How to Write a Letter of Recommendation That Will Get Your Friend or Colleague Their Dream Job


How to Write a Letter of Recommendation That Will Get Your Friend or Colleague Their Dream Job

Writing a letter of advice is a good way to point out your assist for a good friend, colleague, or acquaintance who’s making use of for a job. A well-written letter of advice can spotlight the applicant’s abilities, expertise, and private qualities, and might make an enormous distinction within the hiring supervisor’s resolution.

In the event you’ve been requested to put in writing a letter of advice, do not panic! We’re right here to assist. On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the method of writing a letter of advice, step-by-step. We’ll cowl every little thing from gathering details about the applicant to formatting your letter.

Now that slightly bit extra about what goes right into a letter of advice, let’s get began on writing one.

write a letter of advice

Comply with these eight tricks to write a robust letter of advice:

  • Know the applicant properly.
  • Use an expert format.
  • Spotlight the applicant’s abilities.
  • Present particular examples.
  • Be persuasive.
  • Proofread rigorously.
  • Ship it on time.
  • Comply with up.

By following the following tips, you’ll be able to write a letter of advice that can assist your good friend or colleague get the job they need.

Know the applicant properly.

Step one to writing a robust letter of advice is to know the applicant properly. This implies understanding their abilities, expertise, and private qualities. It additionally means with the ability to communicate to their character and work ethic.

  • Spend time with the applicant.

    The easiest way to get to know somebody is to spend time with them. This might contain engaged on a venture collectively, volunteering side-by-side, or just socializing. The extra time you spend with the applicant, the higher you’ll perceive their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Ask questions.

    Do not be afraid to ask the applicant questions on their abilities, expertise, and targets. This may make it easier to to get a greater understanding of their background and {qualifications}.

  • Take note of the applicant’s work.

    In the event you’re a colleague of the applicant, take note of their work. This offers you firsthand expertise of their abilities and skills.

  • Get suggestions from others.

    In the event you’re undecided consider the applicant’s abilities and expertise, ask for suggestions from others who know them properly. This might embody their supervisor, co-workers, or pals.

After getting a great understanding of the applicant, you’ll write a letter of advice that highlights their greatest qualities and makes them stand out from the competitors.

Use an expert format.

A letter of advice is a proper doc, so it is necessary to make use of an expert format. This implies utilizing a regular font (comparable to Instances New Roman or Arial), 12-point font measurement, and single line spacing. You must also left-align your textual content and use one-inch margins throughout.

  • Use a letterhead.

    If in case you have a letterhead, use it to create your letter of advice. This may give your letter a extra skilled look.

  • Embody your contact data.

    Ensure that to incorporate your identify, tackle, telephone quantity, and electronic mail tackle on the prime of your letter. This may make it straightforward for the hiring supervisor to contact you if they’ve any questions.

  • Handle the letter to the hiring supervisor.

    If the identify of the hiring supervisor, tackle the letter to them instantly. If you do not know the hiring supervisor’s identify, you’ll be able to tackle the letter to “Expensive Hiring Supervisor.”

  • Use an expert salutation and shutting.

    Begin your letter with an expert salutation, comparable to “Expensive Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s Name].” Finish your letter with an expert closing, comparable to “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”

By following the following tips, you’ll be able to create a letter of advice that’s skilled and simple to learn. This may make a great impression on the hiring supervisor and assist your good friend or colleague get the job they need.

Spotlight the applicant’s abilities.

The physique of your letter of advice ought to give attention to highlighting the applicant’s abilities and {qualifications}. That is your likelihood to promote the applicant to the hiring supervisor and persuade them that they are the perfect individual for the job.

  • Begin with the applicant’s most related abilities.

    When highlighting the applicant’s abilities, begin with those which might be most related to the job they’re making use of for. For instance, if the applicant is making use of for a job as a advertising supervisor, you would possibly begin by highlighting their abilities in market analysis, information evaluation, and marketing campaign administration.

  • Use particular examples.

    Do not simply listing the applicant’s abilities; use particular examples to point out how they’ve used these abilities to realize success. For instance, you would possibly discuss a time when the applicant led a advertising marketing campaign that resulted in a major improve in gross sales.

