| Over the years, I have written letters for business | | | | professional touch. In the opening paragraph, confirm |
| associates. However, my favorites to write are for | | | | why you are writing the letter. For example, you |
| young students who are applying for colleges, | | | | could begin with a sentence like this. I am pleased to |
| scholarships or their first job. These are personal | | | | write this letter of recommendation for "full name" |
| reference letters and I love getting the chance to sit | | | | who is applying for acceptance to your university. |
| with these young adults and talk about their futures | | | | You want to make sure the recipient knows |
| and aspirations. These conversations help me in | | | | immediately what this letter is referencing. |
| writing letters that are relevant, meaningful and | | | | The body of the letter.. You should identify how long |
| honest. As a result I have become the first stop for | | | | and in what capacity you have know this person. It |
| many of my four children's friends who are in need | | | | can be as simple as a "family friend for 20 years". |
| of a letter of recommendation. | | | | Don't be afraid to point out background information |
| A letter of recommendation should be one of the | | | | about a strong family foundation. Personalizing the |
| easiest pieces of correspondence to compose. You | | | | letter makes for a more interesting read. Next outline |
| are usually asked to author this by someone that | | | | the accomplishments, attributes and interests of the |
| you know well either from your business or personal | | | | person and relate them back to why these factors |
| circles. Having direct knowledge about the subject of | | | | make your candidate an outstanding choice. Be |
| your letter should make it easy to expound on their | | | | specific and give examples. A generalized, vague |
| character strengths, personal attributes and | | | | letter will not help your student. |
| accomplishments. In spite of this, it may still be an | | | | The conclusion of the letter should be a strong one |
| overwhelming prospect for many. | | | | line reiteration of the candidate's qualifications. You |
| So, how to start... As I just mentioned, get additional | | | | should also include your personal email and/or phone |
| information from the person. You may know them | | | | for any follow up that may be required. While the |
| personally as they hang out at your house, but find | | | | recipient may never reach out to you, this offer of |
| out what their other outside interests and | | | | further contact underscores your commitment to the |
| accomplishments have been. Make sure you know | | | | person's qualifications. |
| the specifics of what is being asked for in the letter. | | | | In the final analysis, the candidate's resume will have |
| Get a copy of the requisite for the letter. This | | | | to speak for itself. However, a well written, honest, |
| information is usually on the college or scholarship | | | | and "real" letter of recommendation can be that little |
| application instructions. If it is their first job, find out | | | | extra asset that will differentiate your candidate |
| why THEY think they are qualified. Review their | | | | from the pack. So step up and offer to help the |
| resume together for further insights. | | | | students in your life. Celebrate these kids by offering |
| The letter itself... The recipient, their title and the | | | | to help them. If you would like to see some sample |
| address must be on the letter. Also for college | | | | letters of recommendation I have written over the |
| admission letters, reference the candidate's name and | | | | years, please visit Celebration Ideas Online Sample |
| social security or admission ID number. If you have a | | | | Letters of Recommendation. |
| job with official stationary, use it. It adds a more | | | | |