Effective Guide to Closing a Reference Letter

Throughout any professional’s life, there will come a time when they need to request people to vouch for them.

Former teachers, supervisors, and managers are ideal people because they have personal knowledge of a candidate’s abilities and accomplishments. You’re in the right place if you need a proper letter of recommendation closing statement.

But first, let’s cover a few basic concepts.

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation expresses a writer’s support for a requester by vouching for his skills, character, and professional ability. Former students and colleagues will ask you to write a few recommendations throughout your professional life. This is especially true for those who hold supervisory positions and leadership roles.

Letters of recommendation serve as social proof because they are points of reference recruiters use to evaluate an applicant. They contain positive remarks about a person and explain why an employer should hire the candidate.

The Importance of Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are essential to applicants because they improve their chances of a favorable result. On the other hand, recruiters and admissions boards require these letters to prove that the person you recommend is qualified for a job. 

The premise is that people are inherently inclined to put themselves in a positive light, whether the information may be true or false. A character reference gives recruiters a way to understand what an applicant is genuinely like. Reference letters do this by eliciting testimony from someone objective.

Recommendation letters have three main components:

• Introduction and Background
• Specific Assessments and Observations
• Closing Statement

This article will focus solely on how to close a letter of recommendation. A closing paragraph needs its guide because it’s crucial for leaving readers with a good impression. This impression will often affect a reader’s decision and the points they will remember.

Considering the utter competitiveness of the modern market, standing out has never been more critical. 

Letter of Recommendation Closing

The end of your recommendation letter is arguably the easiest part of your letter. This is because you simply need to summarize your points in the letter’s body.

However, this doesn’t mean you can be careless. Each statement must shine to persuade your reader that the person you recommend is worth hiring. Here are some tips to help you.

• Focus on Your Best Points
• Use a Transition Phrase
• Invite the Recipient to Contact You
• Give a Fair, Objective Assessment

Check Out These Samples From Hey INK!

Sample A

I would recommend John Doe for the job opening that you have advertised. He is an excellent candidate with a great deal of relevant experience in the field. I am confident that he would be a valuable asset to your team.

Sample B

Overall, I highly recommend Mr./Ms. _______ for the job opportunity he/she is seeking. His/her skills and qualifications are an excellent fit for the position, and I am confident that he/she would excel. Thank you for your consideration.

Sample C

In conclusion, I would recommend X to any employer. He is a hard worker with an excellent work ethic. X has always been punctual and professional in his dealings with my staff and me.

In Summary

An effective letter of recommendation closing paragraph provides recruiters and admissions board representatives with a written statement describing a candidate’s qualities.

A recommendation letter supports a person applying for a job, scholarship, or unique program. Make sure to outline your experience and relationship clearly, and use only information you know personally. Strong recommendation letters should read like an unfolding story and end with a sincerely-written closer.