When you apply for a new job, when you need to apply for a loan at a bank, or even when you are going to study something, the recommendation letter becomes a very useful tool that opens doors for you and makes interviewers more open to you. .
But What is a letter of recommendation? For what do you use it? We are going to tell you all this and much more below.
What is a recommendation letter
A recommendation letter can be defined as that document in which a person offers in writing an accreditation of your worth and / or professionalism so that it is taken into account in future projects, both personal and work.
In other words, we are talking about a personal tool where one person "recommends" another, offering a first impression based on the relationship that unites them both.
It should reflect the capabilities, qualities, characteristics, knowledge and training of a person and give value to his candidacy, whether for a job, for a bank, for training ...
Uses of letters of recommendation
A letter of recommendation has multiple uses. In fact, there are many types of cards of this type, although the most common are:
Job recommendation letter
It is linked to work, and in it a recommendation from former jobs so that there are more possibilities in future projects.
Personal recommendation letter
This in turn has many uses, since it can be used both for banks (requesting loans, credits, guarantees ...) and for schools, adoption of children ... In general, they are useful for any situation that calls into question your worth to take over a specific task. That is why they can be written not only by professionals (companies where you have worked) but also by neighbors, acquaintances, doctors ... Anyone who knows you can speak well of you.
Academic recommendation letter
They are used mainly at the university level or higher degrees (Master's degree, courses abroad ...) where these recommendations are requested for know if he is a person worthy (or not) of the training.
Although in Spain it is not used much, we cannot say the same in other countries, where, to access certain training, they require you to go with recommendations and until they are studied they do not accept or reject your application.
What should a recommendation letter bring?
Now that you know what a recommendation letter is, as well as the uses you can give it, it is time to delve deeper into the content that it should carry. Although there are different types of recommendations, almost all of them have elements in common, and these are:
A suitable role
Do not go to print and present a letter of recommendation on thin paper, without a company stamp, much less that it looks sloppy. Even if you don't send the original (because you should keep that one in case new situations arise), you have to take care of the presentation of the letter.
The best is that You print it on a piece of paper with the company stamp and, if there is not, on a paper that is at least 90 grams thick, to make it more resistant and more formal.
The header
Let's start with the header. Unless the person who is going to receive the letter is known, it is best to write "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sirs" to cover a broad group. You never know who will be able to read it and starting a letter of recommendation wrong can make you lose what you wanted to achieve with it.
Identify the recommender
That is, to the person who writes the letter and who recommends another. But it is not enough to say "I am Pepito Pérez", you need that Include your name and surname, your email or contact telephone number and if it can be, also your ID.
That way, whoever receives the letter, if they want more information about you, can contact her and ask her directly. And you will also be able to locate information from that recommender to see if they are a "trustworthy person".
Relationship time
Whether it is a letter of work, personal, or academic recommendation, you need that document to establish the type of relationship that connects you, as well as the time you have been with that relationship. For example, if you have worked X years in the company, if you have been friends for X years or as colleagues, etc.
Attitudes and professionalism
In this case we refer to the way of being of the person to whom we recommend. In other words, talk about what attitudes you have (no more than 3) and what characterizes you in your work (no more than 3).
What position have you held
In case it is a job recommendation letter, or if the relationship you have is of a labor nature, it would not hurt to put the type of position that has been carried out, as well as a description of the tasks.
If it is a letter for a university, master's degree ..., the person who recommends you can be a professor, and can talk about your performance as a student.
Recommendation phrase
This is something typical, but it is a text in which you make a kind of summary of everything you have commented, and the reason why the letter is written, indicating that the person being recommended is a good worker, a good person, or someone you can trust.
Data and signature
In order for the person who receives the recommendation letter to confirm the data, it is a good idea that these are here, not only the signature of the person who made the letter, but also their personal data, contact form, company address (or address), etc.
How to request a letter of recommendation
Now that you have it clear, it is time to request a letter of recommendation, but how do you do it? In this case, there are several options:
In a company, it is important that it is a person who has a higher position than yours and who has been observing you, or you have worked under their guidelines, since that way they will know more about you in a professional way. But that does not exempt you from asking your coworkers for a letter of recommendation as well.
For A personal recommendation letter, you can request it from a colleague, a friend, a relative, or even a neighbor. Believe it or not, these cards can also work very well and will help the other person to get an idea of what you are like.
The letter of recommendation should be requested in advance, since sometimes it is not easy to write, and it takes time. In the case of companies, these are usually requested when the employment relationship ends, in order to serve as a presentation annex when looking for another job; but it does not mean that it cannot be ordered at other times, although it is something rare.
Examples of letters of recommendation
Finally, here are some examples of letters of recommendation of various types that can come in handy as guidance.
[Place and date]
To whom it May concern:
Through these lines I inform you that [Full name] worked in my company / business / under my charge for xxx years. He is an employee with faultless conduct. He has proven to be an excellent [job / trade] and a hard worker, committed, responsible and faithful achiever of his tasks. He has always expressed concern to improve, train and update his knowledge.
During these years he has worked as: [to put positions]. Therefore, I hope you can consider this recommendation in your job position, as it will live up to your responsibilities and commitments.
With nothing else to refer to and, waiting for this letter to be taken into account, I leave my contact number for any information of interest.
Sincerely,
[Name and surname]
[Telephone]
Another example
[Place and date]
[Name, surname and position of the person or the company].
I write the following personal recommendation letter in favor of (name and surname of the recommended person), which is identified through the national document number (identification number).
My name is (Name of the person who writes) and I write in the capacity of (Relationship that unites you with the person, be it friendship, co-workers, neighbors ...) of (name of the recommended person) and whose current home coincides with the following address: (known physical address of residence, city or town).
I would like to state that (name) is a close, noble and generous person who can be trusted. It has always complied with all its financial commitments in a responsible manner.
Throughout our friendship, there have been several occasions in which we have supported each other, and (name) has always been punctual and strict, in addition to providing support whenever it was needed. He is compliant and honest.
I leave my personal (means of contact, whether telephone or email) available to whoever might need it, to expand the information or answer any questions that may appear in this regard.
(Telephone or e-mail)
Greetings,
(Name and surname of the person who writes)
(Company)