Once you have enough information to actually write the letter, set aside anywhere from an hour or two to write it. Remember that, if the applicant needs five versions of the letter (say, for five different graduate programs), you don't necessarily need to write five separate letters. Application forms usually request the same type of information, and you simply need to create variations based on a template.
MAKE A LIST
A great first step is to jot down a list of keywords and key phrases -- accomplishments and qualities -- you want to address within the letter. Such a list will help you avoid the most common mistake made in these letters: vague, metaphoric writing. Anchor your writing to specific images and anecdotes; provide concrete, convincing evidence.
Classify your keywords into:
* professional/academic qualities
Is this person a leader?
Is this person a strong team player?
Is this person a keen analytical thinker?
Is this person capable of conducting sophisticated research?
* specific skills
strong communication skills?
Fluency in certain languages?
* personal qualities
Does this person get along with peers?
Does this person have a good sense of humor?
* past accomplishments
What are the principal two or three accomplishments this person has achieved under my guidance?
* weaknesses
What are some points this person must address to advance his/her career?
How well does this person learn from past mistakes?
* future potential
What do I believe this person is capable of achieving?
Letters of recommendation vary widely in content and form, but solid letters contain a number of common traits. Here below is an outline for a well-structured letter that covers all main points.
INTRODUCTION
First Paragraph: Introduce Yourself
Begin the letter by clearly stating your position, where you work, your relationship to the applicant, and how long you have known and/or worked with the applicant.
Second Paragraph: Give Your General Impression of the Applicant
BODY
Third Paragraph: Applicant Quality # 1
State the applicant's most noteworthy quality, and support that claim with a specific anecdote. For instance, you might say that Samantha is, first and foremost, a born leader; then, support that statement by telling about the time Samantha took the initiative to form a task force to deal with a glitch in the company's computer accounting system.
Fourth Paragraph: Applicant Quality # 2
Again, state your claim with specific anecdotes and concrete examples.
CONCLUSION
Sixth Paragraph: State why you think the applicant's plans suit him/her.
Seventh Paragraph: State how you think the applicant will contribute to the program or company.
Last Paragraph: strongly reaffirm your confidence in the applicant's abilities and conclude by telling the readers they should feel free to contact you in case they need more information. Don't forget to include your contact information beneath your signature and name.
NOTES ABOUT THE FORMAT AND LENGTH:
Don't handwrite the letter; type it. Handwriting a letter is a sign that you are not serious about the task and will reflect poorly on the applicant.
Remember to use official letterhead, to sign the letter, and to include both complete contact information. When you have folded the letter and put it in an envelope, sign across the seal.
The length of letters of recommendation varies greatly, but five paragraphs is usually the minimum. On the same note, don't go overboard and churn out seven pages, even if you are highly enthusiastic about the candidate. Choose your content wisely, and remember that a concise letter is usually more effective than an overly verbose one.
Writing a Letter of Recommendation
文思屋
人氣:3.09W
相關文章:
- Letter of Recommendation Overview
- Letter of Recommendation Example - Health Care
- Letter of Recommendation
- Letter of Recommendation Sample - College Admission
- A letter of thanks
- The structure of Chinese Letter Writing
- Four Rules of Cover Letter Writing
- 2015最新的一封推薦信-A Letter of Recommendation
- The Seven Cs of Business Letter Writing
- Writing a Cover Letter - The Cover Letter Checklist
熱門文章
- 1How to Write a Succinct Letter of Intent
- 2How to Write a Letter of Intent for a Job Application
- 3關於英語笑話:推薦信 Letter of Recommendation
- 4Self Recommendation Letter
- 5A well-written letter of application
- 6How to Write a Letter of Intent for College
- 7The Power of a Good Cover Letter
- 8How to Make a Letter of Intent for a Job
- 9Sample Phrases for Writing a Cover Letter
- 10How to write a letter of application
最近更新
- 1Writing a Good Resume
- 2A Letter to Demand the Payment of Overdue Account
- 3Business Letter Writing Tips
- 4Thank You Letter Writing
- 5Writing the Counter Proposal Letter
- 6Letter of Resignation - Basic Letter of Resignation
- 7Biomedical Engineering Cover Letter Writing
- 8Great Pieces of Resume Writing Advice
- 9Civil Engineering Cover Letter Writing
- 10Follow Up Letter Writing
- 11怎樣寫Recommendation Letter
- 12Cover Letter Writing Tips
- 13Cover letter writing English Notes
- 14Letter Writing in English
- 15Summer Internship Cover Letter Writing
猜你喜歡
- 1Sample Email Cover Letter - Writing
- 2Letter Writing in Chinese text
- 3Chinese cover letter writing sample
- 4Language of a Negotiation
- 5Cover letter of fresh graduates of technical schools
- 6A Man of Actions
- 7The Art of the Resume Writing Tips
- 8Resume Writing Tips--SAMPLE SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- 9Sample of cover letter
- 10A list of complaints
- 11英文自薦信Self Recommendation Letter
- 12Resume and Cover Letter Writing Tips
- 13Ten Tips For Writing A Resume
- 14A application letter
- 15Resignation Letter - A Sample Resignation Letter