目录

  • 1 An Overview of Business Writing
    • 1.1 Visual materials for the Chapter
    • 1.2 Functions of Business Writing
    • 1.3 Criteria and Techniques for Effective Business Writing
    • 1.4 Approaches to Organizing Business Writing
  • 2 Structure and Styles of Business Letters
    • 2.1 Structure of Business Letters
    • 2.2 Styles of Business Letters
  • 3 Sales-related Inquiries and Replies
    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 Sample Analysis
    • 3.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 4 Order Letters and Confirmation Letters
    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 sample Analysis
    • 4.3 Useful Sentences and Patterns
  • 5 Letters of Shipment
    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Sample Analysis
    • 5.3 Useful Sentences and Patterns
  • 6 letters of Payment and Settlement of Accounts
    • 6.1 Introduction
    • 6.2 Sample Analysis
    • 6.3 Useful Sentences and Patterns
  • 7 Routine Claims and Adjustments
    • 7.1 Introduction
    • 7.2 Sample Analysis
    • 7.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 8 Persuasive Claims and Refusals
    • 8.1 Introduction
    • 8.2 Sample Analysis
    • 8.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 9 Sales Letters
    • 9.1 Introduction
    • 9.2 Sample Analysis
    • 9.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 10 Invitation and Thank-you Letters
    • 10.1 Introduction
    • 10.2 Sample
    • 10.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 11 Letters of Apology and Congratuation
    • 11.1 Introduction
    • 11.2 Sample Analysis
    • 11.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 12 Notices and Announcements
    • 12.1 Introduction
    • 12.2 Sample Analysis
    • 12.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 13 Memos and Minutes
    • 13.1 Memos
      • 13.1.1 Introduction
      • 13.1.2 Sample Analysis
      • 13.1.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
    • 13.2 minutes
      • 13.2.1 Introduction
      • 13.2.2 Sample Analysis
    • 13.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 14 Resume
    • 14.1 Introductioon
    • 14.2 Sample Analysis
    • 14.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
    • 14.4 More reference: Steps in Resume Writng
  • 15 Letters of Application
    • 15.1 Introduction
    • 15.2 Sample Analysis
    • 15.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 16 Letters of Recommendation
    • 16.1 Introduction
    • 16.2 Sample Analysis
    • 16.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 17 Proposals
    • 17.1 Introduction
    • 17.2 Sample Analysis
    • 17.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 18 Reports
    • 18.1 Introduction
    • 18.2 Sample
    • 18.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
  • 19 Questionnaires
    • 19.1 Introduction
    • 19.2 Sample Analysis
  • 20 Business Agreements
    • 20.1 Introduction
    • 20.2 sample  Analysis
    • 20.3 Useful Patterns and Sentences
Introduction

 

 




A great first step to write a letter of recommendation is to jot down a list of keywords and key phrases -- accomplishments and qualities -- you want to address within the letter. Such a list will help you avoid the most common mistake made in these letters: vague, metaphoric writing. Anchor your writing to specific images and anecdotes; provide concrete, convincing evidence. 

 

Classify your keywords into

 

        Transferable skills /professional/academic qualities 

        Is this person a leader?
      Is this person a strong team player? 
     Is this person a keen analytical thinker?
     Is this person capable of conducting sophisticated research?

        Strong communication skills?
      Fluency in certain languages?

        personal qualities 

 Does this person get along with peers? 
      Does this person have a good sense of humor?

        past accomplishments 

       What are the principal two or three accomplishments this person         has achieved under my guidance?

        weaknesses

What are some points this person must address to advance his/her       career?
     How well does this person learn from past mistakes?

        future potential 

        What do I believe this person is capable of achieving?

 

A letter of recommendation is normally composed of the following paragraphs:

 

First Paragraph: Introduce Yourself


Begin the letter by clearly stating your position, where you work, your relationship to the applicant, and how long you have known and/or worked with the applicant. 

Second Paragraph: Give Your General Impression of the Applicant


Third Paragraph: Applicant Quality 1


State the applicant's most noteworthy quality, and support that claim with a specific anecdote. For instance, you might say that Samantha is, first and foremost, a born leader; then, support that statement by telling about the time Samantha took the initiative to form a task force to deal with a glitch in the company's computer accounting system. 

Fourth Paragraph: Applicant Quality  2


Again, state your claim with specific anecdotes and concrete examples.

Fifth Paragraph: State why you think the applicant's plans suit him/her.


Sixth Paragraph: State how you think the applicant will contribute to the program or company. 

Last Paragraph: Strongly reaffirm your confidence in the applicant's abilities and conclude by telling the readers they should feel free to contact you in case they need more information. Don't forget to include your contact information beneath your signature and name. 

 

SOME TIPS FOR THE CANDIDATE REJECTION LETTER

 

· Always end on a positive note wishing the person success. Make sure you thank your candidate for the time they invested in the application and interview process.

· Personalize the letter with the candidates name, the position, possibly a remark about the interview time.  You dont want your candidate to feel as if s/he received a form rejection letter even if it basically is.

· Get straight to the point in your rejection letter.  But, especially if you have called, the candidate really already knows what to expect in the letter.