Example of Recommendation Letter
Making Effective Recommendations

Free example of recommendation letter template introduction:

If you are placed in a situation where you are not comfortable writing a letter of recommendation, you should carefully discuss your reasons for not writing the letter with the requestor.

Perhaps you simply don't have first-hand knowledge of his or her skills in a particular area, or you haven't actually observe their work, or you have no real knowledge of what the person is like to work with.

Site Testimonial   "Excellent! I have learned something in everything I've read in your site. I will certainly continue to utilize it as a valuable tool."   - Joddi Govero

Consider first and foremost how your own credibility and character may be judged if you are to recommend this person and he or she turns out to be bad employee. This is just one more reason why it may make sense to simply bow out gracefully, hopefully without hurting anyone's feelings. However, do not hesitate to be candid with your concerns or objections.

Assuming you do qualify as the appropriate person to write the letter of recommendation and you are fully comfortable in doing so, there are a few tips provided below that will assist you.

In addition, we've provided an example of recommendation letter template in our free tools section so be sure to take full advantage of that resource.

So you are now ready to write a letter of recommendation? Okay then, here are a few helpful tips that you need to know to ensure a positive and successful experience:

• Describe how you came to know the applicant. Explain briefly your history with the applicant, and in what capacity you have been affiliated with the subject.
• If you are a relative of the applicant, reconsider whether you are the best person for this task. Relatives in most cases are not good choices for recommendation letters as there will be a fear of bias.
• Explain what your role or position is how in your own experience this applicant ranks among other persons you've worked with.
• Talk in detail about the applicant positive qualities and how you believe this person will be beneficial to the new employer. Provide specific examples of what leadership traits you've witnessed of the applicant.
• Discuss the applicants work ethic, commitment to job well done, added value to the team and organization, etc.
• While brevity is always appreciated, when writing a recommendation letter you can go a little longer than with other business letters. One full page is a good solid amount of space, never go over two pages.
• Be sure to provide your contact information and invite the employer to call you if he or she wishes to further discuss or clarify the applicant.
• As always, proofread for spelling and grammatical errors. Utilize our free example of recommendation letter to ensure your letter is perceived well.

Receive your free example of recommendation letter template, PLUS many more business letter templates by requesting our Business Letter Writing Tool. Remember that you only need to download once. All of the various business letter templates are included in a single pdf file for your convenience.

TO RECEIVE THIS FREE TOOL: Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter. Instructions to quickly access ALL of our free leadership tools will immediately follow.

We're constantly on the lookout for another example of recommendation letter writing tools, and other leadership tools and resources that we can recommend to our readers. Share your own helpful hints and tips here.

A FEW QUICK REMINDERS: Add "Leadership Tools and News!" BLOG: Add BLOG To Homepage: or or Be sure to bookmark this page for easy future reference. Did you find this page helpful? Please consider making a donation to help support our mission.