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 presently the manager of Steven Sandler, an applicant in your company. He requested that I write a recommendation letter in support of his application. Steven has been working in our department for three years already, and I have known him to be a man who takes his job seriously. He always does his work with utmost accuracy and a sense of urgency. He is also well-liked by his colleagues. I sincerely wish him the best on his career plans. I am willing to answer more questions you might have about Mr. Sandler. Just call me at 2223333.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Weak letter sample recommending someone for a job.
Further things to consider when writing recommendation letters to human resources
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 Human Resources
Letters to human resources are letters written to the personnel or department that deals with administration, training, and hiring of employees in an organization. The role of human resources personnel is to handle everything from payroll to policy issues and legal grievances. If you have a policy or legal question, a personal issue that affects your work, or a serious problem with a colleague, the first person you may want to contact is a human resources representative. The best way to begin this conversation is by drafting a letter stating your specific problem.
When writing letters to human resources, make sure to follow all the rules of a formal letter. Start by addressing your letter to the right person. Write a clear subject line communicating your problem and indicating that action is needed. Set a formal and professional tone early in the conversation. Keep your sentences short and clear and avoid providing more information than is necessary. Describe the issue precisely giving a timeline of when it started. Explain what you have done or think can be done to address the issue. Request for an in-person meeting. Close on a note of anticipation to seeing the issue resolved.
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