How to Write a Letter of Endorsement
Letters of endorsement can make a job application stand out from the crowd, help a student get a college scholarship or serve as a recommendation for clubs and programs. Most people realize how important these letters can be, but when you are asked to write one for someone you know and likely care about, it can be hard to know what to include in the letter.
If you are fortunate, a scholarship committee or employer will ask for specific criteria to be covered in the endorsement letter, thereby making your job easier as the letter writer. If what is wanted is not laid out, then you may need to come up with a letter from scratch. A few tips will help you write such a letter.
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Things You'll Need
- To compose an endorsement letter, you will need the following:
- Computer
- Printer
- Printer paper
Instructions
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Put your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address at the top of the letter, to lend some credibility to the letter. The person receiving the recommendation knows he/she can contact you to ask any further questions he/she might have.
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2
Skip two lines and type the name of the person you are writing the letter to. If you were not given a specific name, then you should use these words: "To Whom It May Concern:"
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Skip two lines and open your letter with the purpose of the endorsement. For example, I am writing this letter to recommend Jane Doe for a position with your company as an executive assistant.
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Explain how you know the person for whom you are writing the letter. If he/she is a former employee, state that. If the person is a neighbor, say that. Be specific about the length of time you have know the person and the relationship you have with this person.
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Skip a couple of lines and start a new paragraph. The second paragraph should cover details about why you think the person is well suited to whatever position or program he/she is applying. Think of things the person has done to exemplify his/her skills. For example, you can point out leadership skills because Jane or John Doe always volunteered to head up any project that you put together and organized the other employees. Different people have different skills, so it is important here to focus on the skills that the person you are endorsing does have.
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Close the letter. The closing should be simple and to the point. Mention that you are available for any questions. End with a comment about how you highly recommend the person you are endorsing.
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Add the signature block. Skip two lines and write "Sincerely," and then, skip four lines and type your name.
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Print the letter and check for typographical errors. If everything looks correct, sign your name in the blank signature area (the four lines you skipped in the signature block). Your letter is completed.
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Tips & Warnings
Refrain from writing more than a page for the letter. Employers may have several to read, so keep it short and to the point.
If you are truly endorsing the person, avoid any negative comments, even in jest.
References
Resources
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