Is there a format for recommendations?

A good recommendation comes from a person who really understands you as a person. Your teacher, who has seed you through different stages, or a supervisor at office who has monitored your work will be ideal to write it for you.

Some pointers you can share with the people recommending you:

• Mention how they know you.

• They may include the qualities that they like in you as a person.

• They may also point out your special skills.

• If they have information on your background pertaining to education and work experience, that can be mentioned too.

Here are a couple of samples:

I have taught Ajay in school. He was an energetic student who was active in extra-curricular activities. He was known among his classmates and teachers for being a helpful child. I am sure that he will be able to help people with his kind heart and become a trusted companion. I wish him all success.

I had the privilege of being Smitha's manager at TCS. She is a team player who believes in people and their capacities. Likewise, she believes she can add value as a person to any given situation she is in. Her helping mentality - particularly in grooming younger colleagues and helping them grow - was something I have always been proud of. No matter what responsibility she takes up, she completes them with 100% sincerity. YoCo will surely benefit from her commitment to serve.