While at work, yesterday, Jonathan received a mail. His past employee, Ross wants him to refer him to his prospective employer. Ross was one of his best employees and hence, Jonathan wants to draft an impressive reference letter and help him in his career. However, Jonathan is no pro at drafting reference letters. Also, he is confused as to which details should be included within the letter. To help Jonathan in this task, here are some tips to write letter of recommendation for other person.
- Ask the candidate to explain you the purpose of writing the letter completely and clearly. This will help you target the letter contents in definite direction and draft a goal oriented letter.
- Understand the recipient's expectations, before drafting the letter. To keep the recipient interested and attentive towards the letter, it is important to write what he expects to read.
- Gather details about the candidate's professional and academic profile. An elaborate detailing of the profile is not required in the reference letter. However, in order to ensure that no important information gets skipped in the letter, it is important to collect all details.
- While collecting information about work history, ensure you have details about the designations the candidate has worked on, their job responsibilities and durations. Of these details highlight the ones that will enhance the candidate's profile. For example, name of reputed organization, high level designation etc.
- Take down the details of the educational qualifications of the candidate. The details include the qualification earned, awarding body, year of passing and grades. Mention prominently, if you have earned any professional qualifications, name of esteemed institute or any remarkable project work done during academic years.
- Jot down the details of several skills of the candidate that will enhance his profile. It should include both, the generic skills and the technical skills that relate to the job profile. Include details of one skill, at least, that will prove the candidate different from the crowd.
- Stress on certain abilities that will prove the candidate as promising. These qualities include eagerness to learn, take initiatives, adapt to changes, coordinate activities and communicate effectively.
- Highlight the qualities that will set the candidate apart from other candidates. Use your own judgment and experience with the candidate, to find out the characteristics, that makes the candidate unique and better from others.
- Once you draft the letter, sit along with the candidate and proof read the letter. Ensure the letter puts forth the message the planned way and serves the objective. Make sure the letter is free from typographical or grammatical errors. Do not put any untrue information within the letter.
- Present the letter contents in simple and formal language using a positive approach and encouraging tone. This will give a feel good factor to the letter.
- Print the letter on the organization's letter head. It gives the letter authentic and professional appearance.
Jonathan followed these tips and helped Ross impress his prospective employer. If you also have been asked to draft reference letter for someone, follow these tips to write letter of recommendation for other persons. Drafting an impressive reference letter is necessary to help the candidate in their career. Hence, follow the guidelines and help the candidate move ahead in his career.
