Recommendation Letter Writing Format

If you are tasked to write a recommendation letter for someone, it can be quite overwhelming especially if you do not know where to start. However, with the right format and tips, you can easily write an effective recommendation letter that can help the person achieve their goals.

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Writing a recommendation letter can be a daunting task, but following the proper format can make it easier. In this article, we will guide you on how to write a recommendation letter using the right format. By the end of this article, you will be able to create a well-written recommendation letter that can help the person you are recommending. You can also find examples of recommendation letter templates that you can use and edit as needed.

Tips for Recommendation Letter Writing Format

Here are some tips on how to write a recommendation letter:

1. Start with a title.

Begin the letter by stating the title of the recommendation letter to ensure that the reader will know what the letter is about from the start.

2. Continue with a detailed and in-depth explanation.

After introducing the title, proceed with a detailed explanation of the purpose of the recommendation letter. This will provide the reader with more information about the person being recommended and why they are being recommended.

3. Let’s explain step by step.

Break the letter into sections, each with its own purpose. Start with an introduction, followed by the body of the letter, and end with a closing statement.

Examples of Recommendation Letter Writing Format

Graduate School Recommendation Letter

Dear Admissions Committee,

As an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, I am writing to recommend John Doe for your graduate program in Clinical Psychology. John was a standout student in my Behavioral Psychology course, where he earned an A and demonstrated a deep understanding of the course material.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

Job Recommendation Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. Sarah and I worked together for two years at XYZ Company, where she was a key member of our marketing team.

Best regards,

John Smith

College Recommendation Letter

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to recommend Jane Doe, a student of mine, for admission to your esteemed university. Jane has been an exceptional student, consistently earning top grades in all of her courses.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

John Smith

Character Recommendation Letter

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to recommend Tom Brown, who has been a dear friend of mine for many years. He has always been a person of great integrity, honesty, and kindness.

Warm regards,

Jane Smith

Internship Recommendation Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to recommend Emily Kim for the position of Marketing Intern at your company. Emily was a student in my Introduction to Marketing class, where she earned a B+ and demonstrated a strong understanding of the course material.

Best,

John Doe

Volunteer Recommendation Letter

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend David Lee, who has been a volunteer at our organization for the past two years. During his time here, David has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to help others.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Dear Scholarship Committee,

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Lisa Chen. Lisa was a student of mine in two courses, where she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and a commitment to excellence.

Best regards,

John Doe

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 qualifications, abilities, and character. It is often used to support job applications, college and graduate school admissions, scholarship applications, and other similar situations.

Who should write a recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter should be written by someone who knows the person being recommended well and can provide an honest assessment of their abilities, character, and qualifications. This can include a former employer, a teacher, a mentor, or a colleague.

What should be included in a recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter should include an introduction, a statement of the relationship between the writer and the person being recommended, a description of the person’s qualifications, skills, and achievements, and a closing statement. It should also be no more than one page long and written in a professional tone.

How do you format a recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter should be formatted using a professional business letter format. This includes including the date, the recipient’s name and address, a salutation, an introduction, a body paragraph or two, and a closing statement. It should also be typed and printed on letterhead paper if possible.

How long should a recommendation letter be?

A recommendation letter should be no more than one page long. It should be short and to the point, while still providing enough information to support the person being recommended.

What should the tone of a recommendation letter be?

A recommendation letter should have a professional and positive tone. It should be written in a way that highlights the person’s strengths and qualifications, but without being overly effusive or insincere.

Can I use a recommendation letter template?

Yes, there are many recommendation letter templates available online that can be customized and edited as needed. However, it is important to make sure that the template is appropriate for the situation and that you personalize it to reflect your own unique relationship with the person being recommended.

Conclusion

Writing a recommendation letter can be a challenging task, but with the right format and tips, it can be made easier. By following the tips provided in this article, you can create a well-written recommendation letter that can help the person you are recommending to achieve their goals. Remember to keep your letter professional, concise, and positive.