Letters of Recommendation
02/09/07

A letter of recommendation is a particular type of persuasive letter.  In this document, you explain to a potential employer why s/he should hire your former employee, colleague, former student, or friend. Note that your main point is located in the beginning of this sort of letter rather than the end because the reader isn't likely to object to what you request, which is to see a specific person through your eyes. In fact, the reader is eager to do so, since it was s/he (or the institution this person works for) that solicited the letters of recommendation in the first place.

Successful letters of recommendation are short and to the point, and follow this formula.
 

• The first paragraph simply recommends the reader should hire this person (or admit him/her to a program of study or military service).  Here you should also give an overview of your reasoning, as found in the body of the letter.
• The body of the letter explains why this person should be considered for the position.  Here you should draw on your own observable experience.  In what capacity do you know this person? Are you a former boss, former teacher, friend, colleague?  Stick to your own experiences.  For example, if you are a former boss, don't presume to explain what a fine student your candidate is, since you are really in no position to make this judgment.  Instead, content yourself to explain how the candidate was a fine employee. Also, your evaluation of the person should take into consideration the position s/he's applying for. If the candidate is applying to law school, what have you observed that convinces you him/her would be a good law student, and beyond that, someone who should be admitted to the profession? Or if you are evaluating someone's potential as an employee, what skills does s/he have that would make him/her a good job candidate? If you don't know anything about the school or program of study the person is applying to, or the type of work s/he wants to do, educate yourself! Look up the school on the internet and see what advice they give to potential students in that program. What do these people seem to be looking for? And if you don't know much about the job the person is applying for, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook and O-Net for more information. Remember that the reader is depending on you to provide a unique perspective on this person that cannot be gleaned from his/her transcripts and resume, so don't waste space discussing general information that can be easily found there.
• The conclusion invites the reader to call or e-mail you if you have any further questions.

A good letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page.  Also, it's a good idea to have a Re: or Subject line before the salutation that tells the reader what this letter is about:  Here are some examples:

Re: Letter of Recommendation for Tyler Durden
Subject:    Letter of Recommendation for Stu Miley

Of course, your document should follow standard letter format, and be free of errors in grammar and spelling.  Also work to eliminate awkward and wordy phrasing from your writing. Remember, if this letter is poorly written, it won't just affect you, but might also adversely affect the candidate.

Here are some examples of letters of recommendation:

• Letter of recommendation to a specific potential employer
• Letter of recommendation for admission to college. This letter will be sent to whatever universities ask this referee for the letter, and so must be more generic.
• Letter of recommendation for a business.