Need help writing a recommendation letter

[aggie94]

My former secretary is making a change to a new job and has asked me to write her a general letter of recommendation that she can use for different similar jobs that she is applying to. I adore her, think she's fabulous, and really want to give her a stellar recommendation. But I've never done this before. Usually, I'm asking people to write letters of recommendation for me!

I'm having a particularly hard time because she worked for me for just less than a year, not a terribly long time, and because I did a lot of my own work. Can anyone give me some pointers? Or maybe even a sample letter that they've written or received? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Gail]

Gosh, I don't have a copy hanging around, but I used to do this for my staff members on occasion. I'd start by saying that so-and-so worked with me in the capacity of thus-and-such for so-and-so period of time and that during that time, I found her/him to be ... then I'd simply describe the kind of employee the person was (conscientious, hard-working, punctual, honest...) In addition, if the employee had any other outstanding traits (for example, a lovely speaking voice, warm personality, quick learner...) I'd mention these things as qualities which made the person particularly well suited to her/his work. I'd usually close with some glowing review indicating my belief that this person would be a fine addition to anyone's staff... you get the picture.

[Elisabeth]

Gail's advice is great of course!! I write letters of recommendation for my students all the time, and the one thing I always do is try to include one specific memorable thing about that student--some assignment they did particularly well and then give details on why or a day when they saved the day in a class discussion. Something specific supposedly helps the people reading these recommendation letters differentiate one candidate from another.

[Natasha]

Hi Eva!

I've also done my share of these for former secretaries and for law students, and basically did the letters as Gail described. I agree also with Elisabeth that pointing out a way in which the candidate stood out or solved a problem works, too. This is probably obvious, but I'd close by saying that I would be pleased to talk with the reader and provide more details, or answer questions, if desired.

Good luck and I hope that your former admin. ***'t gets the job she'd like! Also, I hope that Austin is treating you well so far. :)

Natasha

[sassysu3]

I just wrote two recommondation letters, and I thought it was going to be tough, but once I got rolling along the words flowed.
One letter was for a recommondation from a parent (me) about a teacher who is getting married and moving to another location. So, I wrote about her contribution she made to the school year, the benefits my ds received from her dedication and enthusiasm. Tied this in with how it reflected on her knowing her subject matter. She was always helpful and available when needed...things like that. Although you are writing about an employee, you may be able to draw some parallels.
Hope it goes well.
sassysu3

[lindrusso]

Just don't mention anything about their physical appearance! :rolleyes: I peeked at a recommendation my college professor wrote for me (from an application that I never sent) and was horrified to see that he wrote somewhere in the letter that I was "attractive"!!! Now if I was applying for a modeling job, this might have been relevant, but I was sending off letters applying to graduate school as a psychology major!!! :o :o :o

[aggie94]

Thank you, guys! I knew you'd come through for me. This was very helpful. I think I managed to put together a nice letter for her that will hopefully do its magic and get her a great job. :)