Writing a letter of recommendation can feel daunting. It’s a responsibility that carries weight, influencing someone’s future opportunities. This guide provides sample letters, expert tips, and a structured approach to crafting compelling and effective recommendations.
A strong letter goes beyond simply stating facts; it paints a picture of the candidate’s skills, character, and potential, demonstrating why they are a deserving choice. Discover the key elements and strategies for writing impactful letters.
Understanding the Importance of Recommendation Letters
Letters of recommendation (also called letters of reference) are critical documents used in various application processes. Whether it’s for college admissions, graduate school applications, job applications, scholarship applications, or even awards and recognition, a well-written letter can significantly boost an applicant’s chances of success. These letters provide an objective perspective on an individual’s abilities, work ethic, and overall suitability for a particular opportunity.
Unlike resumes or transcripts, which offer a factual account of a candidate’s experience and academic achievements, letters of recommendation offer a more qualitative assessment. They provide insight into the applicant’s personality, character traits, and potential for growth. Admissions committees and hiring managers often rely on these letters to gain a deeper understanding of the candidate beyond what is presented in their formal application materials. A glowing recommendation can be the deciding factor when candidates are otherwise equally qualified.
The weight of a letter of recommendation often depends on the recommender’s credibility and their relationship with the applicant. A letter from a respected professor, a supervisor with significant industry experience, or a prominent figure in the field will generally carry more weight than a letter from someone who knows the applicant only casually. Therefore, it’s crucial for applicants to carefully select their recommenders and ensure they are individuals who can speak confidently and enthusiastically about their qualifications.
Who Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
Choosing the right recommender is a critical step in the application process. Consider these factors when making your selection:
- Knows You Well: Select individuals who have a thorough understanding of your skills, abilities, and accomplishments. They should be able to provide specific examples and anecdotes to support their claims.
- Relevant Experience: Choose recommenders whose experience is relevant to the opportunity you are pursuing. For example, if you are applying for a research position, a professor who has supervised your research projects would be an ideal choice.
- Positive Relationship: Only ask individuals with whom you have a positive and professional relationship. A lukewarm or generic letter can be more detrimental than helpful.
- Willing to Write a Strong Letter: Before formally requesting a letter, ask your potential recommender if they feel they can write you a strong letter of support. This gives them the opportunity to decline gracefully if they are unable to provide a positive and compelling recommendation.
What to Provide Your Recommender
To help your recommender write a strong and effective letter, provide them with the following materials:
- Your Resume or CV: This will provide them with an overview of your education, work experience, and accomplishments.
- Your Transcript (if applicable): If you are applying for academic programs, provide your transcript to give your recommender context for your academic performance.
- A Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose: This will help them understand your goals and aspirations and tailor their letter to align with your overall application.
- Specific Instructions or Guidelines: Provide any specific instructions or guidelines from the application process, such as required content or formatting.
- Deadline: Clearly communicate the deadline for submitting the letter.
- A Brief Overview of Your Relationship: Remind them of specific projects, courses, or experiences you shared together to help them recall relevant details.
Key Elements of a Powerful Letter of Recommendation
A truly effective letter of recommendation includes the following components:
- Introduction: Clearly state your relationship to the applicant and the context in which you know them. Indicate the purpose of the letter (e.g., “I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Program]”).
- Body Paragraphs: Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s skills, abilities, and character traits. Focus on qualities that are relevant to the position or program they are applying for. Quantify their achievements whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
- Highlight Key Strengths: Emphasize the applicant’s most relevant and impressive qualities. Connect their strengths to the requirements of the opportunity.
- Address Weaknesses (Optional): If appropriate, you can briefly address any potential weaknesses or areas for improvement. Frame these constructively and highlight the applicant’s efforts to overcome them.
- Overall Assessment: Provide a clear and concise overall assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position or program.
- Conclusion: Reiterate your strong recommendation and offer to provide further information if needed. Include your contact information.
17 Letter of Recommendation Samples
Below are seventeen sample letters of recommendation for various scenarios. Remember to adapt these templates to reflect your own experiences and observations of the applicant.
Sample 1: Recommendation for a College Applicant (Academic Focus)
[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 [Applicant Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] as a student in my [Course Name] class at [Your Institution] for the past [Number] years. [He/She/They] is an exceptional student with a keen intellect and a genuine passion for learning.
