Write a KILLER Letter of Recommendation

Applications for colleges and jobs require letters of recommendation, often from teachers, coaches, or mentors. Writing LoRs (not Lord of the Rings) can be daunting. Writing a killer LoR is even more daunting.

What should LoRs do, contain, look like, etc.? Let's think logically...

LoRs are used by the recipients (schools, employers) to judge the character of applicants and get a more complete picture of their life. Starting from here and thinking logically, there are a few things we can learn about LoRs:

• It's not a good idea to just list activities - resumes and applications already ask for relevant work history, activities, and more stuff that can be listed.
• Tell them what they can't learn from a list - anecdotes are a good use of words. We'll talk about this more later!
• Your title doesn't really matter - how well you know the applicant is what really matters. A short, non-personal LoR from a U.S. Senator should not mean more to a recipient than a thorough, glowing LoR from someone who knows the applicant well. If a U.S. Senator's generic letter DOES mean more to a recipient, the applicant should run for the hills...
• Don't talk about things you don't know - If you knew the applicant played hockey but know nothing about their experience, that shouldn't be what you write about. Focus on how you knew the applicant!

Now we kind of know big-picture what letters should be, let's look at structure and content. ​

There are lots of guides online that explain the formatting of a letter, so we won't talk about that here except to say don't worry about writing your/the recipient's addresses at the top. And use a letterhead if you can. Okay moving on...

Structure and Content of a Letter of Recommendation:

1. Ask the applicant who you should make out the letter to (like "University of South Carolina Admissions department"), or start with "To whom it may concern" (especially if it's going to be used for multiple applications).
2. How do you know the applicant? - This can be the whole first paragraph! For example, "I had the pleasure of having [Student Name] in my U.S. History I class his sophomore year, then again in U.S. History II his junior year." or "I got to know [Student Name] well over the last three years as she volunteered as Youth Director at the Church of St. Andrew." Add a little bit more detail (did you supervise this person? Teach them?) and then it's a good idea to end with something like, "I have no doubt that [Student Name] will be a [great, helpful, crucial, etc.] addition to your organization."
3. What aspects of their character, personality, and skills will help them succeed in their new role or organization? - There are loads of lists of character or personality traits and skills that you can use, but definitely outline/brainstorm first before you start writing (that makes this part easier). Don't just put these as a list, but instead try to paint a picture. You could compare and contrast who they were when you first met them to now, or emphasize how much better they are than others you know at certain skills.
4. When did you see the stuff you talked about above in action? - This should be an anecdote featuring the applicant and showcasing their skills/character/personality. Challenges they've overcome (that you've seen!), a time where they surprised you or lived up to exactly who you know them to be, etc. Bonus points if this anecdote has the applicant in a situation similar to one they'll face in their new role. 
5. What's a one-sentence summary of this applicant? - If someone's going to skim your letter they'll likely read the first sentence of each paragraph, and/or the first and last paragraphs. That's why it's important to make sure this last paragraph summarizes your candidate's best qualities, but DO NOT LIST THEM IN A BIG LIST. Instead of listing try something like, "I know that [Name]'s interpersonal skills and dedication to excellence will ensure her success in your organization, and contribute to your organization's success." Hopefully less cheesy though...
6. How can they reach you? - This likely isn't required but it's a good idea! The last line of your letter before the signature line should be something like, "If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to send me an email at [your email here]."
7. Add your signature - Writing a physical letter that'll get mailed or delivered? This step is easy. Digital letters are a little harder to sign. One of two methods usually work best:
   1. Take a picture of your signature, then change the contrast/remove the background so that it looks like it's been written by a computer. You can use an app like CamScanner to do this automatically on your phone! Then insert the image into your document. 
   2. Type your name directly into your document in a handwriting font like one of these if you're in Google Docs, or these if you're in Microsoft Word.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I use contractions in a letter of recommendation, or do I have to be formal? - Don't be too informal (nobody's reputation was ever improved with "Yo this guy is lit! Brb gotta go"), but don't go so formal that it's impossible to read the letter fluidly ("The skills about which I will speak will leave onesself in awe of [Name].").
• Can I use nicknames in a letter of recommendation? - If it's easier for you to write the LoR using that nickname and as long as their nickname isn't something like "Lil Dicky": first explain it, then go for it. For example when you first mention the applicant put their nickname in the middle (like Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger). Then you can refer to the name "Sully" throughout without losing your recipient. If anything, nicknames show that you know the applicant more personally.
• How long should a letter of recommendation be? - The limit to aim for is one page, single-spaced with several paragraphs.

WARNINGS:

• Do not agree to write a letter of recommendation for someone you don't know well!! You will be doing them a disservice, as you'll come off disingenuous or have a bear of a time writing it. If you'd like to learn more about how to decline writing a letter for someone gracefully, comment below and we can write an article on it!
• Do not lie! It could come back to bite both you AND the applicant later. If you have to lie, you should not be writing a letter for that person in the first place!