How to Write a Letter of Recommendation [+ Free Template]

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I’ve been serving to folks create letters of advice for jobs they need, internships, promotions, and extra, for over ten years. I’ve realized throughout this time that when you’re not promoting your self successfully, you received’t make an enduring impression.

A suggestion letter differs from a resume or a canopy letter as a result of it comes from somebody who is aware of you nicely, so it ought to really feel extra private.

Learn additional to find learn how to write a letter of advice that can enable you to land the job or alternative you’ve been dreaming of.

Desk of Contents

What’s a letter of advice?

A letter of advice is a one to two-page description of your deserves from somebody who has a specific perception into your character, work ethic, initiatives you’ve accomplished, and extra.

Usually, a letter of advice is written by somebody who’s an authority determine to you, reminiscent of a previous employer or supervisor. This particular person ought to be capable of suggest your skilled work or educational expertise.

Do I write my very own letter of advice?

You may be considering, “Wait, don’t I’ve my (boss, colleague, or good friend) write a letter of advice for me? Why should I learn this weblog to create a letter of advice?”

You’ll be able to, after all, ask them to write down a letter of advice for you from scratch. However don’t be shocked if it takes them a very very long time to write down it. Even then, it could not meet your expectations.

There’s nothing mistaken with giving the particular person you are asking a top level view, a listing of your previous achievements, or perhaps a draft of a letter of advice.

In reality, it’s anticipated that you’ll give the author an thought of what you need them to incorporate within the letter of advice whereas nonetheless permitting them the artistic freedom so as to add their spin.

They will modify regardless of the letter is to suit what they really feel snug signing their identify to, and you’ll save them a major period of time — that means you get a greater letter of advice sooner.

Easy methods to Write a Letter of Suggestion

Whether or not you’re writing a letter of advice for knowledgeable or educational alternative, the fundamental parts are the identical.

Begin by together with the date and recipient’s data, introducing the author, describing the applicant and their efficiency, and signing off with the author’s contact data.

A protracted relationship with the candidate or a deep familiarity with their work is a vital component of writing a letter of advice.

When ideating which particulars of your skilled relationship to incorporate, ask your self which initiatives they labored with you on, what strengths you admire in them, particular moments they got here by for you, and what you’ll miss about working with them once they depart.

Bear in mind, a letter of advice is greater than only a record of their skilled expertise, that’s what a resume is for, as the author you can provide a hiring supervisor perception into the persona of the candidate and in the event that they’d be a superb match for the position.

Try this free letter of recommendation template to get began.

Letter of Suggestion Format

1. Date

Together with a date is essential for establishing the validity of a letter of advice.

Use the precise date that corresponds with the candidate’s final day at a company and even a while after they labored with the author of the letter of advice.

In case you’re asking for a letter of advice from a coworker or boss whereas nonetheless employed, you’ll want to tread frivolously as most employers received’t be thrilled to suggest you to a job while you’re leaving.

In case you do belief that they’re okay recommending you, regardless of leaving the corporate, go forward and put that day’s date.

2. Recipient’s Data

Write out the identify, place, and firm of the particular person the letter of advice goes to. Or, when you’re undecided what corporations you’ll be making use of your letter of advice to, be happy to maintain this part generic so you’ll be able to fill it out later as alternatives come up.

3. Introductions

Introduce the author of the letter of advice. Bear in mind, use the primary particular person (whether or not you’re the particular person writing the letter of advice, or the receiver making a draft).

Go forward and record their areas of experience, training, present title, and the rest relevant. If the author is a earlier supervisor you’ll wish to record their place, how lengthy they’ve been on the firm and their training. You also needs to say how lengthy they’ve labored with or identified you.

4. Efficiency and {Qualifications}

Use this part to speak in regards to the dedication of the letter’s requester in your group. You

also can point out their most notable traits, abilities, and talents by adjectives.

This part is the majority of your letter and a very powerful half. Bear in mind, your boss/coworker/good friend can put their very own spin on what you say within the letter, you’re simply giving them an thought of what you’d like included.

Ask your self these questions when penning this part:

How can I inform the story of my accomplishments?
What private particulars have to be included?
What motivates me?
What challenges have I overcome?
What are my most related abilities?
Why do I wish to work at this firm or apply to this college?
What makes me a superb match for this position?