[Applicant Name]’s academic performance in my class was consistently outstanding. [He/She/They] demonstrated a strong understanding of complex concepts and a willingness to go above and beyond the required coursework. For example, [He/She/They] wrote an exceptional research paper on [Topic], which demonstrated [His/Her/Their] ability to conduct independent research and analyze data critically. [He/She/They] also actively participated in class discussions, offering insightful perspectives and challenging [His/Her/Their] classmates to think critically.
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual. [He/She/They] is a member of [School Club/Organization] and volunteers at [Organization]. [His/Her/Their] commitment to these activities demonstrates [His/Her/Their] strong sense of civic responsibility and [His/Her/Their] willingness to contribute to the community. I am particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] leadership skills. As [Role] in [Organization], [He/She/They] demonstrated the ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve common goals.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the intellectual capacity, work ethic, and personal qualities to succeed at [University Name]. [He/She/They] is a bright, motivated, and dedicated student who will make a valuable contribution to your campus community. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Recommendation for a Job Applicant (Supervisor)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] supervisor at [Your Company] for [Number] years. During that time, [He/She/They] consistently exceeded expectations and proved to be a valuable asset to our team.
[Applicant Name] is a highly skilled and motivated [Job Title]. [He/She/They] possesses a strong understanding of [Relevant Skills/Industry Knowledge] and a proven track record of success. For example, [He/She/They] was instrumental in [Project/Achievement], which resulted in [Quantifiable Results, e.g., a 15% increase in efficiency]. [He/She/They] also consistently demonstrated the ability to [Specific Skill, e.g., solve complex problems, work independently, collaborate effectively with colleagues].
Beyond [His/Her/Their] technical skills, [Applicant Name] is a highly reliable and dedicated employee. [He/She/They] is always willing to go the extra mile to meet deadlines and ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards. [He/She/They] is also a strong team player, always willing to help colleagues and share [His/Her/Their] knowledge and expertise. I was particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] ability to [Positive Trait, e.g., remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, learn new skills quickly].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the skills, experience, and personal qualities to succeed in the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. [He/She/They] is a talented and dedicated individual who will make a valuable contribution to your organization. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Recommendation for Graduate School (Professor)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [His/Her/Their] professor and research advisor in the [Department Name] department at [Your University].
[Applicant Name] is one of the most exceptional students I have had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring. [His/Her/Their] academic record is outstanding, consistently earning top marks in my courses, including [Course Name 1] and [Course Name 2]. More importantly, [He/She/They] possesses a genuine intellectual curiosity and a deep passion for [Field of Study]. [His/Her/Their] insightful contributions to class discussions and [His/Her/Their] thoughtful questions demonstrate a remarkable level of critical thinking and analytical ability.
As [His/Her/Their] research advisor, I have been consistently impressed by [Applicant Name]’s research skills and dedication. [He/She/They] has been working on [Research Project Description] for the past [Number] months. During that time, [He/She/They] has demonstrated a remarkable ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. [He/She/They] is also a highly independent and resourceful researcher, capable of tackling complex challenges with minimal supervision. In fact, [He/She/They]’s contributions to this project were so significant that [He/She/They] co-authored a paper that has been submitted to [Journal Name] for publication.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the intellectual capacity, research skills, and personal qualities to thrive in your rigorous graduate program. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated, talented, and dedicated individual who will make a significant contribution to your research community. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without any hesitation.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Recommendation for a Scholarship (Teacher)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] [Subject] teacher at [Your School] for the past [Number] years. During this time, [He/She/They] has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to learning.
[Applicant Name] is a highly intelligent and motivated student. [He/She/They] consistently earns top grades in my class and demonstrates a deep understanding of complex concepts. [He/She/They] is also a highly inquisitive student, always asking thoughtful questions and seeking to expand [His/Her/Their] knowledge. I was particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] performance on [Specific Assignment/Project], which showcased [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Skill, e.g., think critically, solve problems creatively, communicate effectively].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of the school community. [He/She/They] is involved in [School Club/Activity] and volunteers at [Organization]. [His/Her/Their] participation in these activities demonstrates [His/Her/Their] commitment to [Values, e.g., service, leadership, community involvement]. I am particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] [Positive Trait, e.g., empathy, compassion, resilience] in the face of challenges.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] is an excellent candidate for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [He/She/They] has the academic abilities, personal qualities, and commitment to succeed in [His/Her/Their] future endeavors. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation. This scholarship would greatly assist [him/her/them] in pursuing a higher education.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Recommendation for a Volunteer Position (Volunteer Coordinator)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Hiring Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Hiring Manager/Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Volunteer Position] position at your organization. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] volunteer coordinator at [Your Organization] for [Number] months. During that time, [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and a genuine desire to help others.
