How to Start a Recommendation Letter: Tips for Writing a Positive and Effective Reference

Introduction

A recommendation letter is an important document that can help a candidate stand out in the job search process. It is essentially a character reference written by someone who knows the candidate well and can attest to their skills, qualities, and achievements. As such, it is essential that the letter be written carefully and thoughtfully, as it will have a direct impact on the candidate’s chances of success.

This article is intended to provide guidance on how to write a successful recommendation letter. It will describe the steps involved in crafting a positive and effective reference letter, from introducing yourself and describing your relationship with the candidate to summarizing the candidate’s qualifications, attributes, and experiences. It will also discuss how to provide examples of the candidate’s accomplishments and discuss their potential to succeed in the role they are applying for. Finally, it will conclude with a positive statement about the candidate.

Introduce Yourself and Explain Your Relationship with the Candidate

When writing a recommendation letter, it is important to introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the candidate. This will help to establish your credibility as the writer, as well as give the reader an understanding of how you know the candidate. Depending on your relationship with the candidate, you may include information such as how long you have known them, or what capacity you have interacted with them (e.g. as a mentor, supervisor, teacher, etc.). Additionally, if you have any relevant credentials or experience that makes you qualified to write the letter, you should include this information as well.

For example, according to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, “It is important for the recommender to provide evidence of his or her knowledge of the applicant and of the applicant’s ability to perform the job. For example, if the recommender has supervised the applicant in the past, he or she can provide evidence of the applicant’s performance in that role.”

Summarize Qualifications, Attributes, and Experiences

The next step in writing a successful recommendation letter is to summarize the candidate’s qualifications, attributes, and experiences. This is an opportunity to highlight the strengths and skills that make the candidate stand out and make them a good fit for the job they are applying for. It is important to list the specific qualifications, attributes, and experiences that make the candidate unique and that will be beneficial to the organization. Additionally, you may want to point out any awards or recognition that the candidate has received, as this will further demonstrate their capabilities.

For instance, according to a study by the University of California, “Including information about the applicant’s leadership skills, communication skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and other relevant qualities can help to demonstrate the applicant’s potential value to the organization.”

Provide Examples of the Candidate’s Achievements

The next step in writing a successful recommendation letter is to provide examples of the candidate’s achievements. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how the candidate has used their skills and knowledge to accomplish their goals and how these accomplishments are applicable to the job they are applying for. You should include concrete examples that showcase the candidate’s abilities, such as projects they have completed, challenges they have overcome, or successes they have achieved.

For instance, according to a study by the Journal of Applied Psychology, “Providing examples of the applicant’s achievements will help to illustrate how they have used their skills and knowledge to benefit their previous employers, and how they could potentially do the same for the current employer.”

Discuss the Candidate’s Potential to Succeed

The next step in writing a successful recommendation letter is to discuss the candidate’s potential to succeed. This is an opportunity to highlight the strengths and qualities that will help the candidate excel in the role they are applying for. Additionally, you should explain how the candidate’s knowledge and skills are applicable to the job for which they are applying. This will help the reader understand why the candidate is a good fit for the position.

For example, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, “Describing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the role will help to illustrate how their skills and knowledge can be applied to the job. Additionally, discussing any potential areas of growth or development can help to demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to self-improvement.”

Conclude with a Positive Statement about the Candidate

Finally, it is important to conclude your recommendation letter with a positive statement about the candidate. This is an opportunity to express your confidence in the candidate and your belief that they will be a valuable asset to the organization. Additionally, you should end on a positive note, summarizing the candidate’s potential and urging the reader to consider them for the job.

For instance, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, “The conclusion of the letter should be an expression of confidence in the applicant’s potential to succeed in the role and an encouragement to the reader to consider the applicant for the job.”

Conclusion

Writing a successful and positive recommendation letter can be challenging, but following these steps can help to ensure that the letter is effective and well-written. By introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the candidate, summarizing the candidate’s qualifications, attributes, and experiences, providing examples of the candidate’s achievements, discussing the candidate’s potential to succeed, and concluding with a positive statement about the candidate, you can create a powerful and persuasive letter of recommendation.

For more information on how to write a successful recommendation letter, you can refer to resources such as the Harvard Business Review and the American Psychological Association. Additionally, you can consult with a professional career coach or resume writer for more personalized advice.