Three Tips for Writing Recommendations

Writing a recommendation letter for a co-worker, colleague or employee means providing an indispensable piece of material for that person's resume; you want to ensure your recommendation is professional and convincing. When recommending a candidate for a position, use these three tips to create a standout cover letter that casts your colleague in a positive light.

First, make sure you begin your recommendation letter with an attention-grabbing line. Just as with any piece of writing, you want to create engaging content that keeps your reader focused on your message. Use strong verbs to say something positive and unique about the candidate. Avoid clichéd phrases; instead, create a personal statement that applies specifically to the candidate. In the Forbes article "Your 5-Minute Guide To Writing An Amazing LinkedIn Recommendation," it is recommended that you avoid superlatives, such as claiming the candidate is "the best employee" or stating the worker is one of your favorites. Some qualities that you might mention in the attention-grabber or elsewhere in the letter include industry knowledge, organizational skills, efficiency, problem-solving skills, creativity and communication skills.

Another tip for writing an effective recommendation letter is to always include three major elements throughout the body: your relationship with the candidate, standout traits and a solid recommendation to end the letter. Near the beginning of your letter, explain in what context you know the candidate to let the reader know you are qualified to provide a recommendation. Ithaca College Career Services recommends adding how long you have known the candidate. Next, write about one or two standout traits that set your employee or colleague apart from other candidates. The Forbes article adds that you might ask the candidate if there are any qualities or experiences she would like you to emphasize. Finally, end the article with a short, solid statement providing your clear recommendation for the candidate.

A third tip is to communicate with the candidate as you write the recommendation letter. If you have time constraints that may make it difficult to complete a high-quality letter in time, let the candidate know so she can ask someone else to write the letter, if necessary. Ithaca College also states that you should communicate any questions you have about a person's qualifications prior to recommending a candidate. The individual can clear up any doubts you may have to help you write a more honest recommendation. If you still have reservations, the candidate has a chance to decide whether you are the right person to complete the task.

If you are unfamiliar with writing recommendation letters, consider using a template to produce a complete, professional document. Print the recommendation letter onto high-quality paper for visual appeal, and finish by adding your signature. Do not forget to ask the candidate if there are any other forms you must sign to complete the recommendation process.

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