Bio career center - SOP, Cover Letter, Resume , Guidance

(Your letterhead containing your contact information)

October 4, 2005

(Contact Name, when the letter is written for a specific position, company or individual)

John Doe, CEO of ABC Company
123 North Someplace
Anywhere, USA

Dear Mr. Doe: (or)
To Whom It May Concern: (When the recipient is uncertain)

(Intent:)

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Jane Smith.
(You can use "Ms. Jane Smith," but do NOT use "Miss" or "Mrs.," as it may create a basis for discrimination.)

Other sample leading statements for a recommendation letter include:

Please accept the following letter of recommendation for Ms. Jane Smith.
I am writing this letter of recommendation at the request of Ms. Jane Smith.
Upon your request, I submit this letter of recommendation for Ms. Jane Smith.

Other sample leading statements for a reference letter include:

Please accept the enclosed letter of reference for Ms. Jane Smith.
I am writing this letter of reference at the request of Ms. Jane Smith.
It is with pleasure that I act as a professional reference for Ms. Jane Smith.

(Writer's Qualification)

I have known Ms. Smith for seven years, both as her employer at ABC Company from 1999 through 2003, and as a professional colleague.

(Applicant's Qualifications)

Ms. Smith is a highly qualified sales executive with experience in the management of major accounts for mid-size to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to implementing strategic marketing and sales communications that effectively supported a $5 million increase in revenue for ABC Company (2002), Ms. Smith consistently delivered the types of programs and solutions necessary to achieve higher profit margins and wider marketplace potential. She produced quality teams that were devoted to her objectives and unfailingly handled conflict with grace and intelligence. Her dedication to quality customer service was bar none.

Ms. Smith holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Import and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Another University of Import. She is an active member of the ____________ professional association.

(Applicant's Character Traits - relevant to the positions being targeted)

Ms. Smith's native intelligence for sales and marketing is among the best I have seen. She has the drive and energy necessary to see complex projects through to completion, guiding teams and clients through the entire lifecycle process, on time and within budget. She is both a team player and a dynamic leader, a professional who wins the respect of others through her integrity and unwavering desire to bring out the best in her teams.

(Recommendation - not necessarily required in a reference letter)

I can confidently recommend Ms. Smith for any executive level position in sales, marketing, new business development and/or team leadership.

(Invitation for further contact or communication)

If I may provide you with any further information in your consideration of Ms. Jane Smith, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely:

Reference Name
Professional Title for Company Name
(555) 555-5555