Right here’s an instance of what answering these questions would possibly seem like:

“Jane Doe grew to become my worker in 2016 after transferring from the Gross sales division. She is extraordinarily motivated by sales-centric targets, worker satisfaction, and selecting techniques that ship a excessive return on funding.

In my time working with Jane Doe, I’ve watched her sort out difficult initiatives, reminiscent of when our startup was purchased out by a much bigger model.

Her background in gross sales has made her a pleasant staff participant, a clever monetary decision-maker, and an influential chief. She could be a wonderful match for any position that wants somebody who’s going to satisfy hard-to-reach targets, lead a staff to excellence, and preserve group.

In my time working with Jane Doe, I’ve usually used her as my go-to-person as a result of I do know she is each dependable and hard-working.”

Don’t overlook to write down this part within the first particular person, and don’t be afraid to actually promote your self and your achievements!

In case you’re not snug with being this particular, right here’s an instance that leaves area for the author to place in their very own ideas.

“[NAME] grew to become my worker in [YEAR] after transferring from [DEPARTMENT]. She is extraordinarily motivated [ENTER PERSONAL QUALITIES].

In my time working with [NAME], I’ve watched her sort out difficult initiatives, reminiscent of [PAST PROJECT(S)]. [SENTENCE ABOUT WAS DONE WELL].

Their background in [ENTER BACKGROUND] has made them [FAVORABLE PERSONAL QUALITIES]. They’d be a wonderful match for any position that wants [DESCRIPTION OF ROLE THEY’RE APPLYING FOR].

In my time working with [NAME], [DESCRIPTION OF HOW WE’VE WORKED TOGETHER IN PAST].”

5. Contact Data

Lastly, you’ll be able to shut this letter wishing the applicant luck of their new skilled stage. Most significantly, present detailed contact data, as interviewers might want to verify the data offered on this doc.

How lengthy ought to a letter of advice be?

Like a canopy letter or a resume, a letter of advice needs to be about one web page lengthy. I’ve usually erred on the facet of shorter than longer since you actually can say the whole lot you could in a single web page.

In case you’re having a tough time whittling your letter of advice down to at least one web page, think about asking a good friend with writing expertise to edit it all the way down to a very powerful particulars, and even utilizing AI tools that can assist you.

Free Letter of Suggestion Template

Writing your letters of advice from scratch could be time-consuming and troublesome. Obtain your free suggestion template (pictured beneath) here as a Google Docs or Microsoft Phrase file.

Letter of Suggestion Samples to Encourage You

Now that you’ve got the letter of advice template downloaded, you may be questioning the place to start out.

The free HubSpot letter of recommendation template offers you:

Compatibility with Phrase or Google Docs
Simply identifiable area to explain the talents, attitudes, and abilities of the particular person you might be recommending by following the template construction
The potential to edit the letter to align along with your firm’s company picture
Choices to print or ship the letter of advice in your required format

Attempt filling out every clean a part of the template with the relevant data. It’ll then start to look one thing like this instance:

Generic Worker Letter of Suggestion Pattern

[New York City, April 15, 2024]

[Mr. James Big]

[Chief of Business Operations]

[VIC or Very Important Company]

To whom it could concern:

Please settle for my heat greetings. Because the CEO at Enterprise Worldwide, it’s a nice pleasure for me to offer this employment reference letter for Jane Doe, who has served as Head of Gross sales.

She has labored at this firm for 5 years. Throughout that point, I’ve confirmed that Jane has the mandatory expertise to hold out her job to the best requirements of the corporate and with the values that I think about important.

At Enterprise Worldwide, Jane has proven curiosity and effectivity within the duties of Head of Gross sales. Given our working relationship, I’ve noticed that she is extraordinarily motivated by sales-centric targets, worker satisfaction, and selecting techniques that ship a excessive return on funding.

She made certain every member of her staff transitioned seamlessly whereas additionally nonetheless assembly her quarterly targets, an accomplishment that just one different staff on the firm achieved throughout this time. Her background in gross sales has made her a pleasant staff participant, a clever monetary decision-maker, and an influential chief.

She could be a wonderful match for any position that wants somebody who’s going to satisfy hard-to-reach targets, lead a staff to excellence, and preserve group. In my time working with Jane Doe, I’ve usually used her as my go-to woman as a result of I do know she is each dependable and hard-working.

