Writing a persuasive letter of recommendation is a powerful way to support applicants in their pursuit of educational or employment opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key elements of writing a letter of recommendation, provide a step-by-step process, and offer valuable tips to help you compose engaging and convincing letters.
Writing Method
Follow these five steps to write a persuasive letter of recommendation:
- Evaluate the Applicant.
- Determine the Context.
- Organize Your Thoughts.
- Draft the Letter.
- Revise and Finalize.
Step-By-Step Table
| Step | Task | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Evaluate the Applicant | Assess the applicant’s strengths, weaknesses, and achievements based on your firsthand observations and interactions. | Review the applicant’s transcripts, resume, and other documents to gauge their academic or professional performance. |
| 2. Determine the Context | Understand the purpose of the application and the specific requirements of the opportunity the applicant seeks. | Research the institution or company to which the applicant is applying, and familiarize yourself with its mission, values, and culture. |
| 3. Organize Your Thoughts | Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure that your letter follows a coherent structure. | List the key points you wish to include in your letter, such as the applicant’s strengths, achievements, and personal traits. |
| 4. Draft the Letter | Begin drafting the letter using the outline created in step 3. | Refer back to the sample letters provided earlier in this document for inspiration and guidance. |
| 5. Revise and Finalize | Carefully review your draft, checking for grammatical errors, clarity, and conciseness. | Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to ensure that your letter is polished and persuasive. |
Sample Letter
Subject: Recommendation for Admission to Graduate Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Jane Doe for admission to your prestigious graduate program in Computer Science. As her professor for three semester-long courses, I have witnessed her outstanding academic achievement, dedication to her studies, and impressive analytical skills.
[Body Paragraphs]
Jane consistently earned high marks in all of my classes, demonstrating a thorough grasp of complex concepts and a keen ability to apply theory to real-world problems. Her final research paper on artificial intelligence received the highest grade in the class and has been submitted for publication. She actively participated in classroom discussions and brought fresh ideas to the table, showing great curiosity and eagerness to learn.
[Closing]
Overall, I strongly believe that Jane would be an excellent addition to your esteemed graduate program. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her strong academic foundation, makes her an exceptionally qualified candidate. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information regarding her candidacy.
Best regards,
John Smith, Ph.D., Professor of Computer ScienceConclusion
In conclusion, writing a persuasive letter of recommendation requires careful evaluation of the applicant’s strengths and achievements, along with a solid understanding of the context in which the letter will be used. By following the steps outlined in this guide and referring to the sample letter provided, you can develop engaging and convincing letters that support applicants in their pursuit of educational or employment opportunities.
Q/A
How can I ensure that my letter of recommendation is legally compliant?
To ensure legal compliance, avoid making statements that could be construed as discriminatory based on protected characteristics such as age, race, gender, religion, marital status, or disability. Instead, focus on discussing the applicant’s qualifications and achievements.
What should I do if I don’t know the applicant very well but still want to write a letter of recommendation?
If you don’t know the applicant very well, consider whether you have enough information to accurately represent their qualifications and achievements. If so, proceed with caution and focus on describing the limited interaction you had with the applicant rather than speculating about their broader capabilities.
Is it necessary to inform the applicant before writing a letter of recommendation?
Yes, it is generally recommended to inform the applicant before writing a letter of recommendation. However, always obtain permission from the applicant before disclosing any confidential information.
In summary, writing a persuasive letter of recommendation requires careful evaluation of the applicant’s strengths and achievements, along with a solid understanding of the context in which the letter will be used. By following the steps outlined in this guide and referring to the sample letter provided, you can develop engaging and convincing letters that support applicants in their pursuit of educational or employment opportunities.
