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How to write a personal letter of recommendation

Often time, potential employers will ask job applicants to submit letters of reference. These letter can be from former employers, colleagues or even friends. This is where you come in. There can be a lot of pressure when someone you know asks you to write a letter of reference to help them land the job they want. Here are some simple tips to help guide you along that process.

-Consider what the letter is for. Consider what the person who has asked you has asked a letter of reference for. While this is likely for a job, it can also be used in a background check or other specific procedures. This will instantly tell you which details you should focus on in your letter of refence.

-Consider the type of job your are providing a reference for. This will help you decide what qualities you should focus on in your letter of refence. There is no need to point out a person's sales abilities if he is applying for an engineering position. There is no need to point out how good of a team player the person is if he is applying for a freelance, work from home job.

-Who is the letter going to be read by? Letters of refence are best if they are addressed to a specific person, not the generic "To Whom it May Concern".

-What position and company is the person applying for? You will want to begin with something to the extent of "I am glad to recommend John Smith for the sales position at News Corp."

-Consider how you qualify to recommend the person. Point out in your letter how you are familiar with the job applicant and list some examples of situations in which the applicant has proven his abilities that you will go on to discuss in your letter.