4 . In order to hold weight, a recommendation letter should come from a respected source. You would be a wonderful fit if you worked with the candidate in a supervisory position, say, a manager or boss of some sort, for an employer always wants a professional reference. Occasionally, letters from a colleague, a friend, neighbor, or family member will also do. And what elements should your recommendation letter include to be effective?
#1: Explaining Your Qualification
In the first paragraph, you should explain who you are, how you know the candidate and how long you worked with him. In this way, you are showing that you’re much qualified to give an honest assessment. Strong letters give positive descriptions of your qualifications in a concise and powerful way, which creates a professional and trustworthy image of you.
#2: Being Customized to the New Position
While you should speak to the candidate’s accomplishments in his past role, you should also show why he’d make a good fit in the next one. You should explain why he has the desired ability to do the job well, and attach the greatest importance to this, even if the candidate’s making a career change. The candidate should provide you with everything you need to know to customize your letter. By drawing on this information, you can express confidence that the candidate will succeed in the new role. Then when the hiring manager reads your letter, he’ll feel reassured that the candidate would make a good fit.
#3: Using Specific Examples
Finally, your letter should provide specific examples about the candidate. Don’t just list adjectives like, “friendly, intelligent, and hard-working”; instead, present circumstances in which the candidate demonstrated those qualities. Not only will examples point to the value the candidate brought to your organization or company, but they’ll also paint a picture of how he works in day-to-day operations. Using two to three specific examples in your letter will boost its level of persuasiveness.
1. Who are the intended readers of this passage?
A.Assessors. | B.Employers. | C.Candidates. | D.Recommenders. |
2. According to the passage, a candidate’s ______ is usually the most suitable to write a recommendation letter.
A.powerful friend | B.supervisory manager |
C.respected neighbor | D.trustworthy colleague |
3. What should a writer put emphasis on in a recommendation letter?
A.Presenting the reader with the candidate’s ability. |
B.Exhibiting his knowledge about the new industry. |
C.Customizing the letter with eye-catching drawings. |
D.Showing the candidate’s intelligence with examples. |