How do you write strength and weakness in a letter of recommendation?
Asked by: Sonia Mraz | Last update: November 21, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (12 votes)
Look for specific examples and phrases provided by the reference. Strengths should highlight the candidate's skills and achievements, while weaknesses should address areas where improvement is needed.
What is an example of areas of improvement in a reference letter?
Some examples of top job-specific themes in the areas for improvement were: Delegating, for a project manager; Time Management/Prioritizing, for a phone customer service rep; Attention to Detail/Accuracy, for a software developer; Work-Life Balance, for a director of human resources; and Handling Stress, for a nursing ...
What are the strong words to use in a letter of recommendation?
- Successful.
- Excellent.
- Accomplished.
- Outstanding.
- Skilled.
- Knowledgeable.
- Insightful.
- Resourceful.
How do I mention weaknesses in a recommendation letter?
Be honest, but be tactful. One way to do this is by mentioning a weakness that can be connected to a related trait that's thoroughly positive. Also, try and show how the applicant grew and became a better professional.
What are your 5 strengths and weaknesses?
- Adaptability. Sample Answer: "Adaptability has always been one of my core strengths. ...
- Communication Skills. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Problem-Solving. ...
- Emotional Intelligence. ...
- Impatience. ...
- Issues with Delegating Tasks. ...
- Fear of Public Speaking.
Elements of a strong recommendation letter
What not to say in a letter of recommendation?
- General language or overly broad descriptors of the student's performance in the classroom;
- Focusing on a student's punctuality or ability to complete the readings. ...
- Too much time and attention detailing the relationship with the student or the content of the course.
What is the best opening sentence of a letter of recommendation?
The introduction, which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “it is my pleasure to recommend…”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is. The overview, or a description of the applicant's top skills, attributes, and strengths.
What strengths should be included in a letter of recommendation?
Make detailed reference to specific projects or activities in which the student participated, or specific work that was produced. You should discuss some or all of the following: Intellectual ability (overall intelligence, analytical skills, creativity, academic record, retention of information)
What is your biggest strength and area of improvement?
- confidence.
- ability to ask for help.
- proactivity.
- thoroughness.
- prioritization.
- complex problem-solving.
- leadership.
- resilience.
How do you write an area of improvement in a positive way?
When writing about areas of improvement at work, consider the specific skills and qualities that make up the overall employee performance. Make sure they're relevant to their position and leave some space for praise – don't make it all about the negatives!
How to answer a weakness question for a reference?
Don't be overly negative or self-critical
While being honest about your weaknesses is essential, don't overdo it. Clearly state your weakness, then balance your answer with how you are working to overcome it. Be specific about what you are doing; don't simply say you're working on it.
What is the best answer to strength and weakness?
Generally, you should mention a strength that highlights skills that are relevant to the role or industry you're applying for and that you can prove with achievements and concrete data. Your weaknesses shouldn't be deal breakers, like lacking a crucial skill for the job, but they should be relevant enough to mention.
What is a sentence for strength and weakness?
My strongest strength is my management skill - this skill helps me everywhere whether I am at home, office, or with my relatives. ... Also, I have excellent logical & imagination skill. Weaknesses: I am very emotional and i don't like to interact with others until and unless it is necessary.
What are examples of threats?
- Rising material costs.
- Increasing competition.
- Tight labor supply.
- Failure to get approvals.
- Legal/regulatory issues.
- Supply chain breakdowns.
- Weather/natural disasters.
What are 11 impactful words to use in a letter of recommendation?
They do this by invoking the linguistic terms mentioned above: standout terms or phrases, such as “unparalleled,” “one of the best I have worked with,” “incredible,” “fantastic,” “prodigy,” “unrivaled,” “outstanding,” “rising star,” “as good or better than” (a well-known person), “amazing,” and others.
What is the final sentence of a letter of recommendation?
The closing of the letter should briefly summarize previous points and clearly state that you recommend the candidate for the position, graduate program or opportunity they are seeking. The recommendation letter should be written in language that is straightforward and to the point.
What is the best sentence for the beginning of your letter of application?
It is with great interest that I have read your job offer and would like to apply for the position of Junior Product Manager in order to join your team and contribute to the success of your company. This position would be a great opportunity for me, etc., etc. Would you like to read the rest?
What are the 6 details that should be included in a letter of recommendation?
- 1 Date. Provide the date you send your letter, especially if there are specific application cycles or deadlines to adhere to. ...
- 2 Greeting. ...
- 3 Introduction. ...
- 4 Overview. ...
- 5 Personal anecdote. ...
- 6 Closing statement. ...
- 7 Signature.
What are good phrases for a recommendation?
- am honoured to support him as a candidate.
- am pleased to provide a reference for.
- am pleased to write a character reference for.
- am delighted to be called upon.
- am happy to recommend.
- first came to my attention when.
- has worked under my supervision for.
- has been a pleasure to supervise.
What 3 points would you like me to highlight in your letter of recommendation?
Leadership skills, dedication, ability to focus, and ability to learn quickly are all skills that are good to highlight in a recommendation letter. A great letter of recommendation balances describing both work that someone has done in the past and how it relates to their suitability for the position.
How do I write my strengths and weaknesses?
- Be tactful: Keep your response professional and avoid oversharing personal details.
- Focus on self-improvement: Talk about your efforts to overcome this challenge, including examples of your success.
- Be honest: Everyone has a skill they could improve, and most interviewers know it.
What is a good example of strength and weakness?
- 5 Personality Strengths You Should Know. Brave. Confident. Idealistic. Determined. Humble.
- 5 Personality Weaknesses You Should Know. Being too honest. Hard time letting go of tasks until finished. Giving myself a hard time and the deadline to finish work. Too critical of yourself.
What is the best answer for weakness?
- Self-critical.
- Insecure.
- Disorganized.
- Prone to procrastination.
- Uncomfortable with public speaking.
- Uncomfortable with delegating tasks.
- Risk-averse.
- Competitive.