It is because of this that I extremely suggest her to your organization, as I’ve witnessed how the response to her assignments has added worth and progress to our firm, simply as I’m certain she’s going to be capable of contribute to the brand new group the place she’s going to work.

This letter is prolonged on the request of Jane Doe for the needs that greatest go well with her.

Thanks,

[Rebecca Johnson]

[CEO]

[Business International]

[businessinternational.org / rebeccaj@businessinternational.com / 123-456-7891]

This can be a good start line however nonetheless fairly generic, as a result of while you learn this letter of advice, you’re not tremendous certain that the author really is aware of who it’s being despatched to.

It feels extra like a normal suggestion of Jane, as a substitute of somebody who is aware of her very nicely recommending her for a selected job. It feels generic as a result of it lacks essential particulars about Jane’s efficiency and her work persona.

Let’s spice it up a bit. Right here’s one other pattern that’s been adjusted to raised describe Jane and what she does for the corporate:

Higher Worker Letter of Suggestion Pattern

[New York City, April 15, 2024]

[Mr. James Big]

[Chief of Business Operations]

[VIC or Very Important Company]

Mr. James Huge,

Because the CEO of Enterprise Worldwide, it’s a nice pleasure to offer this employment reference letter for Jane Doe, who has labored for 5 years as Head of Gross sales at Enterprise Worldwide.

I’m thrilled to suggest Ms. Jane Doe to your group. As you learn additional, you will see that she shall be an incredible asset to any group on the lookout for a excessive performing Head of Gross sales.

Throughout our previous 5 years, I’ve watched Jane flourish as she’s moved from a buyer success supervisor into her position as Head of Gross sales, managing a staff of twenty gross sales associates. About three years in the past, our startup firm was purchased by Enterprise Worldwide, and Jane took the transition in stride.

She led the way in which for her staff through the transition by guaranteeing every staff member onboarded their new position and duties, labored with staff we gained through the transition, and even nonetheless met her quarterly gross sales targets. In reality, she was considered one of solely two departments that also met their targets through the transition part.

Jane’s background in gross sales has made her a pleasant staff participant, a clever monetary decision-maker, and an influential chief. I’ve usually used Jane as my go-to woman as a result of I do know after I give her a activity, she received’t simply meet my expectations however will relatively wow me together with her ingenuity and artistic problem-solving.

I’ve heard firsthand from Jane’s prospects simply how beloved and appreciated she is. One buyer even raved about her persistence in fixing an issue he had with billing.

Jane went above and past to make sure the shopper’s drawback was solved whereas additionally forging a powerful relationship that has led to buyer retention and referrals. Jane maintains a 95% buyer retention fee, one of many highest at our firm.

Because of this, I extremely suggest her to your organization. I’m certain Jane will be capable of contribute significantly to VIC, and I’m excited to observe her profession trajectory.

Thanks,

[Rebecca Johnson]

[CEO]

[Business International]

[businessinternational.org / rebeccaj@businessinternational.com / 123-456-7891]

Did you discover that this letter of advice felt much more private?

It nonetheless makes use of the fundamental parts that each letter of advice ought to have, however there’s much more consideration to element, together with storytelling and essential statistics. Whenever you write a letter of advice for your self or another person, embody a lot of particulars to keep away from sounding generic.

Suggestions for Creating an Efficient Letter of Suggestion

1. Use statistics.

Identical to a resume, a letter of advice must quantify what you’ve completed. You supply proof of your efficiency and accomplishments by together with a minimum of one statistic in your letter.

Listed below are some attainable stats you’ll be able to embody in your letter:

Variety of prospects you’ve retained or onboarded
Variety of gross sales you’ve contributed to
Any statistic you’ve improved upon (ex., improved search engine optimisation outcomes by 11%)
Variety of initiatives you’ve accomplished over a set period of time
Greenback quantity of affect you’ve created for the corporate
Variety of staff you’ve managed or educated

The chances for together with statistics in your letter are limitless. Attempt making a listing of as many as attainable after which slim down which of them you suppose are most essential and related to the place you’re making use of for.

2. Be particular and easy.

Anybody can churn out a generic letter of advice that, upon additional scrutiny, doesn’t actually say rather a lot. The extra particular you might be in itemizing your accomplishments, the extra you’ll keep away from generic platitudes.