  • Quantify the applicant’s accomplishments.

    At any time when attainable, quantify the applicant’s accomplishments. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “nice salesperson,” you would say that they “elevated gross sales by 15% of their first 12 months on the job.”

  • Tailor your letter to the job description.

    When highlighting the applicant’s abilities, you’ll want to tailor your letter to the precise job description. This may present the hiring supervisor that you’ve got taken the time to grasp the position and that you simply consider the applicant is an effective match for the job.

By highlighting the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments in a transparent and concise approach, you’ll be able to assist them stand out from the competitors and improve their possibilities of getting the job.

Present particular examples.

Utilizing particular examples is without doubt one of the greatest methods to make your letter of advice stand out from the competitors. While you present particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, you are exhibiting the hiring supervisor precisely what the applicant is able to.

Listed here are some ideas for offering particular examples in your letter of advice:

  • Use anecdotes.

    Anecdotes are brief tales that illustrate a selected level. They’re a good way to deliver the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments to life. For instance, you would possibly inform a narrative a few time when the applicant went above and past to assist a buyer or a time once they got here up with a artistic resolution to an issue.

  • Use information.

    Knowledge can be used to offer particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments. For instance, you would possibly point out that the applicant elevated gross sales by 15% of their first 12 months on the job or that they lowered buyer churn by 20%.

  • Use quotes.

    Quotes from different individuals can be used to offer particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments. For instance, you would possibly embody a quote from a buyer who says that the applicant is “the perfect salesperson I’ve ever labored with” or a quote from a colleague who says that the applicant is “a terrific staff participant.”

  • Be particular.

    The extra particular you’re, the higher. Do not simply say that the applicant is a “exhausting employee”; give particular examples of how they’ve demonstrated their exhausting work. For instance, you would possibly say that the applicant “persistently arrives early to work and stays late to complete tasks” or that they “by no means misses a deadline.”

By offering particular examples of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, you’ll be able to assist them stand out from the competitors and improve their possibilities of getting the job.

Be persuasive.

The objective of a letter of advice is to influence the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant. To do that, that you must be persuasive in your writing. Listed here are some ideas for being persuasive in your letter of advice:

  • Use sturdy language.

    When describing the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, use sturdy language that can make the hiring supervisor sit up and take discover. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “good salesperson,” you would say that they’re a “top-performing salesperson who persistently exceeds their gross sales targets.”

  • Use emotional appeals.

    Along with utilizing sturdy language, it’s also possible to use emotional appeals to influence the hiring supervisor. For instance, you would possibly discuss how the applicant’s work has made a constructive impression in your firm or in your prospects. You can additionally discuss how the applicant’s abilities and expertise could be a worthwhile asset to the hiring supervisor’s firm.

  • Use social proof.

    Social proof is the concept persons are extra more likely to do one thing in the event that they see others doing it. You should utilize social proof in your letter of advice by mentioning that different individuals have additionally been impressed with the applicant. For instance, you would possibly say that the applicant has acquired constructive suggestions from their colleagues or prospects.

  • Use a name to motion.

    On the finish of your letter of advice, you need to embody a name to motion. It is a assertion that tells the hiring supervisor what you need them to do. For instance, you would possibly say that you simply “extremely advocate” the applicant for the job or that you simply “urge” the hiring supervisor to interview the applicant.

Through the use of the following tips, you’ll be able to write a persuasive letter of advice that can assist the applicant get the job.

Proofread rigorously.

As soon as you’ve got completed writing your letter of advice, it is necessary to proofread it rigorously for any errors. This contains checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting points. Even a small error could make a nasty impression on the hiring supervisor, so it is necessary to ensure your letter is error-free.

Listed here are some ideas for proofreading your letter of advice:

  • Learn your letter aloud.

    While you learn your letter aloud, you are extra more likely to catch errors that you simply would possibly miss if you’re simply studying it silently. It’s because you are in a position to hear the phrases and phrases as they’re meant to be spoken, which will help you determine any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.

