When it comes to recommendation letters, it’s not just about the accomplishments and qualifications of the person being recommended. It’s also important to highlight their personality traits. These traits can show potential employers or academic institutions what kind of person they would be working with or accepting into their program. In this article, we’ll discuss some important personality traits to include in recommendation letters and provide some examples that readers can use and edit as needed.
Tips for Writing Recommendation Letter Personality Traits
When writing about personality traits in a recommendation letter, it’s important to keep in mind the audience and the specific traits that would be most relevant to the position or program. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Traits
Consider the position or program the person is applying for and choose personality traits that would be particularly relevant or valued. For example, if the person is applying for a leadership position, highlighting their strong communication and decision-making skills would be important.
2. Provide Specific Examples
Don’t just list the traits, provide specific examples of when the person demonstrated those traits. This will give the letter more credibility and help the reader visualize the person’s behavior.
3. Be Honest
While it’s important to highlight positive traits, it’s also important to be honest. If there are areas where the person could improve, it’s better to address them in the letter rather than try to hide them.
Examples of Recommendation Letter Personality Traits
Dependable
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is an extremely dependable individual who always follows through on commitments. For example, [provide specific example]. I have no doubt that [Name] would be an asset to your organization/program.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Adaptable
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is an incredibly adaptable individual who is able to quickly adjust to new situations. For example, [provide specific example]. I am confident that [Name] would thrive in [the position/the program].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Hardworking
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is an extremely hardworking individual who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. For example, [provide specific example]. I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in [the position/the program].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Team Player
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is an excellent team player who is always willing to help out and collaborate with others. For example, [provide specific example]. [Name]’s positive attitude and willingness to work with others would make [them/him/her] a valuable addition to [the team/the program].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Detail-Oriented
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is a highly detail-oriented individual who pays close attention to even the smallest of details. For example, [provide specific example]. [Name]’s attention to detail would make [them/him/her] an excellent fit for [the position/the program].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Creative
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is an incredibly creative individual who is always coming up with innovative solutions to problems. For example, [provide specific example]. I am confident that [Name]’s creativity would be an asset to [the team/the program].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Compassionate
Dear [Employer/Admissions Committee],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Position/Program]. [They/He/She] is an incredibly compassionate individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand. For example, [provide specific example]. [Name]’s caring nature would make [them/him/her] an excellent fit for [the position/the program].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a document written by someone who knows the person being recommended and can attest to their skills, qualifications, and character. It is often used as part of the application process for jobs or academic programs.
How important are personality traits in a recommendation letter?
Personality traits can be just as important as qualifications and skills in a recommendation letter. They can give potential employers or academic institutions an idea of what kind of person the applicant is and how they would fit into their organization or program.
What should I include in a recommendation letter for personality traits?
You should include specific examples of the person demonstrating the personality traits you’re highlighting. You should also choose traits that are particularly relevant to the position or program the person is applying for.
Should I mention any areas where the person could improve in a recommendation letter?
It’s important to be honest in a recommendation letter, but you should also focus on highlighting the person’s strengths. If there are areas where they could improve, you can mention them briefly, but it’s usually best to keep the focus on their positive traits.
Who should I address the recommendation letter to?
You should address the recommendation letter to whoever will be reviewing the person’s application. This could be an employer, admissions committee, or hiring manager.
How long should a recommendation letter be?
A recommendation letter should generally be one to two pages long. It should be long enough to provide specific examples of the person’s qualifications and personality traits, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or loses the reader’s interest.
Can I use a template for a recommendation letter?
Yes, you can use a template for a recommendation letter, but make sure to personalize it and include specific examples that are relevant to the person you’re recommending. It’s also important to make sure the letter sounds natural and not overly generic.
Conclusion
When writing a recommendation letter, don’t forget to highlight the person’s important personality traits. By providing specific examples of their behavior, you can give potential employers or academic institutions a better idea of who they are and how they would fit into their organization or program. Use the tips and examples in this article to help you write effective and compelling recommendation letters.