How to Write a Perfect—and Personalized—Letter of RecommendatioN

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Collect Important Background Information

First things first, you need to know why you’re being asked to write the recommendation letter. Are you writing a letter of recommendation for academic reasons, a personal character reference, a new job, or something else? If the recommendee hasn’t already provided you information about what they need the letter for, ask them to supply you with the following:

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Collect Important Background Information

– Contact details for who the letter should be addressed to – A current resume – The description of the position they’re seeking – Any specific examples they’d like you to include and highlight – The timeframe for the letter to be sent Having this info in hand will help you focus on the right traits and accomplishments 

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Collect Important Background Information

and position the person in the best way possible.

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Master the Recommendation Letter Format

A good recommendation letter includes three main points: your relationship with the person you’re recommending, observations and evaluations of their work, and why they are qualified for the position. 1. Establish how you worked together and for how long in a sentence or two. Did they report to you? Were they your boss? Did you work in different 

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Master the Recommendation Letter Format

departments, but collaborated closely on a project? 1. Evaluate the candidate’s work, focusing on their strengths and applying it to the position they’re seeking. For example, if they’re seeking a management position, showcase their leadership skills. Highlight tangible successes that can be quantified, detailing an

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Master the Recommendation Letter Format

increase in sales or how effective they were at managing budgets and/or people. 3. Describe how they stood out from the rest of their colleagues and use specific examples that support your case, whether it’s taking the initiative on a complex project or spearheading a new company-wide program. Concrete anecdotes will 

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Master the Recommendation Letter Format

create a lasting impression. If you can, it’s nice to seal the deal with a comparison, such as saying they’re “the most effective salesperson I’ve ever worked with” or “one of the top two employees I’ve ever managed”—as long as that’s true, of course! Still not sure what to say? Our basic template will show you how to write a letter of 

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Master the Recommendation Letter Format

recommendation that not only is personalized, but highlights why your colleague should get the position they are seeking.

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