letter of recommendation

A coworker of yours is applying for a job at a similar business.

Imagine that you have been asked to write a one-page letter of recommendation. Your purpose is to inform the reader about the person for whom you are writing (your subject), but you will also want to persuade the reader that your subject will be the best person for the job, position, etc. Present your claims about your subject to your reader in such a way that he/she feels confident that the person for whom you are writing is exactly who the reader is looking for.

DEVELOPMENT:

The reader wants to learn what you have to say about your subject’s character. Is he/she hard-working, for example? The reader also needs to know about basic skills. Is your subject especially skillful or highly experienced? And the reader will probably want to know something about your subject’s motivation or drive. Why does your subject want this new position? Whatever you claim, make sure you provide at least some support. Give a quick example or explanation for why you believe whatever you are claiming.

FORMAT:
For your reader to see you as credible, you need to follow proper business format. Whenever necessary, make up the reader’s name, address, etc. However, do not skip these elements. Even though you are “pretending” to write a real letter of recommendation, you are being graded in part on your ability to format the letter correctly. Make up whatever you need, but do not omit information.