Recommendation Letter: Nailing The First Paragraph
Writing a letter of recommendation can feel like a big responsibility. You want to do justice to the person you're recommending, making sure they stand out to the reader. And guess what? That first paragraph is super important. It's your chance to grab the reader's attention and set the stage for why this person is the right fit. So, what should you include? Let's break it down.
A. Describe Who You Are and Why You Are Recommending the Person
Okay, guys, this is the meat of the matter. Your opening paragraph needs to clearly state who you are and why you're qualified to recommend this person. Think of it as your introduction – you're building credibility right off the bat. Start by stating your full name and your current position or title. This gives the reader context about your background and experience. For instance, are you a professor, a supervisor, a project manager, or a colleague? Your role matters because it shows the reader the lens through which you've observed the person you're recommending.
Next, explicitly mention your relationship with the person. How do you know them? How long have you known them? Have you worked together on projects, or were they a student in your class? The more specific you are, the better. If you've worked closely together for several years on multiple projects, that carries more weight than a casual acquaintance. For example, you might write, "I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant's Name] for the past three years as their direct supervisor at [Company Name]." This statement immediately establishes your authority to speak on their behalf.
Now, dive into why you are recommending them. This is your opportunity to express your overall impression of the person. What makes them a strong candidate? What qualities or skills have they demonstrated that make you believe in their potential? Start with a general statement of support. You could say something like, "It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant's Name] for this position" or "I am writing to enthusiastically endorse [Applicant's Name]'s application." This sets a positive tone right from the beginning. Then, briefly touch on the key reasons behind your recommendation. Highlight one or two standout qualities or achievements that you plan to elaborate on later in the letter. Think of it as a teaser – you want to pique the reader's interest and make them want to learn more.
For instance, you might add, "During their time here, they consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to teamwork." This sentence gives the reader a glimpse of what you'll be discussing in more detail in the body paragraphs. Remember, your goal in this section is to establish your credentials, clarify your relationship with the applicant, and provide a strong opening statement of support. By doing so, you set the stage for a compelling and effective letter of recommendation. Make it personal, make it clear, and make it count!
B. Tell the Reader Not to Call You on the Telephone
Okay, let's be real – this is definitely not something you should include in the first paragraph of a recommendation letter! Can you imagine opening a letter with, "Hey, don't call me"? It's just not the vibe we're going for, guys. The purpose of a recommendation letter is to advocate for someone, not to set boundaries for communication. While it's perfectly acceptable (and sometimes even necessary) to manage your time and availability, the opening paragraph is not the place to do it.
Think about it from the reader's perspective. They're looking for insights into the candidate's qualifications, character, and potential. They want to know why you believe this person is a good fit for the opportunity. Starting with a statement about not calling you is not only unprofessional but also detracts from the positive message you're trying to convey. It can make you seem unapproachable or unwilling to provide further assistance, which is the opposite of what you want to communicate in a letter of recommendation.
Instead of discouraging phone calls in the opening, focus on making a strong case for the applicant. Highlight their skills, achievements, and personal qualities that make them a standout candidate. If you're concerned about being overwhelmed with phone calls, you can address this later in the letter, perhaps in the closing paragraph. You might say something like, "Please feel free to contact me via email if you require further information." This offers an alternative means of communication while still maintaining a professional and helpful tone.
The first paragraph of your recommendation letter is prime real estate. Don't waste it on logistical details or disclaimers. Use it to build your credibility, establish your relationship with the applicant, and express your enthusiasm for their candidacy. Leave the communication preferences for later, and keep the focus where it belongs: on showcasing the applicant's strengths and potential. Remember, you're writing this letter to help someone achieve their goals, so let's make sure that first impression is a positive and impactful one.
C. Name the Person You Are Recommending and Indicate for What Type of Position
Absolutely! This is a crucial element to include in your opening paragraph. You need to clearly state who you're recommending and for what specific opportunity. Imagine reading a letter where you have no clue who the writer is talking about – it would be pretty confusing, right? So, make it crystal clear from the get-go. Start by stating the applicant's full name. This avoids any ambiguity and ensures the reader knows exactly who you're referring to. Using their full name shows respect and professionalism, setting a positive tone for the rest of the letter.
Next, specify the position or opportunity they're applying for. This provides context for your recommendation and helps the reader understand what qualities and skills are most relevant. Are they applying for a job, a scholarship, a graduate program, or something else? Be as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying "for a position," you might say "for the Marketing Manager position" or "for the Master of Science in Engineering program." This level of detail helps the reader tailor their assessment of the candidate based on the requirements of the specific opportunity.
Including the position also demonstrates that you understand what the applicant is aiming for and that you've tailored your recommendation accordingly. It shows that you're not just writing a generic letter but that you've taken the time to understand the opportunity and the applicant's fit for it. This makes your recommendation more impactful and relevant. For instance, you might write, "I am pleased to recommend [Applicant's Name] for the Marketing Manager position at your company." This sentence immediately clarifies who you're recommending and the specific position they're seeking.
Furthermore, mentioning the position early on helps you focus the rest of your letter. You can highlight the applicant's skills, experiences, and personal qualities that are most relevant to the requirements of the role or program. This creates a cohesive and compelling narrative that supports your recommendation. Remember, the goal is to make a strong case for the applicant, and clearly stating the position helps you do just that. In conclusion, guys, naming the person you're recommending and indicating the type of position or opportunity is a must in your opening paragraph. It provides clarity, context, and focus, setting the stage for an effective and impactful letter of recommendation. Don't skip this step!
So, What's the Verdict?
The correct answer is A. describe who you are and why you are recommending the person. While naming the person and the position (C) is important, it falls under the umbrella of describing why you are recommending them. Telling the reader not to call you (B) is a definite no-go for the first paragraph. The opening paragraph should always focus on establishing your credibility and setting the stage for a strong recommendation. Make it count!
