduction of your self and your relationship to the applicant
  • An outline of the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments
  • A press release of your advice
  • 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 as an example the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments.
  • Use sturdy language and persuasive appeals.
  • Proofread your letter rigorously for any errors.
  • Ship your letter on time.
  • Observe up after you’ve got 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 possibly can nonetheless write a letter of advice. Concentrate on the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments that you simply’re conscious of. You can even ask the applicant for a duplicate of their resume and canopy letter, and you may speak to their colleagues or supervisors to get extra info.

Query 5: Can I write a letter of advice for somebody who’s a buddy or member of the family?
Reply: It is usually not a good suggestion to put in writing a letter of advice for somebody who’s a buddy or member of the family. It’s because it may be seen as a battle of curiosity. Nevertheless, in the event you do determine to put in writing a letter of advice for a buddy or member of the family, make sure you be goal and to concentrate on their expertise and accomplishments.

Query 6: What ought to I do if I am requested to put in writing a letter of advice for somebody who I do not assume is certified for the job?
Reply: Should you’re requested to put in writing a letter of advice for somebody who you do not assume is certified for the job, you possibly can politely decline. You can even supply to put in writing a letter of advice that focuses on the applicant’s potential and their willingness to study.

These are only a few of probably the most often requested questions on writing letters of advice. If in case you have some other questions, make sure you seek the advice of a profession counselor or a human assets skilled.

Along with answering these FAQs, listed below are just a few bonus suggestions for writing a fantastic letter of advice:

Ideas

Listed here are just a few bonus suggestions for writing a fantastic letter of advice:

Tip 1: Be particular. When describing the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments, use particular examples as an example your factors. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “nice salesperson,” you would 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 would say that the applicant is “the perfect candidate for the job” or that you simply “extremely suggest” them.

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

Tip 4: Ship it on time. Be sure you ship your letter of advice on time. This reveals that you simply’re organized and that you simply respect the hiring supervisor’s time. Should you’re mailing your letter, enable sufficient time for it to reach earlier than the deadline.

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

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

Conclusion

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

To summarize the details of this text:

  • Get to know the applicant effectively so as to write a letter that’s particular and persuasive.
  • Use knowledgeable format and tone.
  • Spotlight the applicant’s expertise and accomplishments utilizing particular examples.
  • Be persuasive and use sturdy language to persuade the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant.
  • Proofread your letter rigorously 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 tips, you possibly can write a letter of advice that can make a distinction.

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