Letters of recommendation may be written in a classic format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. There may also be specific requirements for certain letters that you may need to follow. In most cases, however, any well-organized format will be acceptable. Look at the following sample format:7 Q5 a3 m, y5 C" E- C 9 I# u0 I/ Q0 k+ P+ ~# ^
Introduction - S- a$ G; ?) nIntroduce yourself as the recommender. State your professional position, how you know the applicant, the length of your relationship, and any other pertinent information to build your credibility as a knowledgeable contributor. ) A6 z, a! s& X5 l* y6 JProvide an overview of your general impressions of the applicant. ) Z8 e! I% E: [6 \% d6 U $ b+ z7 F3 t6 {" f% {Body , \; ?& f1 a: h, i0 m. w x) l+ rCover one exceptional quality of the applicant in each paragraph 7 ^" h# j6 Q2 q# F0 OUse specific examples to show how you observed each quality # R3 \8 \7 X& x; @2 J! B
Address qualities in order of importance - P) Z' d, F* o, V
Keep the body of the letter to two or three paragraphs - R; W2 U% W+ d" y6 D) f7 N% y1 n/ T& E* C/ {1 w Conclusion! h( j! ?$ b+ F5 v" B
Confirm that the applicant would be a desirable employee, adding any other comments you feel appropriate. 8 i0 z9 }( q) R- f! ^& x+ p5 A2 s# @
Encourage the reader to contact you for additional information or with any questions. . X- M' f4 V2 ^! r( P8 PDon't forget to personally sign the letter. 4 K( R2 n( O8 D* L; K