Crafting a powerful letter of recommendation is crucial for helping someone achieve their academic or professional goals. This comprehensive guide provides 18 diverse examples, covering various scenarios and highlighting best practices for writing effective letters.
Understanding the Power of a Recommendation Letter
A well-written letter of recommendation can significantly influence a candidate’s chances of securing a job, gaining admission to a school, or receiving an award. It provides valuable insights into the candidate’s character, skills, and potential, offering a perspective that complements resumes and applications. A great recommendation letter goes beyond simply stating facts; it paints a picture of the individual, highlighting their unique strengths and contributions.
Here are 18 diverse examples of recommendation letters, each tailored to a specific situation, offering practical guidance on how to structure and personalize your own letters:
- Academic Recommendation for a University Applicant
- Professional Recommendation for a Job Seeker
- Recommendation for a Scholarship Application
- Character Recommendation for a Volunteer Position
- Recommendation for an Internship
- Recommendation for a Graduate School Applicant
- Recommendation for a Medical School Applicant
- Recommendation for a Law School Applicant
- Recommendation for an MBA Program Applicant
- Recommendation for a Teaching Position
- Recommendation for a Research Position
- Recommendation for a Promotion
- Recommendation for a Leadership Role
- Recommendation for a Project Manager
- Recommendation for a Sales Representative
- Recommendation for an Engineer
- Recommendation for a Software Developer
- Personal Recommendation for a Friend or Colleague
Sample Recommendation Letters: 18 Real-World Examples
Example 1: Academic Recommendation for a University Applicant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., teacher, professor, mentor] at [Your Institution].
During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity, dedication to learning, and exceptional work ethic. [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated a strong grasp of complex concepts and a willingness to go above and beyond in [his/her/their] studies. For example, in my [Course Name] class, [he/she/they] consistently earned top marks and demonstrated a particular aptitude for [Specific Subject/Skill].
Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is an active and engaged member of our school community. [He/She/They] participates in [Extracurricular Activities] and demonstrates strong leadership skills as [His/Her/Their Role]. [He/She/They] are also a compassionate and supportive individual, always willing to help classmates and contribute to a positive learning environment.
I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, personal qualities, and drive to succeed at [University Name]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 2: Professional Recommendation for a Job Seeker
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[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 Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., manager, supervisor] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.
During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s Name] consistently exceeded expectations in [his/her/their] role as [Employee’s Job Title]. [He/She/They] possess a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a remarkable ability to learn quickly. In particular, [he/she/they] demonstrated exceptional skills in [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2]. For example, [he/she/they] successfully [Specific Accomplishment] which resulted in [Quantifiable Result].
[Employee’s Name] is also a highly effective team player and a valuable asset to any organization. [He/She/They] are always willing to go the extra mile to help colleagues and contribute to a collaborative work environment. [He/She/They] possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allowing [him/her/them] to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
I am confident that [Employee’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your team. [He/She/They] possess the skills, experience, and dedication necessary to excel in the role of [Job Title]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 3: Recommendation for a Scholarship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., teacher, professor, mentor] at [Your Institution].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptional student with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and community involvement. In my [Course Name] class, [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the material and a willingness to engage in challenging discussions. [His/Her/Their] academic performance is consistently outstanding, and [he/she/they] possess a genuine passion for learning.
Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities] and demonstrates a strong commitment to [Community Service/Volunteer Work]. [He/She/They] are a role model for their peers and consistently demonstrate leadership qualities. [He/She/They] have demonstrated a particular interest in [Specific Field] and plan to use their education to [Future Goals].
I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, personal qualities, and dedication to make a significant contribution to [Field of Study/Community]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 4: Character Recommendation for a Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Organization/Relationship]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Volunteer Coordinator Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Volunteer Coordinator Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., neighbor, friend, mentor].
Throughout our acquaintance, [Applicant’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. [He/She/They] are reliable, responsible, and always willing to lend a hand. For example, [he/she/they] volunteered [Specific Example of Volunteering or Helping Others]. This demonstrates their commitment to service and their willingness to go above and beyond.
