Letter of recommendation

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 open up more to you. . .

But, What is a letter of recommendation? What do you use it for? We are going to tell you all this and much more below.

What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation can be stated as that document in which a person offers in writing an acknowledgment of their 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 bond that unites them both.

It must reflect the capabilities, qualities, characteristics, knowledge and training of a person and give value to his candidacy, whether it be a job, a bank, a training ...

Uses of letters of recommendation

A letter of recommendation has many uses. In reality, there are several types of cards of this type, even though the most common are:

Job recommendation letter

It is linked to work, and in it a recommendation from previous jobs so that there are more opportunities in future projects.

Personal recommendation letter

This in turn has many uses, since it can be used both for banks (request for loans, credits, guarantees ...) and for schools, adoption of children ... In general, they are Useful for any circumstance that calls into question your courage to take on 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, training programs abroad ...) where these recommendations are demanded to know if you are a person worthy (or not) of the training.

Even though it is not used much in Spain, we cannot say the same in other countries, where, to enter certain training, they require you to come with recommendations and until they are studied they do not accept or reject your application.

What to bring a letter of recommendation

Now that you know what a recommendation letter is, as well as the uses it can be used for, it's time to delve into the content it should carry. Even though there are different types of recommendations, almost all of them have items in common, and these are:

A suitable role

Do not go to print and present a letter of recommendation on thin paper, without the company stamp, much less that it seems sloppy. Even if you do not send the original (because you must keep it in case new situations arise), you must take care of the presentation of the letter.

The ideal is that Prints it on a sheet of paper with the company stamp and, if not, on a paper that is at least 90 grams thick, to make it stronger and more formal.

The header

Let's start with the header. Unless the person who is to receive the letter is known, it is best to write "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sirs" to cover a large group. You never know who might read it, and starting a letter of recommendation wrong can make you lose what you wanted to get out of it.

Identify the recommender

In other words, to the person who writes the letter and recommends another. But it is not enough to say "I am Pepito Pérez", you need it Include your name and surname, your email or contact telephone number and, if possible, 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 understand if he is a "trusted person".

Bonding time

Whether it is a job, personal or academic recommendation letter, you need that document to determine the type of connection that connects you, as well as the time you have been with that connection. As an example, if you have worked X years in the company, if you have been a friend for X years or as colleagues, etc.

Attitudes and professionalism

In this circumstance we refer to the way of being of the person to whom we suggest. In other words, talk about what attitudes you have (no more than 3) and what characterizes you at 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 job that has been performed, as well as a description of the tasks.

If it is a letter for a university, a 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 recommended person is a good worker, a good person, or someone you can trust.

Data and signature

For the person receiving the recommendation letter to confirm the data, it is a good idea to be 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 circumstance, there are several options:

In a company it is essential 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 doesn't excuse 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 get an idea of what you are like.

The letter of recommendation should be requested in advance, as it is sometimes not easy to write and takes time. In the case of companies, these are usually requested when the employment relationship ends, to serve as a presentation annex in the search for another job; but it does not mean that it cannot be ordered at other times, even when it is rare.

Examples of letters of recommendation

In summary, here are some examples of letters of recommendation of various types that can be useful as guidance.

[Place and date]

To whom It May Concern:

Through these lines I inform you that [Full name] I worked in my company / business / in my charge for xxx years. He is a worker of impeccable conduct. He has proven to be an excellent [job / trade] and a hard worker, committed, responsible and faithful fulfillment of his tasks. He has always expressed his concern to improve, train and update his knowledge.

During these years he has worked as: [to put positions]. I therefore hope that you will be able to consider this recommendation in your aspiring job as it will live up to your responsibilities and commitments.

With nothing else to refer to and, while waiting for this letter to be taken into account, I leave my contact number for any information of interest.

Sincerely,

[Nombre y apellido]
[Teléfono]

Another example

[Place and date]
[Nombre, apellidos y cargo de la persona o bien a la empresa].

I am writing the next personal recommendation letter in favor of (name and surname of the recommended person), who is identified through the national document number (identification number).

My name is (Name of the person who writes) and I write as (Relationship that unites you with the person, be it friendship, co-workers, neighbors ...) of (name of the recommended person) and whose current address coincides with the next address: (known physical address of residence, city or town).

I would like to say that (name) is a close, noble and generous person who can be trusted. He has always fulfilled all his financial commitments with responsibility.

Throughout our friendship, there have been several occasions when we have supported each other, and (name) has always been punctual and strict, while also providing support whenever and wherever necessary. He is obedient and honest.

I leave my staff (means of contact, either by phone or email) at the disposal of those who may need it, to expand the information or answer any questions that may arise in this regard.

(Phone or email)

All the best,

(Name and surname of the person who writes)

(Firm)