Letter of Recommendation

1. A letter of recommendation is generally written on the behalf of someone, such as a prospective student or employee. The person writing the letter has been chosen, because he is viewed as a prominent or influential individual. The letter typically lists the values, strengths, qualities and other positive characteristics of a person. The writer of the letter shows why the person being recommended deserves whatever the recommendation is concerning, such as being accepted to the school, hired for a job, accepted to an organization, let out of trouble, and so on.

Letter of Resignation
2. Someone writing a letter of resignation is typically resigning from a position, title, school, organization and so on. The letter of resignation details why the person is leaving, such as illness, personal issues, better opportunities or unfair working conditions. The letter of resignation states the time when a person will be stepping down from the position, which could be immediately or two weeks from the date the letter was submitted. The letter has to be addressed to the appropriate manager or representative.

Thank-You Letter
3. When a person writes a thank-you letter, it is to do just that, thank the recipient. The thank you could be for an act of kindness. If students receive private scholarships and grants, it is not required but considered common courtesy to send the sponsor or donor a thank-you letter. Thank-you letters show the person who did something in your favor or to your liking that she is appreciated.

Acceptance and Denial Letters

4. Whenever a person applies to a college or university, for a checking or banking account, for a credit card and so on, he will await an acceptance or denial letter. The acceptance letter states that the person has been accepted into the school or approved for the account, and typically begins with "congratulations." In contrast, a letter of denial typically begins with "after careful consideration." A letter of denial encourages the person to continue on and wishes the person luck, or that he should try back at a later time.

Letter of Intent
5. When athletes choose the college or university they will be intending, a letter of intent is signed. There are specific dates as to when an athlete may sign a letter of intent. The NCAA allows student athletes to verbally announce where they are going to college at anytime. However, the NCAA has specific dates that a student can begin signing a letter of intent, such as Nov. 11, 2009, for 2010-11 students. A student or college is not legally bind until a letter of intent has been signed by the student.

Sample college recommendation (undergraduate)

To Whom It May Concern: I am very pleased to recommend Martha Holden for admission to your university program. As her guidance counselor for three years I have watched this young woman develop both academically and personally into a mature individual ready in every way for her college years. Martha is bright, energetic, compassionate and genuinely well rounded. Her grades have been consistently above average in all of her courses, and she has actively participated in a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities ranging from track and field and chorus to the school yearbook and our drama club. Martha has also spent considerable time outside the school involved in the community. This has included work with Meals on Wheels and volunteering 10 hours a week at one of our area's shelters for battered and abused women. They think so much of her at the shelter they have offered her a paid internship for next summer. Previously, this internship had never been awarded to anyone before the end of their college sophomore year. Despite all the preparations that will be required for going off to college next fall, Martha told me she is absolutely thrilled about this opportunity and feels it will enhance her university studies. Unlike many students who are not sure which field to pursue, Martha has made clear to us all that her goal is to do Social Work. To this end she has worked tirelessly in our pilot program for mentoring Special Education students mainstreamed into our school. In closing, let me take a moment to recount an incident which I believe speaks volumes about the superior nature of this candidate. Two years ago I was returning from lunch to my office when I saw ahead of me in the hallway 90 pound Martha, arms stretched out between two 180+ pound students, one a Special Ed student and the other a school bully. Other students were standing by motionless or laughing while Martha showed the leadership and courage to immediately put an end to the embarrassing fight that had erupted. It is clear to me as I hope it is to you that this young woman, Martha Holden, is an exceptional candidate, one that would contribute greatly to any program. I wholeheartedly recommend her and wish her the very best in all future endeavors. Sincerely, Jean Atkins Senior Counselor Alexander Hamilton High School

Sample college recommendation (graduate)