  • Use a spell checker.

    Whereas spell checkers aren’t excellent, they are often useful for catching typos and different frequent errors. Nevertheless, it is necessary to do not forget that spell checkers do not catch all errors, so it is nonetheless necessary to proofread your letter rigorously even after you’ve got run it by a spell checker.

  • Have another person proofread your letter.

    In the event you’re not assured in your proofreading abilities, you’ll be able to ask another person to proofread your letter for you. This may very well be a good friend, member of the family, or colleague. Getting a second pair of eyes in your letter will help you catch any errors that you simply may need missed.

  • Take your time.

    Do not rush by the proofreading course of. Take your time and thoroughly learn your letter over a number of occasions. The extra time you spend proofreading, the extra doubtless you’re to catch any errors.

By proofreading your letter of advice rigorously, you’ll be able to ensure that it is error-free and that it makes a great impression on the hiring supervisor.

Ship it on time.

As soon as you’ve got completed writing and proofreading your letter of advice, it is necessary to ship it to the hiring supervisor on time. This exhibits that you simply’re organized and that you simply respect the hiring supervisor’s time.

Listed here are some ideas for sending your letter of advice on time:

  • Verify the deadline.

    Earlier than you ship your letter of advice, you’ll want to test the deadline for purposes. This data is often included within the job posting. If there isn’t a deadline specified, you need to intention to ship your letter inside two weeks of the appliance deadline.

  • Use a dependable methodology of supply.

    There are just a few alternative ways to ship a letter of advice: you’ll be able to mail it, electronic mail it, or hand-deliver it. In the event you’re mailing your letter, you’ll want to enable sufficient time for it to reach earlier than the deadline. In the event you’re emailing your letter, you’ll want to embody the applicant’s identify and the job title they’re making use of for within the topic line.

  • Comply with up.

    After you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, you need to observe up with the hiring supervisor to ensure they acquired it. You are able to do this by sending them a quick electronic mail or giving them a name. Following up exhibits that you simply’re within the applicant and that you simply’re assured of their talents.

By sending your letter of advice on time and following up, you’ll be able to present the hiring supervisor that you are a dependable {and professional} particular person. This may make a great impression and improve the applicant’s possibilities of getting the job.

Comply with up.

Following up after you’ve got despatched your letter of advice exhibits the hiring supervisor that you simply’re within the applicant and that you simply’re assured of their talents. It additionally provides you a chance to reply any questions that the hiring supervisor could have.

  • Ship a thank-you be aware.

    After you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, ship the hiring supervisor a thank-you be aware for his or her time and consideration. It is a easy gesture that exhibits your appreciation and professionalism.

  • Comply with up with the applicant.

    After you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, observe up with the applicant to allow them to know. This exhibits that you simply’re supportive of their job search and that you simply’re assured of their talents. It’s also possible to ask the applicant if they’ve any questions in regards to the job software course of.

  • Attain out to the hiring supervisor.

    A few week after you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, you’ll be able to attain out to the hiring supervisor to see if they’ve any questions. It’s also possible to ask them in the event that they’ve had an opportunity to evaluation the applicant’s supplies. This exhibits that you simply’re within the applicant’s job search and that you simply’re assured of their talents.

  • Supply to offer further data.

    If the hiring supervisor has any questions in regards to the applicant or your letter of advice, be ready to offer further data. This might embody offering extra particulars in regards to the applicant’s abilities and expertise, or it might contain answering questions on your relationship with the applicant.

By following up after you’ve got despatched your letter of advice, you’ll be able to present the hiring supervisor that you are a dependable {and professional} particular person. This may make a great impression and improve the applicant’s possibilities of getting the job.

FAQ

Listed here are some often requested questions on writing letters of advice:

Query 1: How lengthy ought to a letter of advice be?
Reply: A letter of advice needs to be no a couple of web page lengthy. It is necessary to be concise and to give attention to the applicant’s most related abilities and accomplishments.

