Sample Recommendation Letter

A sample recommendation letter may help you write one. A recommendation letter is written for an applicant for college or a job by someone that knows the applicant either personally or professionally. In some cases, these letters may sway the decision on whether the applicant is the right person to interview.

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Since recommendation letters are so important to those who need them, it is important to avoid making some of the most common mistakes. Most people set out to write a stellar letter, but these mistakes could hold the subject of the recommendation letter back.

• Avoid Overdoing It: Praising a person too much can be an instant flag for someone reading a recommendation letter. Rather, write a letter of recommendation that is thorough, honest and not full of exclamation points.

• Be Specific: Perhaps you think this person is the best person for the job, but why? You should outline what makes them ideal, not just that they are. For example, why do you think they are hard working? What makes them trustworthy?

• State Why Your Opinion Is Important: Also important in these letters is stating something about you. State in what capacity you know this person. If you are a past employer, this gives a higher credence to your words than if you were a parent.

Writing a sample letter of recommendation is easier to do when you consider it more of a conversation you would have with a family member or friend. Tell a story about the person which demonstrates their values and skills. Share an opinion you have of them based on experiences you have had with them. Be sure your working is upbeat and positive.

Here is a recommendation letter you can use as a sample to get yourself started. Follow standard business letter format for the greeting, heading and salutation. This is an example of what is placed in the body.

To Whom It May Concern (state a name if you know their name)

I am writing to you about James Hewitt. I worked with James for six years while he was a teenager and a young man. During that time, he shows continuous exemplary commitment as he helped me to grow my business. He interacted with customers in a positive and motivated way. He assisted other employees respectfully and often without being asked.

One instance that stands out is a day when an older woman came into our hardware store. The woman did not speak English. She needed a plumbing part to stop a faucet from spraying her kitchen with water. She was rushed and agitated. James immediately came to her aid, showing her the options available and even went to her home (off the clock) to install the faucet for her. She is a loyal customer today because of James' dedication.

I fully recommend James for the job to which he is applying. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Once you have a few sample letters to use for reference, you may be wondering how to take this letter about someone else and personalize it for the person you are writing it for. Here are some tips to help you to modify a sample letter into your own.

• Start with an introduction of who you are and why you know this individual.

• List key character traits that define who this person is. Good options include: loyal, hard working, responsible, dependable, honest, determined, on time, willing to go the extra mile and outgoing. Use terms describing the individual, not just any.

• Tell a short story about the individual as an experience you shared with them. Keep it short and to the point, but detailed enough to show their true character. Simply think of a time they inspired you or impressed you and write about it here.

• End with a formal recommendation. Make the statement that you would recommend this person.

A sample recommendation letter is just the starting point for you. This letter does not need to be long, but it should describe this individual enough that the reader will be willing to contact them.

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