To Whom It May Concern: As Principal of George Mason High School I am delighted to recommend to you a stellar member of our teaching staff, Mr. Samuel Cohen, and to write this letter on his behalf. Sam has taught American History at the school for three years. He is one of our most popular and effective instructors and has already won several teaching awards. He came to us directly upon completion of his bachelors degree, but immediately settled in as if an old pro. Sam is a master of all of the ingredients of successful teaching, especially the ability to inspire. This gentleman is highly professional in both dress and demeanor. To my knowledge Sam has never come to work without both a suit and tie, more times than not a bow tie. The majority of others at the school, both teachers and students, dress differently and lean to more informality. Never once, however, has Sams manner of dress elicited the slightest comment. Why? It is simply because Sams attire seems entirely natural given his dignified comportment. That comportment in turn is driven by Sams love and respect for American History. Sam views himself as the messenger for something serious and important, and this is reflected in the way he teaches and in the way his students respond. Reaction to Sams classes has been overwhelmingly positive. So much so that more than once it has been reported to me that study hall students have been spotted lingering outside the door to Sams classroom listening to his lessons. Sams impact has even been felt outside the school with the parents themselves. His section on the importance of voting has inspired students to cajole their parents to register to vote. Several have mentioned this to me at parent-teacher meetings. One even called the school to have me pass on their thanks to Mr. Cohen. The only thing that we in the school administration have ever worried about in regard to Sam is the prospect of funding his bottled water. Sam is such a passionate and prolific speaker that he needs a steady supply to maintain his voice. So far we have gotten a pass on this, as students have bought it for him, including what must have been a years supply on his last birthday. It will be a sad day when we announce that Sam will be pursuing his graduate degree on a fulltime basis. We can only hope that he keeps his promise and returns to us as soon as the ink is dry on his new diploma. Sincerely, Harold W. Brown Principal George Mason High School

Todays Date Managers Name Company Name Company Address Dear Mr./Ms. Manager: This is my formal notification that I am resigning from (company name) as (title). (Date) will be my last day of employment. I appreciate the opportunities I have been given here, and wish you much success in the future. Sincerely, (your signature) Your Name Todays Date Managers Name Company Name Company Address Dear Mr./Ms. Manager Please accept this letter as my two-weeks notice of resignation. My last day of work will be (last day). While I have been very satisfied at XYZ Company, I have decided to make this move to advance my career. I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate the opportunities I have been given here. I will do my best to hand off my current projects prior to (last day of work). Please let me know if you need my help in any other way. Sincerely, (sign here) Your Name cc: (names of those being copied on the letter)

Dear Ms. Smith: My name is Robin Shreeves and I'm a senior at Florida State Univeristy, majoring in physics. I've made the Dean's List every semester, and I'm writing to express my interest in your graduate physics program at the University of Texas. I learned about the University of Texas graduate physics program in Physics Today magazine. When I saw what you did to revolutionize our understanding of magnetism, I dug deeper to learn more about what the program offers. The cutting edge research behind your program, combined with some of the greatest minds in physics as professors, make the Univeristy of Texas physics program a phenomenal place to expand my knowledge. I would like to discuss this program with you over the phone.My phone number is 555-5555, and my email address is student@letterofintent.com. Sincerely, Robin Shreeves

Ms. Maria dela Cruz Zone Administrator ABC Mall Dear Ms. dela Cruz, XYZ Foods would like to present this Letter of Intent to signify our interest in leasing a commercial space inside ABC Mall. We are the business behind the food cart, W Burgers, which has been selling gourmet hamburgers since 2004. Our products include a variety of hamburger sandwiches and burger rice meals. We also sell ice cold beverages. Currently, our burger sandwiches and rice meals sell for P80 each. Our clients are usually young professionals who order our food as packed meals for lunch or dinner. The W Burger food cart that we plan to put up would require at least 6 square meters and a power outlet for a cash register, a small freezer, a rice cooker, a soda vendo machine and a gas operated frying griddle. The food cart would be manned by two employees. We already have 5 branches located in various commercial areas in the city but this is our first venture in putting up a branch inside a mall. Attached are the photos of our existing branches. We believe that our food cart compliments the business concept of ABC Mall because we cater to the same target market. Thus, we would appreciate it if you could contact us at 555-0921 during office hours from Mondays to Thursdays, so we can set up a meeting to discuss this further and possibly come up with a formal business agreement. Thank you very much. Respectfully, Mr. Pedro Reyes Sole Proprietor XYZ Foods W Burgers

