How to write a recommendation letter
When you reach a certain level of professional maturity or if you are in a strategic position, a current or former employee or collaborator may ask you to write a letter of recommendation. This letter will either be part of the application for a promotion, or a necessary document to apply for a new position in another company or in certain types of structures. Here are some tips on how to write a recommendation letter.
1) When you write a recommendation letter: be thorough
In the first paragraph, you will introduce the person for whom you are writing this letter. Name the person, their position in the company and their place of work if it is different from yours. You can also specify how long you have known the person, how long he or she has worked with you and you can also add important projects in which this person has been involved. If you want, you can also sum up in one sentence what you think about this person.
2) It’s the time to praise
Companies and schools aren’t just looking for a list of skills. They want someone who will fit into the environment and get along with their peers. You can then share your personal impression of the candidate, on topics that go beyond practical experience. It is also a way to show that the candidate can still improve and that he/she is not afraid to learn.
3) When you write a recommendation letter: be personal
Add one or two more personal sentences, to show what you particularly appreciated about this person. This could be soft skills not mentioned in the previous paragraph, specific qualities, or pleasant personality traits.
4) Sign it by hand
It goes without saying that you should always end such a letter with your best regards and signed by hand. Also provide your business phone number, so that they know you can be reached for more information and that your letter is sincere.
The person who asked you to write a letter of recommendation for them probably trusts you completely. They believe that you have had a good relationship with them and they also believe that you will have good things to say about them. So, return the trust in the form of a good effort to write a recommendation letter. Perhaps one day you’ll need it too.