Letter Of Recommendation - How to Ask and How to write

You may find it intimidating when receiving a suggestion to write a letter of recommendation. Because the person you are referring to is expecting you to help them.
Fortunately, you can use a general formula to write a letter of recommendation. And this video will give you two writing steps, both professional and effective.

📌 Instruction:

1. Step one: How to ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
Step 1 is very important, and people usually skip this step.
This concentrates on answering the five W’s

Who:
Who are you, and what is your relationship with the person writing the letter?
=> (employee/ the student/ co-worker/ friend/ relative, etc.)

What:
What do you want?
=> (job application/ scholarship/etc.) Be specific about what you are actually asking for. Make sure you ask for a letter of recommendation.

When:
- When did you first meet?
=> Let them know how long you’ve known each other.

- When is the recommendation due?
=> Let them know when you need the signed letter completed.
=> If online recommendation, when must it be submitted

Where:
Where should the letter be sent?
Is it signed and scanned as a PDF.
Must it be mailed directly to you or an organization.
Where to submit an online application.
Where a link will be coming to their email.

Why:
Be Honest with your answers:
- For a Job: Why are you applying for this job?
It will help you gain experience to achieve your ultimate career goal.
This is your career goal to work for/ as a …etc.

- For a scholarship: Why are you a good candidate?
Your passion, your life’s dream, unique relationship to the scholarship.
You are the first person in your school/ family to fly … etc.

- Why are you a good candidate for the position?
Your experience / Your values align with the organization.
List the value of the organization.
Give examples of how you align with those values.


2. Step two: How to Write a Letter of Recommendation?
There are three basic parts of a Letter of Recommendation
* Intro:
- Verify address and name are correct
- Should be provided by the applicant
- If no specific person, then address as to whom it may concern
- Statement of Recommendation
- Who you are, your position, and your relationship with the applicant

* Body:
Part 1:
Why are you recommending the applicant
List the reason they qualify for the position/ scholarship
Keep in mind the value of the organization the applicant wants to work for.

Part 2:
The personal story relating to the qualifications of the applicant.
The applicant may have included a story of how he helped you or the organization you work for
Include one or more values of the company the applicant is applying to without sounding contrived.

* Close:
- Invite the person to contact you.
- Include contact information such as a phone number and email.
- Signature with name and title.

* Review the letter:
- Be yourself
- Don’t sound contrived
- Have the applicant review the letter
- Keep a copy of the letter and prepare the letter for the applicant
- Make sure you have all online links if needed.

3. Inspirational Message:
- Take action
- Take one step today toward your career or goal in your life

🎬 Video Chapters:
00:00 Intro: The 2 parts to a successful Letter Of Recommendation
01:34 Step 1 : How To Ask For A Letter Of Recommendation and The Five W’s
06:50 Step 2 : How to Write A Letter Of Recommendation.
11:55 Inspirational Message