Mr. George Gilhooley XYZ Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065 (909) 555-5555 george.gillhooley@email.com Date Dear Mr. Gilhooley, I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three references. The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include:

I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications I strive for continued excellence I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers

With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime via email at george.gillhooley@email.com or my cell phone, 909-5555555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. Sincerely, FirstName LastName

15 April 2005 The Office Manager PO Box 143 Sumner Park QLD 4074

Dear Sir/Madam Re: Trades Assistant/Labourer Position

I am applying for the position of Trades Assistant/Labourer, which was advertised in The Courier Mail on Saturday 14 April 2005. I have over 7 years experience working as a Trades Assistant/ Labourer for a steel-manufacturing organisation. In this position, I performed such tasks as Mig, Tig and oxy-welding as well as assisting the tradesman with all of their duties. I have also successfully completed a Certificate in Welding at TAFE. In all of my previous employment positions I have been required to work unsupervised, and I am competent is the use of power and hand tools. My work history shows that I can perform any tasks in this area of employment as is requested of me. Since beginning my working career I have gained many skills in the area of customer service and feel that I would be a valuable asset to your organisation. I have enclosed my resume and can be contacted at anytime for an interview on 333 3333 33. Yours faithfully,

Bill Smith

Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Date Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the assistant account executive position at the Smith Agency. The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match for my skills and interests. The creative approach to account management that you described confirmed my desire to work with you. In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness and the ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department. My artistic background will help me to work with artists on staff and provide me with an understanding of the visual aspects of our work. I understand your need for administrative support. My detail orientation and organizational skills will help to free you to deal with larger issues. I neglected to mention during my interview that I had worked for two summers as a temporary office worker. This experience helped me to develop my secretarial and clerical skills. I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you about this position. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Typed Name

7 Greenway Court Eugene, OR 97401 503-555-0303 Mr. Archie Weatherby California Investments, Inc. 25 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94102 Dear Mr. Weatherby, Thank you for taking the time to discuss the insurance broker position at California Investments, Inc., with me. After meeting with you and observing the company's operations, I am further convinced that my background and skills coincide well with your needs. I really appreciate that you took so much time to acquaint me with the company. It is no wonder that California Investments retains its employees for so long. I feel I could learn a great deal from you and would certainly enjoy working with you. In addition to my qualifications and experience, I will bring excellent work habits and judgment to this position. With the countless demands on your time, I am sure that you require people who can be trusted to carry out their responsibilities with minimal supervision. I look forward, Mr. Weatherby, to hearing from you concerning your hiring decision. Again, thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

John Oakley

Dear Ms or Mr Re: Application for a Personal Loan Thank you for your request for a personal loan. After careful consideration, you application has been unsuccessful. Our decision was based on an analysis of all the information that you provided at the time of your application, using a system called credit scoring. The credit scoring system allocates points to your application details as well as information received from a credit reference agency. We then add the points together to arrive at an overall score. In your case, the total of points for your application was below the minimum required at this time. I am unable to provide you with any further information regarding your individual application. However, I can provide you with a copy of our leaflet which explains out credit scoring process in more detail. Should you require a copy, please telephone me or contact your local branch. Yours sincerely, Signature Senders Name Manager Customer Underwriting

7 Shawnee Road Short Hills, NJ 07078 201-555-0303 Mrs. Walter Mellish Greenley Corp., Inc. 1010 Madison Avenue New York, NY Dear Mrs. Mellish: It was certainly wonderful news when you called this afternoon to offer me the position as assistant buyer for Greenley Corp. Please consider this letter my formal acceptance. I am pleased to accept your offer at a salary of $29,000 annually. As we agreed, my starting date will be July 28 to enable me to finish a summer computer class that will enhance my skills for Greenley Corp. I also understand that I will receive full company pay and benefits during the 12-week training program and that I am considered probationary during that time. Thank you again, Mrs. Mellish, for offering me this wonderful opportunity, and do let me know if I can do anything in advance of my start date to facilitate the paperwork, or if there are any areas you'd like me to be reading up on. What a delight it will be to work with you and the Greenley team! Sincerely,

Jane Oakley