As I pointed out in my April 5/05 posting on this Blog, letters of recommendation in their various forms are among the most difficult letters to write. That’s because, by their very nature, these types of testimonial letters almost always have important implications affecting the life and/or future of the person about whom the letter is being written.
The approach, tone, and wording used in these letters is usually a major factor in whether the person about which the letter is being written will be accepted (or NOT) for such things as: employment applications, job promotions, college and university program admission, memberships in clubs and associations, qualification for awards and scholarships, financial assistance programs, entrance into special programs, community service appointments, housing/accommodation, government appointments, etc.
Since I wrote my first book on this subject, I’ve been watching the whole subject carefully and have conducted additional research, leading me to conclude that there is widespread confusion out there as to the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation and letters of reference, and their various derivatives. In summary, many people (and companies, and institutions) often don’t know which type of letter is which, and how to write a proper and appropriate letter.
So, in an effort to clear up this common misunderstanding once and for all, I have created a NEW Web site that focuses exclusively on information and resources directly related to the writing of the two main categories of testimonial letters: Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Reference…
