How to Head a Letter of Recommendation
Writing a letter of recommendation is a significant responsibility that requires careful attention to detail and thoughtfulness. The heading of the letter is the first thing that the recipient will see, and it sets the tone for the entire document. Properly formatting the heading ensures that the letter is professional and easy to read. In this article, we will discuss the essential elements to include when heading a letter of recommendation.
Include the Date
The first element to include in the heading is the date. This should be written in the month/day/year format and placed at the top right corner of the page. Including the date is important as it establishes a timeline for the letter and provides the recipient with a reference point for the current date.
Recipient’s Information
Below the date, include the recipient’s full name, title, and contact information. This information should be centered on the page and formatted in a clear, professional manner. For example:
“`
Dr. Jane Smith
Department of History
University of ABC
123 Main Street
City, State, ZIP Code
Email: jane.smith@universityabc.edu
Phone: (123) 456-7890
“`
Sender’s Information
Following the recipient’s information, include the sender’s name, title, and contact details. This section should be aligned with the recipient’s information and should be formatted similarly. For example:
“`
John Doe
Associate Professor of English
University of ABC
123 Main Street
City, State, ZIP Code
Email: john.doe@universityabc.edu
Phone: (123) 456-7890
“`
Subject Line
A clear and concise subject line can help the recipient understand the purpose of the letter immediately. This should be a brief statement that includes the name of the person being recommended and the position or opportunity for which they are being considered. For example:
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Recommendation for John Doe for the position of Assistant Professor
“`
Letter Title
Finally, include a letter title that clearly indicates the purpose of the letter. This should be centered at the top of the page, just below the subject line. For example:
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Letter of Recommendation
“`
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the heading of your letter of recommendation is both professional and effective. Remember, the heading is the first impression the recipient will have of your letter, so take the time to format it carefully.
