When it comes to recommendation letters, the focus usually falls on the technical abilities of the person being recommended. However, soft skills are just as important in the workplace. In this article, we will discuss what soft skills are and how to write about them in a recommendation letter. Additionally, we will provide examples that readers can use and edit as needed.
Tips for Writing About Soft Skills
When writing about soft skills in a recommendation letter, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Start with a Title
Start by giving the letter a title that highlights the soft skill you are focusing on. For example, “Recommendation for Excellent Communication Skills.”
2. Explain the Skill
Next, explain why this skill is important and provide examples of how the person being recommended has demonstrated it.
3. Use Specific Examples
Be sure to include specific examples of how the person being recommended has demonstrated the soft skill in question. This will help to provide a clear picture of their abilities.
4. Use Active Language
Use active language to describe the person’s abilities. This will help to make the letter more engaging and compelling.
Examples of Soft Skill Recommendation Letters
Recommendation for Strong Leadership Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for a leadership position in your company. John has demonstrated strong leadership skills in his role as team leader at our organization. He is able to motivate his team and provide clear direction, and he consistently achieves his goals.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Recommendation for Excellent Time Management Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for a position in your organization. Jane has excellent time management skills and is able to effectively prioritize her tasks to meet deadlines. She consistently completes her work ahead of schedule and is always willing to help her colleagues.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Recommendation for Strong Communication Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for a position in your organization. Sarah has strong communication skills and is able to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients alike. She is always professional and consistently meets the needs of the organization.
Sincerely,
Mary Smith
Recommendation for Excellent Problem-Solving Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for a position in your organization. Michael has excellent problem-solving skills and is able to think critically to find creative solutions to complex problems. He is a valuable member of our team and consistently exceeds expectations.
Sincerely,
David Jones
Recommendation for Strong Attention to Detail
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Julia Lee for a position in your organization. Julia has strong attention to detail and consistently produces high-quality work. She is able to catch mistakes that others may overlook, and she takes the time to ensure that her work is accurate and complete.
Sincerely,
Samuel Kim
Recommendation for Excellent Teamwork Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Alex Rodriguez for a position in your organization. Alex has excellent teamwork skills and is able to collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve common goals. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and is a pleasure to work with.
Sincerely,
Emily Chen
Recommendation for Strong Work Ethic
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Peter Nguyen for a position in your organization. Peter has a strong work ethic and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that the job is done right. He is a reliable and dedicated employee who takes pride in his work.
Sincerely,
Michelle Wong
Frequently Asked Questions
What soft skills should I focus on in a recommendation letter?
When writing a recommendation letter, it is important to focus on the soft skills that are most relevant to the position the person is applying for. For example, if they are applying for a leadership position, you may want to highlight their ability to motivate and lead a team.
How do I provide evidence of someone’s soft skills in a recommendation letter?
Be sure to include specific examples of how the person has demonstrated the soft skill in question. For example, if you are recommending someone for their strong communication skills, you may want to mention a time when they effectively communicated with a difficult client or resolved a conflict with a colleague.
What should I avoid when writing a recommendation letter?
Avoid using cliches or general statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, use specific examples to demonstrate the person’s abilities. Additionally, avoid making any negative comments or criticisms.
Should I mention any weaknesses in the person’s soft skills?
No, it is not necessary to mention any weaknesses in the person’s soft skills. The recommendation letter should focus on their strengths and positive qualities.
How long should a recommendation letter be?
A recommendation letter should be about one page long, or around 300-500 words. Be sure to keep it concise and to the point, while still providing enough detail to highlight the person’s abilities.
Is it okay to use a template for a recommendation letter?
While it is okay to use a template as a starting point, be sure to personalize the letter and make it specific to the person being recommended. Using too many generic phrases or statements can make the letter less effective.
Conclusion
Soft skills are an important part of any job, and recommendation letters should reflect that. By highlighting the soft skills of the person being recommended, you can provide a more complete picture of their abilities and increase their chances of success. Use the tips and examples in this article to create effective recommendation letters that showcase the soft skills of the people you are recommending.