How to Write a Persuasive Personal Letter of Recommendation
A personal letter of recommendation is an essential document that can make or break the future of a job seeker, student, or any person who is looking for an opportunity. A personal letter of recommendation can create a lasting impression on the reader and help them understand the strengths and qualities of the candidate. In this article, we will discuss how to write a persuasive personal letter of recommendation that can be a game changer for the person being recommended.
What is a Personal Letter of Recommendation?
A personal letter of recommendation is a letter written by an individual who knows the candidate well. It can be a friend, a colleague, a teacher, or a supervisor. The purpose of the letter is to provide insight into the character, skills, and qualities of the candidate. The letter should answer the questions asked by the recipient and provide an honest appraisal of the candidate.
The Structure of a Personal Letter of Recommendation
When writing a personal letter of recommendation, it is essential to follow a structure that highlights the strengths of the candidate. The letter should begin with an introduction that highlights the reasons for writing the letter and the context of the relationship with the candidate.
The body of the letter should be divided into paragraphs highlighting different aspects of the candidate’s abilities. It should provide specific examples that support the writer’s assessment of the candidate’s skills and abilities. For example, if the candidate is being recommended for a job that requires excellent communication skills, the writer should highlight situations where the candidate demonstrated that skill.
The conclusion of the letter should summarize the key points made in the body of the letter. It should reiterate the writer’s high opinion of the candidate and indicate a willingness to provide additional information if required.
How to Write a Persuasive Personal Letter of Recommendation
To write a persuasive letter of recommendation, the writer should follow a few key principles:
Focus on Quality over Quantity
A letter of recommendation that is too lengthy or contains irrelevant information can be off-putting to the reader. Therefore, it is essential to focus on quality over quantity. The writer should highlight the most relevant strengths of the candidate and provide specific examples that demonstrate those strengths.
Be Honest and Specific
Honesty is key when writing a letter of recommendation. The writer should only write positive things about the candidate that they genuinely believe are true. Being specific in the assessment and providing examples to support the opinions is helpful to the reader to understand better the candidate’s skills and qualities.
Use Professional Language
The language used in the letter should be professional and free of jargon or any obscure wording. The writer should keep in mind that the letter may be read by people who are not familiar with the industry-specific terms, so use simple language that is easy to understand.
Proofread the Letter
Before submitting the letter, it is crucial to proofread it thoroughly to check for spelling and grammatical errors. A poorly written or error-filled letter can undermine the credibility of the writer and damage the chances of the candidate.
Conclusion
A personal letter of recommendation is a powerful document that can create a lasting impression and help the candidate secure the opportunity they are seeking. To write a persuasive letter, the writer should focus on quality, be honest and specific, use professional language and proofread the letter. By following these principles, the letter of recommendation can make a significant difference in the candidate’s life.
