Letter of Recommendation

The purpose of the letter of recommendation is to give a prospective employer pertinent information about the applicant's qualification, character and general conduct. The letter should be a straightforward, factual and specific evaluation or appraisal of the applicant. Most letters of recommendation fall into two classes: general letters and personal letters. The classification largely depends on the type of questions asked by the prospective employer. Should these questions be rather general, the answer will naturally be of a general nature. On the other hand, should the prospective employer ask specific questions, then the response should concern itself with direct answers.

The letter should be directed to the attention of some particular person, giving a detailed account of the applicant's qualifications and character. "To Whom It May Concern" letters are vague, general and highly impersonal, and therefore should be avoided except in those cases where it is practically impossible to obtain the specific name of the addressee.

Here is a sample of a letter of recommendation:

C. B. Armwhite (Surveyors), Inc.
7th Floor, Mariner's Building
Ayala Avenue, Makati City

January 8, 2011



Manila Survey Company, Inc.
7th Floor, Manila Builder's Center Building
6981 Ayala Avenue, Makati City


Attention: Mr. Juan Gabriel, HRD Manager

Gentlemen:

Mr. Jose R. Cruz joined our Company in November 3, 2007. He was initially assigned to our accounting department in view of his background in auditing, and served us as one of  our senior accountants for almost a year. During this time, we found his work highly satisfactory.

On September 15, 2007, he was assigned to our Marine department, and assumed the position of marine surveyor. This position has imposed upon him added burdens and responsibilities which he has undertaken in a most commendable manner. Shortly thereafter, and as a reward for the efficient manner in which he fulfilled his duties, we promoted him to the position of Supervisor of our Marine department, a position he held until his resignation in December 31, 2010.

Mr. Cruz is a man of unusual ability and energy. He has proven himself to be capable of any task assigned to him with commendable results. He is well-mannered and is well liked by his associates. For the past years we have hoped that we might advance Mr. Cruz again, but the conditions have been such that we find ourselves unable to do this. However, because we believe Mr. Cruz is deserving of a promotion, we do not hesitate to recommend him for the position of Marine Manager in you company. Our only regret is that we cannot offer him a comparable position within our own company at this time.

Very truly yours,



Miel Castillo
Marine Manager

MC:th