A letter of recommendation is not difficult to write if you are confident
in the person for whom you are writing. The letter should write itself.
However, if you feel uncomfortable to recommend someone or feel that you
are not in the position to provide a good reference, you should turn it
down. Please refer to last week's examples.
Essential information on a letter of recommendation includes the nature
of your relationship with the candidate (how did you know him/her, how
long have you known him/her), followed by the qualities appreciated.
You should stress your confidence in recommending the candidate at the
end of the letter.
Here is an example of recommendation letter, written by a professor
on behalf of a student.
Dear Sir/
Madam,
I am writing this reference at the request of Miss Sarah Walker,
who is applying for a place in your PhD's program in Applied Linguistics.
I have known Miss Walker for two years in my capacity as her academic
supervisor at University of Washington. Miss Walker also took courses
in Conversational Analysis and Sociolinguistics from me and earned
grades A in both classes. Based on her grades, well-written term
papers, good attendance and class participation, I'd rate Miss Walker
academic performance in my class as excellent.
Miss Walker is interested in feminism and cognitive linguistics
and appears to possess the intellectual curiosity and aptitude to
be very successful in this area. She is goal-orientated and has
demonstrated a great sense of priorities. She has a positive attitude
towards education and was a gem in my classes.
I highly recommend Miss Sarah Walker to your PhD program. I am confident
that she will be a positive addition to your school.
Truly yours, |
Below is another example of recommendation, provided by a former employer:
| To Whom it May Concern:
Adam Scott worked for me at ABC Company for three years, as a
sales manager. I am writing this letter to recommend him as an
employee with your organization.
Adam started working at ABC as a sales associate in December
2000 and was shortly promoted to the position of sales manager
in March 2002. He has proven to be a conscientious, highly-motivated
team leader, worthy of a management position. Adam's in-depth
product knowledge and excellent people skills have consistently
received good reviews from his clients and colleagues.
If you would like to further discuss Adam's skills and work habits,
please feel free contact me.
Sincerely yours,
|
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