Writing a recommendation letter for a former employee or colleague can be a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to advocate for their skills and experience, helping them land a new job or opportunity. However, knowing where to start can be challenging. This article provides 18 comprehensive employee recommendation letter templates, covering various job roles and skill sets. Each template is designed to be easily customizable and adapted to the specific individual you are recommending, ensuring a compelling and effective letter.
These templates offer a solid foundation for crafting impactful recommendations. We’ll guide you through the essential elements of a great recommendation letter, including how to highlight key accomplishments, quantify achievements, and tailor your language to match the specific job requirements. Whether you’re recommending someone for a leadership position, a technical role, or an entry-level job, you’ll find a suitable template here to help you write a compelling and persuasive letter. Remember to personalize each letter with specific anecdotes and examples to make it genuinely stand out.
18 Employee Recommendation Letter Templates with Examples
Template 1: General Recommendation Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to work with [Employee’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years as their [Your Role]. During that time, I was consistently impressed by their [Positive Quality 1, e.g., dedication, work ethic, problem-solving skills] and [Positive Quality 2, e.g., teamwork abilities, communication skills, technical expertise].
[Employee’s First Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role as [Employee’s Position]. For example, [Give a specific example of their accomplishment and quantify it if possible. E.g., “they led a project that resulted in a 15% increase in sales,” or “they consistently received positive feedback from clients for their excellent customer service.” ]. Their ability to [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2] proved invaluable to our team.
[Employee’s First Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual. They are also a team player and always willing to go the extra mile to help others. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 2: Recommendation Letter Highlighting Leadership Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I had the privilege of working alongside [Employee’s First Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and witnessed firsthand their exceptional leadership qualities.
[Employee’s First Name] consistently demonstrated the ability to inspire and motivate their team. For instance, when our department faced a challenging project with a tight deadline, [he/she] took the initiative to [Describe the specific action they took to lead the team, e.g., “restructure the workflow,” “facilitate brainstorming sessions,” or “provide clear and concise direction.”] This resulted in [Quantify the positive outcome, e.g., “the project being completed ahead of schedule and under budget,” or “a significant increase in team morale and productivity.”].
[Employee’s First Name] also possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling them to effectively build relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. [He/She] is a strategic thinker, adept at identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing innovative solutions. I am confident that [Employee’s First Name] has the leadership skills and experience necessary to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your organization.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 3: Recommendation Letter for Technical Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I worked with [Employee’s First Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed by their technical skills and aptitude.
[Employee’s First Name] possesses a strong understanding of [Specific Technical Skill 1, e.g., software development, data analysis, network administration] and [Specific Technical Skill 2, e.g., cloud computing, cybersecurity, database management]. They are proficient in using [List specific technologies, tools, or programming languages, e.g., Python, Java, AWS, SQL].
During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s First Name] played a crucial role in [Describe a specific project or task where they utilized their technical skills. E.g., “developing a new mobile application,” “analyzing large datasets to identify trends,” or “implementing a new security protocol.”]. As a result of their contributions, we were able to [Quantify the positive outcome, e.g., “reduce development time by 20%,” “improve data accuracy by 15%,” or “enhance our network security posture.”].
[Employee’s First Name] is a quick learner and always eager to expand their technical knowledge. They are also a problem-solver and can effectively troubleshoot complex technical issues. I highly recommend them for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 4: Recommendation Letter for Entry-Level Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. While [Employee’s First Name] may be entering the professional world, their [Highlight a positive quality like enthusiasm, willingness to learn, or strong work ethic] and [Mention another positive quality, like attention to detail, strong communication skills, or ability to work independently] make them a promising candidate.
During their time as [Employee’s Role, e.g., intern, volunteer, part-time employee] at [Your Company], [Employee’s First Name] consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new skills. For example, [He/She] quickly mastered [Specific skill or task they learned] and was able to [Describe the positive outcome of their learning, e.g., “contribute effectively to the team,” “take on increasing responsibility,” or “improve the efficiency of a process.”].
[Employee’s First Name] is also a highly motivated and dependable individual. They are eager to contribute to your organization and learn from experienced professionals. I am confident that they would be a valuable addition to your team.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 5: Recommendation Letter for Sales Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the Sales Representative position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, where they consistently exceeded sales targets and demonstrated exceptional sales skills.
