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If you are writing a personal letter of reference, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Smith, Dear Mr. Jones, etc.). If you are writing a general reference letter, say “To Whom it May Concern” or simply don’t include a salutation.
If you are writing a general letter, say “To Whom it May Concern” or simply don’t include a salutation. The first paragraph of the recommendation letter explains the purpose of the letter, as well as your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them, and for how long.
Let’s look at examples that demonstrate the four most common reasons a recommendation letter is bad: it’s impersonal and generic, it’s repetitive, it gives no specific examples, or it expresses serious reservations about a student.
Each letter should also contain the following six basic sections: address and date, relationship to the candidate, quality of work, individual characteristics, letter summary, and signature.
A General Reference Letter (also known as Letter of Recommendation) is a document written to provide recommendation for another person. The reference letter explains the reasons why the person being recommended should be considered. …
Libel Laws
It is not illegal to provide a negative recommendation regarding an employee or student.
Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./To Whom it May Concern], I am writing to recommend [full name of person you’re recommending] for [what you’re recommending them for]. I have known [person you’re recommending] since [date] as [capacity in which you’ve known the person, i.e. “good friend,” “co-worker,” etc.].
Good examples of professional references include: College professors, coaches or other advisors (especially if you’re a recent college graduate or don’t have a lengthy work history) Former employer (the person who hired and paid you)
The closing of the letter should briefly summarize previous points and clearly state that you recommend the candidate for the position, graduate program or opportunity they are seeking. The recommendation letter should be written in language that is straightforward and to the point.
Your Best Friend (Unless It’s a Peer Recommendation)
Even though the team captain of your favorite club may be able to concretely highlight how you’ve been an asset to the squad, if they are your peer, they should absolutely not be writing your college letter of recommendation.
Say thank you. Remember, they are doing you a favor and you never know when you might need another favor in the future. Send a polite thank you email to anyone who gives you a letter of recommendation.
(If you don’t know the student well, and don’t have much to say, add a short paragraph explaining what the course is and why it’s good that the student excelled in it. This won’t fool most people, but will soften the blow of a short letter.) However, don’t ramble: make it succinct and to the point.
The recommendation letter should be no more than two pages in length. Although a recommendation letter is more about quality than quantity, a letter containing only a few sentences is not recommended.
Academic Recommenders: Use this type for teachers you ask to write an official letter about your high school or college career. General Recommenders: Use this type for recommenders other than your counselor or teachers. You can add up to eight additional recommendation requests.
General recommendations are not treaties and do not need ratification by states parties. Strictly speaking they are not legally binding, however they are considered authoritative statements on the content of legal duties assumed by states parties.
Tell your principal what you’re applying for and ask if he would be comfortable writing you a reference letter. Explain why you want him to write it for you – that you respect his position and his education or that you think he has a great understanding of what goes on at the school.
Give lots of advance warning (at least several weeks). 2) Ask nicely. Approach your Professor (in person, if possible; with a telephone call, or over email), explain what you are applying for (and why), and ask whether s/he might be willing to write you a letter of support.
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