What should a college letter of recommendation include?

Tips for Writing a Genuine and Powerful College Recommendation Letter
  1. Open with a formal salutation. …
  2. Paragraph 1: Introduce the student. …
  3. Paragraphs 2 and 3: Write more about character, less about achievements. …
  4. Paragraph 4: Conclude with a direct recommendation. …
  5. Wrap it up with an appropriate closing.

What is the example of letter of recommendation?

Letter of Recommendation Template

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend [Name] for [position] with [Company]. [Name] and I [relationship] at [Company] for [length of time]. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with [Name], and came to know [him/her/them] as a truly valuable asset to our team.

What qualities do colleges look for in recommendation letters?

Admissions officers want to learn about your personal qualities and strengths from your recommenders. These personal qualities could include integrity, caring for others, thoughtfulness, humor, and passion. Two traits they especially value are demonstrated leadership and strength of character.

What should I say in a good recommendation?

A recommendation letter should always be sincere and honest. Do not exaggerate the person’s qualifications or provide any information that you don’t know to be true. Be honest about everything, from how long you have known the person and in what capacity, to your impressions of the individual’s skills.

How do you write a strong letter of recommendation?

Be specific.

Choose strong, accurate adjectives over general terms or cliches. Think about what the person reading the letter might want to know. Include details or insight that wouldn’t necessarily show up on a resume or application. Your letter should help the recipient get to know the person you are recommending.

Do colleges really read recommendation letters?

You may be wondering if these recommendations are even important— after all, there are already so many other parts to your college application. The short answer is yes, recommendations are important, and are among the many factors that colleges look at when making admissions decisions.

Can a family member write you a letter of recommendation?

Do not ask a family member, friend, or a teacher you had several years ago. Your uncle and your second grade teacher may be wonderful people, but their letters won’t have much credibility. And don’t ask someone who doesn’t know you well, no matter what their title is.

How do I write a simple letter of recommendation?

How do I write a personal recommendation letter?
  1. Always start with the date.
  2. State who you are recommending and what you are recommending them for.
  3. Describe how long you know the person and in what capacity.
  4. State their best qualities.
  5. Give details about the person’s character, morals, and values.

How do I start a letter of recommendation?

Open with a friendly and professional salutation, such as “Dear Dean of Students Marcus Smith.” If you don’t know the name of the person, use their title or department name. Establish excitement for your strong recommendation in the first sentence.

What are the best letters of recommendation?

As you write your letter, make sure it does the following:
  • #1: Explains Why You’re Qualified to Recommend the Candidate. …
  • #2: Customized to the New Position. …
  • #3: Uses Specific Examples and Anecdotes. …
  • Use an Official Format. …
  • Start with a Strong Opener. …
  • Include Two to Three Specific Examples.

How long should a recommendation letter be?

two pages
The length and submission of a recommendation letter

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.

How do you write a letter of recommendation for a student you don’t know well?

(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.

What is an example of a personal reference?

Business acquaintances, teachers, professors or academic advisors, volunteer leaders, religious workers, friends, coaches, and neighbors are all potential personal references.

Can a personal reference be a family member?

Personal reference

You should avoid listing family members or your spouse as personal references, as they might be perceived as biased. You want to choose personal references who have known you at least one year, think positively of you, are able to communicate well and are available on short notice.

Can you list friends as references?

While friends and family are acceptable referees, it is better for you to select someone who is not immediate family as their opinion may be construed as being biased.

What makes a good personal reference?

Who Makes a Good Character Reference. Good personal references are co-workers, teachers, mentors, sports team members or coaches, well-known neighbors, or someone you volunteered with or for. An academic advisor or family friend could be considered.

How do you describe someone’s character for a reference?

How to write a character reference letter
  • Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate. How do you know the candidate? …
  • Include long you’ve known the candidate. …
  • Add positive personal qualities with specific examples. …
  • Close with a statement of recommendation. …
  • Offer your contact information.

Can you use a retired person as a reference?

Use an Organized Format

Type each reference’s name, followed by a comma and a job title. If your reference is retired, indicate that in parentheses. On the next line, type your reference’s place of employment or affiliation.

Who should I ask to be a reference?

Most commonly, you will ask your former employers and supervisors to be references for you. However, you can also include other people with whom you’ve had a professional relationship. For example, you might include colleagues, business contacts, customers, clients, or vendors.