Hiring managers wish to see that the author of your letter of advice is aware of and understands you. In case your letter of advice sounds generic, they may doubt how shut you might be and why you’d select somebody who doesn’t know your accomplishments to write down your letter of advice.

Whenever you’re engaged on being as particular as attainable, you also needs to attempt to edit out any filler phrases that aren’t wanted. It’s widespread for letters of advice to say the identical factor greater than as soon as, however I’d restrict mentioning one thing like a job title to solely twice (aside from your identify).

Contemplate studying your LOR out loud to establish which sentences needs to be reduce.

3. Inform a compelling story.

In case you’ve been part of a company for some time, you possible have an attention-grabbing story.

That story may be about the way you went from one lower-ranking position to a higher-one, and it might embody particulars in regards to the hiring course of, accomplishments that obtained you promoted, and the way you’ve managed in that position since acquiring it.

Or, your story may be a couple of troublesome mission you accomplished, with particulars like deliverables you achieved, the influence you made, income targets reached, and so forth.

Try HubSpot’s guide on storytelling to get a greater thought of what story your letter of advice ought to inform.

4. Get private.

Take into consideration the one that will write and log out in your suggestion letter.

What are a few of your greatest recollections with this particular person? Have been there lengthy lunches the place you talked about shared pursuits, or conferences the place they made you’re feeling valued? Take into consideration what their favourite recollections with you might need been.

That is one part the place you’ll positively wish to jog their reminiscence to get a private story or high quality of yours that they recognize. Be at liberty to record a few of your favourite moments for them to reference in the event that they so select.

Easy methods to Ask for a Letter of Suggestion

If you wish to get an employer to agree to write down your letter of advice, you’ll wish to comply with a couple of fundamental steps.

Step 1: Assess your relationship.

You received’t wish to ask simply anybody to write down you a letter of advice.

You probably have a number of managers up the chain of command, select the supervisor that has labored the closest with you until your working relationship hasn’t at all times been clean.

In case you’re not fully certain that the particular person you’re asking has a excessive opinion of you, don’t ask them to write down your letter of advice.

Some letters of advice should be submitted anonymously to take care of integrity. You’d hate to ask somebody for a letter of advice only for them to submit a weak or unfavorable letter.

Nice candidates for writing your letter could have:

A very good working relationship with you
A information of your previous accomplishments
An understanding of your progress on the firm
A willingness that can assist you out by writing a compelling letter

Step 2: Write your individual letter or create a top level view.

Whereas the Hubspot Free Letter of Suggestion Template is a superb start line, you received’t wish to simply ship them the template and hope for one of the best.

Write your individual instance letter, or create a top level view/record of knowledge you need included. Earlier than you even ask for a letter of advice, this step needs to be accomplished, so that you can provide them your instance letter or define on the very starting to keep away from losing their time.

They’re additionally extra more likely to agree to write down your letter of advice in the event that they know they received’t be ranging from scratch.

Step 3: Ask to your letter.

Whenever you ask somebody to write down you a suggestion, you’re asking them to do you a favor. Return the favor by together with a candy deal with, or reward, or taking them out to lunch while you ask for his or her assist.

Be sure you allow them to know what sort of deadline you’re working with and ask in the event that they’d like periodic reminders main as much as while you want the letter of advice.

Step 4: Write a thanks be aware.

This closing step is elective, however I extremely counsel you do it.

When you’ve obtained your letter of advice, write a thanks be aware to your recommender. Embody particulars about them that you simply admire.

Bear in mind, there’s a superb likelihood the hiring supervisor or college would possibly attain out to your recommender to ask them extra questions, so that you’ll wish to stay on good phrases with them.

Utilizing Your Letter of Suggestion

Now that you’ve got your accomplished letter of advice, you’ll want to use it as a lot as attainable. Jobs usually solely ask for a resume and a canopy letter, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t additionally connect your letter of advice.

If a job limits your attachments, contact the hiring supervisor on LinkedIn and ship over your letter of advice.

Making a letter of advice may be a course of that you simply repeat, particularly when you’re making use of for educational spots and positions, as they usually require a couple of.

Use this free template every time you need to begin over on a letter of advice. In case you want a number of letters, think about having every deal with a novel facet of your work or college expertise.

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What’s a letter of advice?

Do I write my very own letter of advice?