Writing a recommendation letter, testimonial or letter of support
Now that you know what, when and why to write a testimonial, recommendation or letter of support, let’s learn how it is structured.
The basic outline follows standard (old school) letter writing protocol, as I’ve sketched below:
Letterhead/Logo or other distinguishing mark
Your name:
Date:
Subject: Letter of Support/Testimonial/Commendation for [person’s name]
Salutation: If it is for a specific position be sure to address it to that person. In the event, your letter is not time or position sensitive, you may use the salutatory address “To whom it may concern.”
Intro sentence: For example, The reason/purpose I’m writing is to provide a recommendation letter for [person’s name].
Your title/position/role/organization: Describe who you are? Your program description or company role. 2-3 sentences maximum. Establish your reputation and credibility. Share your platform and personal presence, if possible.
In the next paragraph, you, the author describes the person who is being recommended.
Establish your relationship, value and why you are writing to support them. This is the main background paragraph. It should briefly answer, How do you know the person you are writing a support letter?
For example, it is common to share how many years you’ve known the person. This is the main story, and should be no more than 100-150 words. Be sure to answer some or all of the following questions:
- Why you are writing?
- Why you believe in her/him enough to write?
Choose each person carefully
- What the person has done that makes her/him standout in your experience?
- What qualities do you believe make him/her appropriate for this job?
- How she has helped the world, your company?
Restate your praise, or core commendation/recommendation/testimonial sentence
Then, add the following sentence to close out your letter.
Feel free to contact me at any time with questions
Closing salutation,
Signature block, including your full name, title, affiliation and contact info: email, phone number.
Got it?
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”—Oprah Winfrey
The next time someone asks you for a letter of support, say, YES.
You’ll be helping yourself by helping lift them.
Want a simpler outline?
Who you are? Title/Organization: subjective/objective
Why writing?
What happened? Tell the story
How you benefited?
Summarize your Praise
State a specific Recommendation tailored to either a general or specific situation
Close
For more on the art of writing a recommendation letter, see part 1 of 2
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