[Applicant’s Name] possesses excellent interpersonal skills and is able to connect with people from all walks of life. [He/She/They] are patient, understanding, and possess a positive attitude that is contagious. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your organization and would make a significant contribution to your volunteer efforts.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the volunteer position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 5: Recommendation for an Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company/Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name/Internship Coordinator]
[Company Name/Institution Name]
[Company Address/Institution Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name/Internship Coordinator Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Student/Applicant’s Name] for the internship position at [Company/Institution Name]. I have known [Student/Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., professor, supervisor, mentor] at [Your Company/Institution].
[Student/Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and capable individual with a strong interest in [Field of Study/Industry]. In my [Course Name/Project], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated a solid understanding of [Relevant Concepts/Skills] and a willingness to learn new things. [He/She/They] are also a proactive and resourceful problem-solver. For instance, during [Specific Project/Assignment], [he/she/they] successfully [Specific Action] which resulted in [Positive Outcome].
[Student/Applicant’s Name] possesses excellent communication and teamwork skills. [He/She/They] are able to effectively collaborate with others and contribute to a positive and productive work environment. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team and would make a significant contribution to your internship program.
I highly recommend [Student/Applicant’s Name] for this internship. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 6: Recommendation for a Graduate School Applicant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Graduate Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to your [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Research Advisor] at [Your Institution].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student with a keen interest in [Specific Field of Study]. During their time in my [Course Name] class, they consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of complex concepts and a remarkable ability to think critically. Their research skills are particularly impressive, as evidenced by their work on [Specific Research Project], where they [Specific Accomplishment].
Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is a highly dedicated and resourceful individual. They possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and they are always eager to take on new challenges. [He/She/They] also demonstrated leadership qualities as [Role in a Project or Club]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, research experience, and personal drive to excel in your rigorous graduate program.
I highly recommend [Student’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 7: Recommendation for a Medical School Applicant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Medical School Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Medical School Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Physician, Mentor] at [Your Institution/Practice].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptional individual with a strong passion for medicine and a deep commitment to serving others. During my [Course/Clinical Setting], they consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of [Relevant Medical Concepts] and a genuine interest in patient care. Their performance in [Specific Course/Rotation] was particularly impressive, and they showed a remarkable ability to connect with patients and provide compassionate care.
Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is a highly motivated and well-rounded individual. They possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and they are able to work effectively as part of a team. [He/She/They] also volunteered at [Hospital/Clinic Name], where they [Specific Responsibilities]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, clinical skills, and personal qualities to succeed in your demanding medical program and become a compassionate and skilled physician.
I highly recommend [Student’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 8: Recommendation for a Law School Applicant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
[Law School Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Advisor, Supervisor] at [Your Institution].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptional student with a sharp intellect, a strong analytical mind, and a genuine interest in the law. In my [Course Name] class, they consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of legal principles and a remarkable ability to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. Their performance on [Specific Assignment/Exam] was particularly impressive, and they showed a strong grasp of complex legal issues.
Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is a highly motivated and articulate individual. They possess excellent communication and writing skills, and they are able to effectively advocate for their positions. [He/She/They] also participated in [Debate Team/Mock Trial], where they [Specific Accomplishments]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, analytical skills, and personal qualities to succeed in your demanding law program and become a successful attorney.
I highly recommend [Student’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 9: Recommendation for an MBA Program Applicant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[MBA Program Name]
[Business School Name]
[Business School Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to the [MBA Program Name] at [Business School Name]. I have worked with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Manager, Supervisor, Colleague] at [Your Company].
[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented professional with a strong track record of success. During their time at [Your Company], they consistently exceeded expectations in their role as [Applicant’s Job Title]. They possess a strong understanding of [Relevant Business Concepts] and a remarkable ability to apply their knowledge to solve complex business problems. For example, they [Specific Accomplishment] which resulted in [Quantifiable Result].
Beyond their technical skills, [Applicant’s Name] is a highly effective leader and team player. They possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and they are able to effectively motivate and inspire others. [He/She/They] also demonstrated leadership qualities as [Role in a Project or Team]. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, leadership skills, and business acumen to succeed in your demanding MBA program and become a successful business leader.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 10: Recommendation for a Teaching Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School/Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the teaching position at [School Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Principal, Department Head, Mentor] at [Your School/Institution].