[Employee’s First Name] possesses a proven track record of success in sales. For instance, during their time at [Your Company], they [Describe a specific achievement, e.g., “increased sales by 25% year-over-year,” “consistently exceeded monthly sales quotas,” or “acquired several key accounts.”]. This was due to their ability to [Highlight key sales skills, e.g., “build rapport with clients,” “understand customer needs,” “effectively present solutions,” or “close deals.”].
[Employee’s First Name] is also a highly motivated and results-oriented individual. They are passionate about sales and always willing to go the extra mile to achieve their goals. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your sales team.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 6: Recommendation Letter for Marketing Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name]. I worked closely with [Employee’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed with their creativity, strategic thinking, and marketing expertise.
[Employee’s First Name] possesses a strong understanding of various marketing principles and techniques, including [List specific marketing skills, e.g., digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, SEO/SEM]. They are also proficient in using marketing tools and platforms such as [List specific tools, e.g., Google Analytics, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite].
During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s First Name] played a key role in [Describe a specific marketing campaign or project where they made a significant contribution. E.g., “developing and executing a successful social media campaign,” “creating engaging content that increased website traffic,” or “managing a successful email marketing program.”]. This resulted in [Quantify the positive outcome, e.g., “a 30% increase in website traffic,” “a 20% increase in leads,” or “a 15% increase in sales.”].
[Employee’s First Name] is a highly creative and results-oriented individual with a passion for marketing. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your marketing team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 7: Recommendation Letter for Customer Service Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the Customer Service Representative position at [Company Name]. I worked with [Employee’s First Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed by their exceptional customer service skills and dedication to providing excellent support.
[Employee’s First Name] possesses a genuine passion for helping customers and is adept at resolving issues efficiently and effectively. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling them to build rapport with customers and handle difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.
During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s First Name] consistently received positive feedback from customers. For example, [Describe a specific instance where they provided outstanding customer service, e.g., “they resolved a complex issue for a frustrated customer,” “they went above and beyond to meet a customer’s needs,” or “they consistently received high ratings on customer satisfaction surveys.”].
[Employee’s First Name] is a highly motivated and customer-focused individual. They are committed to providing excellent customer service and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 8: Recommendation Letter for Project Manager Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee’s Full Name] for the Project Manager position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s First Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and witnessed firsthand their exceptional project management skills.
[Employee’s First Name] possesses a strong understanding of project management methodologies and is adept at planning, executing, and controlling projects of varying sizes and complexity. They are highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively manage resources and timelines.
During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s First Name] successfully managed several key projects, including [List 2-3 key projects they managed]. For example, on the [Project Name] project, they [Describe their specific actions and contributions, e.g., “developed a detailed project plan,” “managed a team of 10 engineers,” “effectively mitigated risks,” or “successfully delivered the project on time and within budget.”]. This resulted in [Quantify the positive outcome, e.g., “a 15% reduction in project costs,” “a 10% increase in customer satisfaction,” or “the successful launch of a new product.”].
[Employee’s First Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented project manager. They are also a strong communicator and team leader. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 9: Recommendation Letter for a Teacher
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School/Institution]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[School/Institution Name]
[School/Institution Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Teacher’s Full Name] for a teaching position at [School/Institution Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Teacher’s First Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Principal, Department Head, Mentor Teacher] at [Your School/Institution] for [Number] years.
[Teacher’s First Name] is a dedicated and passionate educator who consistently demonstrates a commitment to student learning. They possess a strong understanding of pedagogy and are adept at creating engaging and effective learning experiences. [He/She] is skilled in [Mention specific teaching skills, e.g., differentiated instruction, classroom management, curriculum development, assessment].
During their time at [Your School/Institution], [Teacher’s First Name] made a significant impact on their students. For example, [Describe a specific accomplishment, e.g., “their students consistently achieved high scores on standardized tests,” “they implemented a new project-based learning initiative that increased student engagement,” or “they created a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where all students felt valued.”].
[Teacher’s First Name] is also a collaborative colleague and a valuable member of our school community. They are always willing to share their expertise and support their fellow teachers. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your school.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 10: Recommendation Letter for an Accountant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Accountant’s Full Name] for the Accountant position at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to work with [Accountant’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years as their [Your Role] and have been consistently impressed with their accounting skills, attention to detail, and professional integrity.
[Accountant’s First Name] possesses a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices, including [List specific accounting skills, e.g., financial reporting, auditing, tax preparation, budgeting]. They are proficient in using accounting software such as [List specific accounting software, e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle].
During their time at [Your Company], [Accountant’s First Name] played a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial records. For example, [Describe a specific accomplishment, e.g., “they streamlined our accounting processes, resulting in a 10% reduction in processing time,” “they identified and corrected a significant accounting error,” or “they successfully managed our annual audit.”].
