As a powerful tool for boosting a job application, a letter of recommendation is a type of reference letter that<\/strong> includes details about the candidate\u2019s experiences and skills, which make them an outstanding candidate<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if your coworker asked you to write them a letter of recommendation, you have a chance to elevate their application drastically \u2014 which they will highly appreciate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re not sure how to write a professional recommendation letter in simple and quick steps, we\u2019ll get you covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ll include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n As its name implies, a recommendation letter is a letter written by someone who recommends<\/em> a person\u2019s character, work, or academic performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on the distinct purposes, we can differentiate between the three types of recommendation letters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we discuss exclusively an employment letter of recommendation<\/strong>, highlighting the most important elements you need to include and the steps you should follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n An employment letter of recommendation is a formal letter of a former or current business network of the applicant where they vouch for the candidate\u2019s job qualifications<\/strong> based on their:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A person who writes a recommendation letter is typically the applicant\u2019s former employer or manager, but that could also be a coworker or client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the best-case scenario, this is someone more senior, because their words are more influential compared to those with less experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, hiring managers prefer employers\u2019 or managers\u2019 opinions over the words of candidates\u2019 colleagues. This is because they can get more valuable insights from people who are in higher hierarchical positions, since they have a bigger picture of the person\u2019s qualifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, thanks to letters of recommendation, hiring managers learn more about candidates from other people’s perspectives, so they can assess them more realistically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While in some companies sending an employer recommendation letter is optional, others request it. Either way, submitting this attachment will certainly make the application stand out and get the candidate closer to their dream job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we master how to write a job recommendation letter, it’s a good time to clarify how a reference and a recommendation letter differentiate from each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though in some people\u2019s opinion the two are synonymous, there\u2019s a distinction we should keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A character reference letter is focused on the person\u2019s general characteristics and abilities, so you can use it for multiple opportunities such as job applications or colleague internships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, an employment recommendation letter is written specifically for a certain job position \u2015 so, it includes information about skills, experience, and knowledge relevant to the position<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, when applying for a sales assistant job, a great tool for boosting a job application is a recommendation letter that speaks about the person\u2019s strong interpersonal skills<\/a>, resilience, and excellent verbal communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, writing about the person\u2019s academic aspirations wouldn\u2019t be much help, since it\u2019s irrelevant to this position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make your business communication more effective \u2014 use Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for your coworker, but you\u2019re not sure how to even start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though writing a recommendation letter might seem tricky, it\u2019s more than simple when you follow the essential steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we dive deeper into each of them, let\u2019s look at the ideal format of a professional recommendation letter and the elements you need to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Considering these elements, it\u2019s critical to follow the steps to ensure you include all important information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, let’s dig deeper into each of these steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top of the letter, you need to list your contact information including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, add the date and the recipient\u2019s information in the following order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, let\u2019s take a look at the example of what it should look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jack Clark<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sales leader<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n XY Software<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1122 Main Street, Anytown, CA 992223<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n jack.clark01@mail.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3\/15\/2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Simeon Gordon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring Manager<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ABC company<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Begin your letter with a simple: \u201cDear Mr.\/Ms, [last name]<\/em>\u201d, or if you don\u2019t know the recipient\u2019s last name, you can just write \u201cDear hiring manager<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the salutation, you need to briefly state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of the introduction is to get the recipient familiar with your intention, so try to wrap the introduction in no more than 3 sentences<\/strong>, so the hiring manager can get to the body of the letter and the most relevant information as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s look at the example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDear Mr. Green,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am writing to truly recommend Rebecca Carter for the position of talent acquisition specialist in Y company. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am Julia Baker, a Head of Human Resources at X company. In my 7-year journey in human resources, my work has primarily been focused on talent acquisition and onboarding. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rebecca has been a part of my team for 3 years, since she graduated with a master’s studies in Human Resources and completed a 3-month internship.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n So, it\u2019s crystal clear who Rebecca and Julia are, and what the nature of their relationship is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that some of the most common email greetings such as \u201cTo whom it may concern<\/em>\u201d and \u201cDear, Sir\/Madam<\/em>\u201d are not the best choice to start your professional email? <\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about professional and unprofessional ways to begin your emails, make sure to read our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strengthen your business communication and collaboration with Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n The next step is to explain why the candidate is a good fit for the job they\u2019re applying for. So, in the body of the letter you need to provide the reasons why<\/em> the applicant\u2019s abilities and work experience align with the requirements of the job position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what our contributors Ben Richardson<\/a>, a Founder and Director of Acuity Training, has to say on this topic: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRecommenders should focus on the position for which the applicant is applying and avoid going into too much detail about unrelated skills or experiences.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Before you start writing the body of your recommendation letter, make a list of the candidate\u2019s skills, knowledge, and personal traits relevant to the application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In our example, they could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have a list, it\u2019s much easier to compose effective sentences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So let\u2019s see what it can sound like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDuring her internship and employment in our company, Rebecca displayed great analytical skills and the ability to learn quickly. As a result, she needed less than a year to gain experience in full-cycle recruitment, using various interview techniques and evaluation methods\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n After highlighting the attributes, you need to provide examples illustrating one of the candidate\u2019s qualities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can briefly describe a memorable anecdote demonstrating their success or ability to solve certain issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s an example of how you can do so when recommending a talent acquisition specialist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMoreover, last year, Rebecca managed to hire 22 people, which was the best achievement in our team of 11 talent acquisition specialists.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the letter, it\u2019s critical to summarize your recommendation in one or two sentences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, write that you\u2019re open to further questions, which is an effective way to close the letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a look at the example of a strong closing: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWithout a doubt, Rebecca has my highest recommendation, and I ensure she would be an excellent fit for your company. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any questions or would like any additional information, feel free to contact me at julia.bakerj@gmail.com.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sincerely, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Julia Baker, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Head of Human Resources <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n X company\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re wondering how to pick the right email ending, make sure to check our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Streamline your workplace communication by switching your team to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n Considering all important elements, we created a template you can use next time you are asked for a letter of recommendation. All you need to do is fill in the information required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dear Mr.\/Ms. [Last name] <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s my great pleasure to recommend [recommendee\u2019s name] for the position of [name of position] at [the company name].<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n My name is [your name], and I am [your position] at [the company\u2019s name], where [recommendee] and I [have] worked together for [length of time].<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As someone who is [quality 1] and [quality 2], [recommendee] has been a tremendous asset to the team. Beyond that, [he\/she\/they] displayed great [relevant skills and knowledge], which resulted in [recommendee\u2019s contribution to the company or team].<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of [his\/her\/their] biggest achievements was [specific example].<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Without a doubt, [recommendee] has my highest recommendation, and I assure you [he\/she\/they] would be an excellent fit for your company. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-write-a-job-recommendation-letter-cover.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTypes of recommendation letters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nWhat is an employment letter of recommendation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The difference between a letter of recommendation and a reference letter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5 Critical steps for writing an employment letter of recommendation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step #1: List your contact information <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #2: Open with a greeting and a brief introduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nStep #3: Outline what makes the candidate a perfect fit for the position<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Ben-Richardson.png\")
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Step #4: Include compelling examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step #5: Summarize your recommendation and put the signature at the ending<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nA letter of recommendation template<\/h2>\n\n\n\n