[Candidate’s Name] is an exceptional educator with a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to student success. During their time at [Your School/Institution], they consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of pedagogical principles and a remarkable ability to create engaging and effective learning environments. [He/She/They] possess excellent classroom management skills and are able to effectively differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Beyond their teaching skills, [Candidate’s Name] is a highly collaborative and supportive colleague. They possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and they are able to effectively work with other teachers, administrators, and parents. [He/She/They] are also actively involved in [School Activities/Professional Development] and are committed to continuous improvement. I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] has the knowledge, skills, and dedication to be a valuable asset to your school community.
I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 11: Recommendation for a Research Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name/Principal Investigator]
[Research Institution/University]
[Institution Address]
Dear [Dr. Last Name/Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the research position in your lab at [Research Institution/University]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Research Advisor, Supervisor] at [Your Institution].
[Applicant’s Name] is an exceptional researcher with a strong background in [Relevant Field] and a genuine passion for scientific discovery. During their time in my lab, they consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of research methodologies and a remarkable ability to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. Their work on [Specific Research Project] was particularly impressive, and they made significant contributions to [Specific Findings/Publications].
Beyond their technical skills, [Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and independent researcher. They possess excellent problem-solving skills and are able to effectively work both independently and as part of a team. [He/She/They] are also highly organized and detail-oriented, which are essential qualities for a successful researcher. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the knowledge, skills, and dedication to be a valuable asset to your research team.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 12: Recommendation for a Promotion
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager/HR Department]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name/Hiring Team],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Employee’s Name] for a promotion to [Desired Position] within [Department Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Manager, Supervisor, Mentor].
[Employee’s Name] has consistently exceeded expectations in their current role as [Employee’s Current Position]. They have demonstrated exceptional skills in [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2], consistently delivering high-quality work and contributing significantly to the team’s success. For example, [he/she/they] successfully [Specific Accomplishment] resulting in [Positive Outcome/Quantifiable Result].
Beyond their technical skills, [Employee’s Name] has shown strong leadership potential and a commitment to professional growth. They are a highly motivated and proactive individual who is always looking for ways to improve processes and contribute to the company’s overall goals. [He/She/They] have also taken the initiative to [Professional Development Activities, e.g., completed a training course, mentored a junior employee]. I am confident that [Employee’s Name] possesses the skills, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to excel in the role of [Desired Position].
I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for this promotion. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 13: Recommendation for a Leadership Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company/Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Committee/Selection Panel]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Hiring Committee/Selection Panel],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the leadership role of [Specific Leadership Position] at [Organization Name]. I have had the opportunity to observe and work with [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Supervisor, Mentor, Colleague] at [Your Company/Organization].
[Candidate’s Name] is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in [Relevant Field/Industry]. They possess a clear vision, strong strategic thinking skills, and the ability to effectively motivate and inspire others. [He/She/They] have consistently demonstrated their leadership capabilities by [Specific Examples of Leadership, e.g., leading a successful project team, mentoring junior employees, implementing a new initiative]. They are also highly adept at building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Furthermore, [Candidate’s Name] possesses excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. They are able to effectively communicate complex ideas, build consensus among diverse groups, and resolve conflicts constructively. [He/She/They] are also committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] has the skills, experience, and leadership qualities to excel in the role of [Specific Leadership Position] and make a significant contribution to [Organization Name].
I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 14: Recommendation for a Project Manager
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the Project Manager position at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to work with [Candidate’s Name] on several projects over the past [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Supervisor, Client, Team Member] at [Your Company].
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly skilled and effective Project Manager with a proven ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. They possess a strong understanding of project management methodologies and are proficient in using project management tools. During [Specific Project], [he/she/they] successfully [Specific Accomplishment, e.g., managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders, mitigated a critical risk, streamlined a project process] resulting in [Quantifiable Result, e.g., increased efficiency by 15%, reduced project costs by 10%].
Beyond their technical skills, [Candidate’s Name] is an excellent communicator, problem-solver, and team leader. They are able to effectively communicate project updates to stakeholders, identify and resolve potential issues proactively, and motivate team members to achieve project goals. I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] has the skills, experience, and leadership qualities to be a valuable asset to your project management team at [Company Name].
I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Example 15: Recommendation for a Sales Representative
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the Sales Representative position at [Company Name]. I had the privilege of working alongside [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Sales Manager, Team Lead, Colleague] at [Your Company].
[Candidate’s Name] is an exceptionally driven and results-oriented sales professional with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building strong customer relationships. They possess excellent communication, negotiation, and closing skills, and