[Accountant’s First Name] is a highly detail-oriented and results-driven individual with a strong commitment to ethical accounting practices. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your finance team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 11: Recommendation Letter for a Nurse
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Hospital/Clinic]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Hospital/Clinic Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Nurse’s Full Name] for the Nurse position at [Hospital/Clinic Name]. I have worked with [Nurse’s First Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Nursing Supervisor, Charge Nurse, Physician] at [Your Hospital/Clinic] for [Number] years and have been consistently impressed by their clinical skills, compassion, and dedication to patient care.
[Nurse’s First Name] possesses a strong foundation in nursing principles and practices, and is proficient in providing a wide range of nursing care. [He/She] is skilled in [Mention specific nursing skills, e.g., medication administration, wound care, patient assessment, emergency response].
During their time at [Your Hospital/Clinic], [Nurse’s First Name] consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. For example, [Describe a specific accomplishment, e.g., “they quickly and effectively responded to a patient in distress,” “they consistently received positive feedback from patients and their families,” or “they implemented a new initiative that improved patient outcomes.”].
[Nurse’s First Name] is a compassionate and dedicated nurse who is committed to providing the best possible care for their patients. They are also a valuable member of our healthcare team.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 12: Recommendation Letter for a Software Engineer
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Software Engineer’s Full Name] for the Software Engineer position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Software Engineer’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, where I saw firsthand their exceptional programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to creating high-quality software.
[Software Engineer’s First Name] possesses a strong understanding of software engineering principles and is proficient in various programming languages, including [List specific programming languages, e.g., Java, Python, C++, JavaScript]. They are also skilled in using software development tools and frameworks such as [List specific tools and frameworks, e.g., Git, Docker, React, Angular].
During their time at [Your Company], [Software Engineer’s First Name] played a crucial role in [Describe a specific project or task, e.g., “developing a new feature for our flagship product,” “improving the performance of our website,” or “building a new mobile application.”]. For example, [Provide specific details about their contribution and the positive impact, e.g., “they designed and implemented a new algorithm that improved the efficiency of our search engine by 20%,” or “they refactored a critical component of our codebase, making it more maintainable and scalable.”].
[Software Engineer’s First Name] is a highly skilled and motivated software engineer with a passion for creating innovative and impactful solutions. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your engineering team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 13: Recommendation Letter for a Graphic Designer
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Graphic Designer’s Full Name] for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Graphic Designer’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, and I consistently admired their creativity, artistic talent, and ability to translate ideas into visually compelling designs.
[Graphic Designer’s First Name] possesses a strong understanding of design principles and is proficient in using industry-standard design software such as [List specific software, e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign]. They have a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually appealing and effective designs.
During their time at [Your Company], [Graphic Designer’s First Name] made significant contributions to our marketing and branding efforts. For example, [Describe a specific project, e.g., “they designed a new logo that revitalized our brand identity,” “they created a series of visually stunning marketing materials that increased sales,” or “they redesigned our website, improving its user experience and aesthetics.”]. [Quantify the positive impact if possible, e.g., “This redesign resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic.”]
[Graphic Designer’s First Name] is a highly creative and talented graphic designer with a passion for visual communication. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your design team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 14: Recommendation Letter for a Data Analyst
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Data Analyst’s Full Name] for the Data Analyst position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Data Analyst’s First Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, and I was consistently impressed by their analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to extract meaningful insights from complex data sets.
[Data Analyst’s First Name] possesses a strong understanding of statistical analysis, data mining, and data visualization techniques. They are proficient in using data analysis tools and programming languages such as [List specific tools and languages, e.g., SQL, Python, R, Tableau, Power BI].
During their time at [Your Company], [Data Analyst’s First Name] played a critical role in [Describe a specific project or task, e.g., “analyzing customer data to identify trends and opportunities,” “developing predictive models to forecast sales,” or “creating data dashboards to track key performance indicators.”]. For example, [Provide specific details about their contribution and the positive impact, e.g., “they identified a key segment of customers that we were previously overlooking, which led to a 15% increase in sales,” or “they developed a predictive model that improved the accuracy of our sales forecasts by 20%.”].
[Data Analyst’s First Name] is a highly skilled and insightful data analyst with a passion for uncovering valuable insights from data. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your data analytics team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Template 15: Recommendation Letter for Human Resources (HR) Professional
[Your Name]
[Your Title]