Know the Purpose of the Recommendation
Before writing a personal recommendation, it is important to know the purpose of the recommendation. This will help you tailor your letter to meet the requirements of the person or organization for whom you are writing the letter. The purpose of the recommendation could vary depending on the context, such as a job application, admission to a school, or a scholarship application.
For instance, if you are writing a recommendation for a job application, you need to focus on highlighting the skills and competencies of the person that are relevant to the position they are applying for. The recommendation should answer questions such as “Why is this person suitable for the position?”, “What skills and qualities make them stand out from others?”, and “What contributions have they made in their current or past roles?”.
If you are writing a recommendation for admission to a school, you need to focus on the academic abilities and personal qualities of the person that make them a good candidate for the program. The recommendation should answer questions such as “What academic achievements has the person accomplished?”, “What are their intellectual abilities?”, and “What are their personal qualities such as motivation, resilience and eagerness to learn?”.
If it is a recommendation for a scholarship application, you need to focus on the person’s financial need, academic excellence, and contributions to their community. The recommendation should answer questions such as “What financial challenges does the person face that the scholarship would help alleviate?”, “What academic achievements has the person accomplished?”, and “What contributions have they made in their community or school?”.
Knowing the purpose of the recommendation will help you create a letter that is specific, objective, and relevant to the person’s needs. It also helps you to choose relevant examples, stories or anecdotes that support the person’s suitability to the position or program. Therefore, it is important to take time and understand the purpose of the recommendation before you start writing.
Familiarize Yourself with the Recipient’s Goals and Achievements
When writing a personal recommendation, it is important to first familiarize yourself with the recipient’s goals and achievements. This will allow you to provide a more targeted and effective recommendation that speaks directly to their strengths and skills.
To begin, take the time to research the recipient’s background, including their educational and professional experience, as well as any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work. This will give you a better understanding of their strengths and accomplishments, as well as their areas of interest and long-term career goals.
When reviewing their accomplishments, focus on identifying key strengths and skills that are relevant to the position or opportunity for which they are applying. For example, if the recipient is applying for a job in marketing, look for evidence of their creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate effectively with others.
It can also be helpful to speak directly with the recipient, either in person or via email, to get a better sense of their goals and aspirations. This will allow you to tailor your recommendation to their individual needs and interests, and to provide specific examples that demonstrate the value they could bring to a particular role or organization.
However, be sure to respect the recipient’s privacy and confidentiality, and only share information that they have given you permission to discuss or that is publicly available.
Finally, when writing your recommendation, be sure to highlight the recipient’s achievements and strengths in a clear and concise manner, using specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate their skills and abilities. This will help to give the recipient a competitive edge in the application process, and will also help to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Overall, taking the time to familiarize yourself with the recipient’s goals and achievements is an essential step in writing an effective personal recommendation. By understanding their strengths and interests, and by tailoring your recommendation to their specific needs and aspirations, you can help them to stand out from the crowd and achieve their career goals.
Provide Specific Examples of the Recipient’s Qualifications and Skills
When writing a personal recommendation, it is essential to provide specific examples of the recipient’s qualifications and skills. Instead of simply stating what you think they are good at, give concrete examples of their accomplishments and how they demonstrated their skills.
For example, if you are writing a recommendation for someone who is applying for a marketing job, you should provide details about their specific marketing skills. You can mention how they managed a successful social media campaign or how they came up with a unique marketing strategy that helped their company increase revenue. Be sure to include the results of their work whenever possible, such as the percentage increase in leads or sales.
Furthermore, you should mention any specific qualifications the recipient has that are relevant to the job they are applying for. If they have a degree or certification in a related field, make sure to mention it and explain how it prepares them for the job. It is important to show that the recipient has the necessary education and qualifications to succeed in the role.
Additionally, provide examples of the recipient’s personal qualities that make them a good fit for the position. These qualities might include their work ethic, communication skills, creativity, or ability to work in a team. Use examples to support your statements. For instance, you can talk about how the recipient consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of them or how they were able to lead a team to achieve a common goal.
Overall, it is crucial to support your recommendation by providing specific examples of the recipient’s qualifications, skills, and personal qualities. Doing so will help the person reading your recommendation understand why you believe the recipient is a good candidate for the position they are applying for.
Use Positive and Clear Language
One of the most important aspects of writing a good personal recommendation in English is to use positive and clear language. This means that you should avoid using negative language or qualifiers that could weaken your recommendation.
Instead, focus on using strong, affirmative language that highlights the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying that the candidate is “not a bad worker,” you could say that they are “a dedicated and hardworking employee who consistently exceeds expectations.”
It’s also important to be clear and concise in your language. Use simple, direct sentences that are easy to understand, and avoid using complex vocabulary or industry jargon that the reader may not be familiar with. Remember, your recommendation should be accessible to anyone who reads it, so make sure your language is easy to follow and understand.
To help you use positive and clear language in your recommendation, try these tips:
- Use strong action verbs to describe the candidate’s accomplishments and contributions. For example, instead of saying that the candidate “helped out,” you could say that they “led a successful project that resulted in a 20% increase in sales.”
- Avoid using vague or generic adjectives that don’t provide specific information about the candidate’s skills or abilities. For example, instead of saying that the candidate is “reliable,” you could say that they “consistently meet deadlines and have a strong track record of delivering high-quality work.”
- Be specific and give concrete examples to illustrate your points. For example, instead of saying that the candidate is “a team player,” you could say that they “collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to launch a successful new product.”
- Avoid exaggerating or overhyping the candidate’s abilities. Be honest and truthful in your assessment of their skills and accomplishments, and provide evidence to support your claims. Remember, your recommendation is a reflection of your credibility and integrity, so it’s important to be honest and accurate.
- Finally, keep in mind the audience for your recommendation. If you’re writing for a specific job or field, tailor your language and content to reflect the relevant skills and experiences required for that position. Consider the reader’s perspective and what they are looking for, and make sure your recommendation addresses those needs.
By using positive and clear language in your personal recommendation, you can help the candidate stand out and make a strong impression on potential employers or academic institutions. Remember to focus on their strengths, use concrete examples to illustrate your points, and be honest and accurate in your assessment. With these tips, you can write a powerful and effective recommendation that truly reflects the candidate’s abilities and accomplishments.
Format and Edit the Recommendation Carefully
When writing a personal recommendation, it is important to keep in mind the format in which it will be presented. You want to make sure that your recommendation is organized, easy to read, and visually appealing. Here are some tips on how to format your recommendation:
- Use a Professional Format: When writing a personal recommendation, you should follow a professional format that is similar to a business letter. Start with a salutation, write an introduction, and then go into the body of the recommendation. End it with a closing and your signature.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Your recommendation needs to be easy to read and understand. Use clear and concise language to convey your message. Avoid using complicated words or jargon that might confuse the reader.
- Highlight the Applicant’s Qualifications: When writing a personal recommendation, it is important to highlight the applicant’s qualifications and skills. Be specific and provide examples of how the applicant has demonstrated these skills.
- Include Relevant Details: Make sure to include relevant details about the applicant that support your recommendation. This might include their work experience, education, or other relevant achievements.
- Proofread and Edit Carefully: Before submitting your recommendation, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and make sure that your formatting is consistent throughout the document.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your personal recommendation is presented in a professional and effective manner. Remember, your recommendation can play a key role in helping the applicant achieve their goals, so take the time to make it the best it can be.