A letter of recommendation for a student council is a written endorsement that shows how a student is worthy for being in the council.
When a student wants to run for student council at their school, they face some obstacles. One major challenge is showing that they are suitable for the role. A primary step in doing this is obtaining a letter of recommendation. This letter is typically written by a person who is respected, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.
This guide will provide tips on how to write a powerful letter that accurately presents the student’s abilities and shows they are good for the council role.
What Makes a Good Recommendation Letter?
Basic principles for writing a recommendation letter :
- Make sure your recommendation letter is short and concise, about one page long.
- Organize it well to highlight the person’s strengths.
- Clearly state the persons name and the position you are recommending for right away.
- Be enthusiastic in your letter and showcase the person’s character and personality.
- Talk about how they have contributed to their work or academic environment, such as completing tasks on time or showcasing their strengths.
- Use action verbs to describe their accomplishments, skills, and strengths.
- Use the active voice to show that you actively participated in events.
- Explain how you carried out your responsibilities and include interesting stories if possible.
- Make sure your letter is error-free, easy to read, and follows standard format.
- Avoid copying exact words or phrases from sample letters.
- Include your contact information, such as your full name, title, address, phone number, and email address.
- Expand on the person’s resume, but don’t repeat it word for word in your letter.
Template for Student Council Recommendation Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student’s Name] for the position of [Specific Position] in the Student Council. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number of years/months], having served as [their teacher/advisor/coach/etc.] at [School/Organization’s name].
In my interactions with them, I have come to understand that [Student’s Name] exhibits qualities such as leadership and dedication which are key for the position. Within the student council, [Student’s Name] actively participates in two standing committees and consistently contributes during meetings. He/she even offer their assistance at after-school work sessions, even though he/she was not an official member of that particular committee.
To provide an example of [Student’s Name] strong leadership abilities, back in September, he/she noticed that many freshmen in our school were feeling nervous and uncomfortable in the common areas during lunch or free time. He/she brought this concern to the student council and took charge by forming a committee. Together, they came up with a great idea called “chat and chill” to help make freshmen feel more at ease around older students. This activity was meant to create a friendlier atmosphere and make sure everyone felt comfortable.
Given these attributes and qualities, there is no doubt in my mind that [Student’s name] will make a significant contribution to your student council.
Please feel free to contact me at [(contact number) or email@domain.com ] should you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
FAQ
What should you avoid in a letter of recommendation?
Avoid vague or generic statements such as: reliable member, quick learner, good worker. Be specific and provide concrete examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments.
Is one letter of recommendation enough?
It depends on the specific requirements of the institution or organization. In many cases, one well-crafted and detailed letter of recommendation is sufficient.
What if I’m missing a recommendation letter?
If you are missing a recommendation letter, first, check the application requirements to confirm if it’s mandatory. If possible, reach out to the person who agreed to write the letter and kindly remind them of the deadline.
Who can write letters of recommendation?
Common recommenders include:
- Teachers
- Employers or Supervisors
- Mentors or Advisors
- Coaches or activity leaders
