Submitted by: Submitted by danicadanica
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Category: Literature
Date Submitted: 10/10/2011 07:44 PM
A letter of recommendation is a letter in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. Recommendation letters are almost always specifically requested to be written about someone, and are therefore addressed to a particular requestor. Letters of recommendation are typically related to employment, admissions to institutions of higher education or scholarship eligibility
The term "recommendation letter" and reference is often same and used interchangeably with the term "reference letter"; however, there is a difference between the two types. Letters of recommendation are very specific in nature and normally requested/required and are always addressed to an individual, whereas letters of reference are more general in nature and are usually addressed "To Whom It May Concern".
STEPS
1.Determine what the recommendation is for. Is it for a job, a volunteer position, a background check, personal reference, or an academic post? Write your letter so that it is focused on this purpose. For instance, if the letter is for a job, it should focus on the professional qualifications and conduct of the candidate.
2. List the qualities needed for the position. Get a copy of the job description, if you can. Otherwise, talk to the person you will recommend (and, if you know him/her, the recipient of the letter) and learn what you can about the requirements of the position. You do not have to know it in as much detail as you would if you were the candidate, but try to have some idea what it is about.
3. Know who you are recommending. If it's somebody you don't know as well as you would like, or haven't seen in a while, ask for a resume or C.V. to be better informed. Spend some time talking to the person, too.
•If it is somebody you don't know at all, you should probably simply state that and decline to recommend him or her.
•As you write...