Query 2: What ought to I embody in a letter of advice?
Reply: A letter of advice ought to embody the next data:

  • Your contact data
  • The date
  • The hiring supervisor’s identify and firm
  • A salutation
  • An introduction of your self and your relationship to the applicant
  • An outline of the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments
  • An announcement of your suggestion
  • A closing

Query 3: How can I make my letter of advice stand out?
Reply: There are some things you are able to do to make your letter of advice stand out:

  • Use particular examples for instance the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments.
  • Use sturdy language and persuasive appeals.
  • Proofread your letter rigorously for any errors.
  • Ship your letter on time.
  • Comply with up after you’ve got despatched your letter.

Query 4: What ought to I do if I do not know the applicant properly?
Reply: If you do not know the applicant properly, you’ll be able to nonetheless write a letter of advice. Give attention to the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments that you simply’re conscious of. It’s also possible to ask the applicant for a duplicate of their resume and canopy letter, and you’ll discuss to their colleagues or supervisors to get extra data.

Query 5: Can I write a letter of advice for somebody who’s a good friend or member of the family?
Reply: It is typically not a good suggestion to put in writing a letter of advice for somebody who’s a good friend or member of the family. It’s because it may be seen as a battle of curiosity. Nevertheless, should you do determine to put in writing a letter of advice for a good friend or member of the family, you’ll want to be goal and to give attention to their abilities and accomplishments.

Query 6: What ought to I do if I am requested to put in writing a letter of advice for somebody who I do not suppose is certified for the job?
Reply: In the event you’re requested to put in writing a letter of advice for somebody who you do not suppose is certified for the job, you’ll be able to politely decline. It’s also possible to provide to put in writing a letter of advice that focuses on the applicant’s potential and their willingness to be taught.

These are just some of probably the most often requested questions on writing letters of advice. If in case you have every other questions, you’ll want to seek the advice of a profession counselor or a human assets skilled.

Along with answering these FAQs, listed here are just a few bonus ideas for writing a terrific letter of advice:

Suggestions

Listed here are just a few bonus ideas for writing a terrific letter of advice:

Tip 1: Be particular. When describing the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments, use particular examples for instance your factors. For instance, as a substitute of claiming that the applicant is a “nice salesperson,” you would say that they “elevated gross sales by 15% of their first 12 months on the job.”

Tip 2: Be persuasive. Use sturdy language and persuasive appeals to persuade the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant. For instance, you would say that the applicant is “the perfect candidate for the job” or that you simply “extremely advocate” them.

Tip 3: Proofread rigorously. Earlier than you ship your letter of advice, proofread it rigorously for any errors. This contains checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting points. Even a small error could make a nasty impression on the hiring supervisor.

Tip 4: Ship it on time. You should definitely ship your letter of advice on time. This exhibits that you simply’re organized and that you simply respect the hiring supervisor’s time. In the event you’re mailing your letter, enable sufficient time for it to reach earlier than the deadline.

By following the following tips, you’ll be able to write a letter of advice that can assist the applicant get the job.

Now that you understand how to put in writing a terrific letter of advice, it is time to put your abilities into follow. The subsequent time somebody asks you to put in writing a letter of advice, be assured and say sure. You’ve the talents and data to put in writing a letter that can make a distinction.

Conclusion

Writing a letter of advice is a good way to assist a good friend, colleague, or acquaintance who’s making use of for a job. By following the ideas on this article, you’ll be able to write a letter of advice that can assist the applicant stand out from the competitors and improve their possibilities of getting the job.

To summarize the details of this text:

  • Get to know the applicant properly as a way to write a letter that’s particular and persuasive.
  • Use an expert format and tone.
  • Spotlight the applicant’s abilities and accomplishments utilizing particular examples.
  • Be persuasive and use sturdy language to persuade the hiring supervisor to rent the applicant.
  • Proofread your letter rigorously for any errors earlier than you ship it.
  • Ship your letter on time.
  • Comply with up with the hiring supervisor to see if they’ve any questions.

By following the following tips, you’ll be able to write a letter of advice that can make a distinction.

So subsequent time somebody asks you to put in writing a letter of advice, do not be afraid to say sure. You’ve the talents and data to put in writing a letter that can assist the applicant get the job.