Letter of Recommendation Guidelines
(When writing a letter for someone else)
Dear (Name of Employer):
The first paragraph of the reference letter explains your connection to
the person you are recommending, including how you know them, and why
you are qualified to write a reference letter to recommend employment
or graduate school.
The second paragraph of the reference letter contains specific
information on the person you are writing about, including why they are
qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a
reference letter. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide
details.
When writing a specific letter referring a candidate for a particular job
opening, the reference letter will include information on how the person’s
skills match the position they are applying for. Ask for a copy of the
job posting and a copy of the person’s resume so you can target your
reference letter accordingly.
This section of the reference letter contains a brief summary of why
you are recommending the person. State that you “highly recommend”
the person or you “recommend without reservation” or something similar.
The concluding paragraph of the reference letter contains an offer to
provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph,
include the phone number and email address in the return address
section of your letter or in your signature.
Sincerely,
