Expert: Dan Smith - 8/6/2007

Question
Mr. Smith, I am embarrassed, but am in need of some professional help.
I am a department manager for Lowes Home Improvement. Words have never been much of a problem for me. Putting them in accepted professional order can be.
Two young college students worked for me this summer and were absolute wonderful help. One came to me this week and asked if I would give him a letter of recommendation to carry with him. I am honored that he asked, and I want to provide him with the best letter possible. What I need is a format to go by. Can you please help me? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,


Michael Alexander

Answer
Any standard business letter format will be appropriate, and you can find these in the templates section of Microsoft Word and other major word processors. Click File > New, and it will open up the templates. You may find one such as been preloaded with the installation, or from there you can check for Microsoft online templates. Just the new document button on the toolbar will not get you to the choices of templates.

In terms of content, the letter should be about three paragraphs. 1. Explain how you know the person. 2. Explain in some detail how the young man contributed, noting especially how he might have gone above the call of duty. 3. Conclude by saying you would recommend him for any position for which he is being considered. Also say you may be contacted directly and give contact information.

Add signature lines.

It would be even more helpful to the young man if you would allow him to use you in a list of references. A direct reference is more credible than a letter he carries with him. By all means, write the letter, but also allow him to give your contact information himself.

Hope this helps.