Template For A Formal Letter Of Recommendation

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A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a crucial document that can significantly impact your career or educational pursuits. It provides a third-party endorsement of your skills, qualifications, and character. When writing an LOR, it’s essential to present a compelling and professional document that effectively highlights the individual’s strengths and achievements.

Key Components of a Letter of Recommendation

Free printable letter of recommendation templates  Canva
Free printable letter of recommendation templates Canva

Header: The header should include the writer’s name, title, affiliation, and contact information. It should also indicate the date the letter is written.

  • Salutation: Begin the letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name].”
  • Introduction: Clearly state the purpose of the letter and your relationship with the individual you are recommending.
  • Body Paragraphs: Provide specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate the individual’s skills, qualities, and accomplishments. Use strong, active verbs to convey your enthusiasm and credibility.
  • Closing: Reiterate your recommendation and express your confidence in the individual’s abilities.
  • Signature: Conclude the letter with your signature, typed name, and title.

  • Design Elements for a Professional LOR

    Font: Choose a professional and legible font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.

  • Font Size: Use a consistent font size throughout the letter, typically between 10 and 12 points.
  • Line Spacing: Maintain single-line spacing to improve readability.
  • Margins: Use standard margins of 1 inch on all sides.
  • Alignment: Align the text to the left margin for a clean and professional appearance.
  • Heading: Use a larger font size or a different font weight for the heading to distinguish it from the body text.

  • Writing a Compelling Letter of Recommendation

    Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and evidence to support your claims. Avoid vague generalizations.

    See also  Formal IOU Letter Template
  • Use Strong Verbs: Employ powerful verbs to convey the individual’s abilities and achievements. For example, instead of saying “John is a good student,” say “John consistently exceeds expectations in his coursework.”
  • Tailor the Letter: Customize the letter to the specific recipient and their requirements. Highlight the qualities that are most relevant to their application.
  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure that the letter is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A well-written letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

  • Example Letter of Recommendation

    Dear [Recipient’s Name],

    I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Individual’s Name] for [Position or Program]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Individual’s Name] for [Time period] in my capacity as [Your position].

    [Individual’s Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional [Quality 1]. For example, [Provide a specific example]. Their [Quality 2] is also noteworthy. [Provide another specific example].

    In addition to their academic achievements, [Individual’s Name] is a dedicated and hardworking individual. They are always willing to go the extra mile and contribute to the success of the team.

    I have no doubt that [Individual’s Name] will be a valuable asset to [Organization or Program]. They possess the skills, knowledge, and character to excel in their endeavors.

    Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]
    [Your Title]
    [Your Affiliation]
    [Your Contact Information]

    Note: This is just a sample template. You should customize the letter to fit the specific individual and the recipient’s requirements.