Final answer:
Before writing a letter of recommendation, research the specific job position, the company or institution, the candidate's relevant accomplishments and attributes, and the audience who will read the letter to tailor content accordingly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researching Before Writing a Letter of Recommendation
When preparing to write a letter of recommendation, there are crucial steps to ensure that the letter will be impactful and cater specifically to the needs of the position or opportunity being applied for. The following four research areas are essential:
- Research the position: Understand the specific requirements, duties, and desirable traits that the job entails. This will help in tailoring the recommendation to demonstrate how the candidate meets these needs.
- Research the company or institution: Knowing the values, mission, and culture of the organization will allow you to highlight aspects of the candidate's experience and character that align with the organization's ethos.
- Research the candidate's accomplishments and attributes: Gather examples of the candidate's achievements, skills, and qualities that are relevant to the position, ensuring the letter showcases their suitability.
- Research the audience or recipient: Consider who will be reading the recommendation and what attributes they might prioritize in a candidate. This can guide the tone and content of the letter.
In addition to these areas, one must be prepared to provide examples of the candidate's key personality traits and how they align with the job's requirements, as well as consider any professional standards or guidelines that need to be followed while drafting the document. Continual research and being ready to follow up on any new leads is fundamental to the process of writing a robust and convincing recommendation letter.