GUIDELINES
- Write this letter when you cannot recommend a job candidate and you can't refuse to write a recommendation. Be careful while writing it so that the reader will get the message and you will be protected from a lawsuit. If it's possible, refuse to write a recommendation letter.
- Introduce the person you are endorsing and state that the candidate requested you to write a recommendation.
- State your business relationship (boss, supervisor, etc.) with the candidate. Tell the reader how long have you known him/her.
- Use restrained and moderate language while giving your recommendation. This tone will convey your reservations about the candidate indirectly. Mention positive qualities in the areas that don't matter. Don't say anything about the problem areas. Then you won't be held responsible for making degrading comments about the candidate.
- Highlight the fact that you wrote a recommendation on the candidate's request. Extend the offer to the reader to ask for more information. It will convey your message that you don't recommend the candidate.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I am writing this recommendation letter as requested by Eve Sandler, who is applying as a customer service representative for your company. She has worked in my office as an on-the-job trainee for about a year, handling customer inquiries and complaints. I can honestly say that she has the patience, perseverance, and understanding of the customers. She remains calm but focused even under pressure. I am sure that she can be an asset to any company. If you still have questions about Ms. Sandler, please do not hesitate to call me at 5678900.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Weak letter to recommend someone for a customer service job.
Further things to consider when writing recommendation letters to employers
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are letters written to provide information about your work or academic capabilities. These letters are written by your previous employers, colleagues, teachers, or any other person who can recommend your work or academic performance. The main objective of recommendation letters is to verify the aptitude, skills, and achievements of the person being recommended. They discuss the qualities and capabilities that make you the best fit for a given position or school program. Usually, these letters are sent to hiring managers or admissions officers to facilitate interviews or introduction of new candidates.
Writing recommendation letters is a huge responsibility that should be taken seriously. Therefore, before you agree to the task, you need to make sure that you understand what the letter will be used for and what information is expected from you. Begin by letting the recipient know that this is a recommendation letter. Explain how you know the candidate and how long you have been in a relationship with him/her. Give an evaluation of the candidate's skills and accomplishments and explain why he/she will be effective and productive. If necessary, give a personal testimony. End by reiterating your recommendation of the candidate and sign your name.
Letters to Employers
Letters to employers are letters written to people or organizations that hire or employ people. The sender of such letters could be an employee or a person looking for a job. Letters to employers could be of different types. For example, they could be application and cover letters to apply for jobs or thank-you letters after interviews to show that you are still interested in the interviewed positions. The letters could also be complaint letters to raise complaints at work, apology letters to apologize for wrongdoing at work, or resignation letters to leave currently held positions.
Letters to employers are formal in nature and should, therefore, follow the basic layout of formal letters. The letters must be brief and clear so that the recipients don't spend too much time grasping the content. Use the proper salutation depending on the job position of the recipient. If you know the recipient, address him/her by his/her name. However, in instances where you don't know your recipient, you can call and ask. Mention the reason for your letter and provide all the necessary information. Avoid making offensive comments even if you are raising a complaint. Close the letter on a positive note.
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