[Applicant Name] is a highly reliable and dedicated volunteer. [He/She/They] consistently arrives on time, follows instructions carefully, and is always willing to go the extra mile to help out. [He/She/They] is also a quick learner and readily adapts to new tasks and challenges. For example, [He/She/They] quickly mastered the skills required for [Specific Task] and became a valuable asset to our team.
Beyond [His/Her/Their] technical skills, [Applicant Name] is a compassionate and empathetic individual. [He/She/They] interacts with our clients in a respectful and supportive manner and is always willing to listen to their concerns. [He/She/They] is also a strong team player, always willing to help colleagues and share [His/Her/Their] knowledge and expertise. I was particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] ability to [Positive Trait, e.g., handle difficult situations with grace, remain calm under pressure, build rapport with clients].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer team. [He/She/They] is a dedicated, compassionate, and reliable individual who is genuinely committed to making a difference. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Recommendation for an Internship (Professor)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University]
[Your Department]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Hiring Manager/Internship Coordinator
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear Hiring Manager/Internship Coordinator,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [His/Her/Their] professor in the [Department Name] department at [Your University]. [He/She/They] is a bright and highly motivated student with a strong interest in [Industry/Field].
[Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated excellent academic performance in my courses, including [Course Name 1] and [Course Name 2]. [He/She/They] possesses a strong understanding of [Relevant Skills/Industry Knowledge] and a keen interest in applying [His/Her/Their] knowledge to real-world problems. For example, in [Course Name], [He/She/They] developed an innovative solution to [Problem], which demonstrated [His/Her/Their] ability to think critically and creatively.
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is a highly responsible and dedicated individual. [He/She/They] is an active member of [School Club/Organization] and volunteers at [Organization]. [His/Her/Their] involvement in these activities demonstrates [His/Her/Their] commitment to [Values, e.g., teamwork, leadership, community involvement]. I am particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] ability to [Positive Trait, e.g., work independently, manage time effectively, communicate clearly].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the skills, knowledge, and personal qualities to succeed in your internship program. [He/She/They] is a talented and dedicated individual who will make a valuable contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Recommendation for a Residency Program (Physician)
[Your Name], MD
[Your Title]
[Your Hospital/Clinic]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Residency Program Director
[Program Name]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]
Dear Residency Program Director,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name], MD, for a residency position in your [Specialty] program. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] supervising physician during [His/Her/Their] [Rotation Name] rotation at [Your Hospital/Clinic].
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a sharp intellect, and a genuine passion for patient care. [He/She/They] possesses a solid foundation of medical knowledge and an eagerness to learn and improve. [His/Her/Their] clinical skills are well-developed, demonstrating proficiency in [Specific Procedures/Skills]. I was particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] ability to quickly diagnose [Condition] in [Patient Scenario], demonstrating excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Beyond [His/Her/Their] technical skills, [Applicant Name] is a compassionate and empathetic physician who genuinely cares about the well-being of [His/Her/Their] patients. [He/She/They] communicates effectively with patients and their families, building rapport and providing clear and concise explanations. [He/She/They] is also a strong team player, collaborating effectively with nurses, other physicians, and support staff. [His/Her/Their] dedication to patient care is truly commendable. I observed [him/her/them] [specific anecdote].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your residency program. [He/She/They] is a dedicated, intelligent, and compassionate physician who is committed to providing the highest quality of care to [His/Her/Their] patients. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], MD
Sample 8: Recommendation for Law School (Professor)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University]
[Your Department]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Law School Name]
[Law School Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] professor in [Course Name 1] and [Course Name 2] at [Your University]. [He/She/They] is an exceptional student with a sharp intellect, strong analytical skills, and a genuine passion for the law.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance in my courses. [He/She/They] possesses a deep understanding of complex legal concepts and a remarkable ability to analyze legal arguments. [He/She/They] is also an articulate and persuasive writer, capable of crafting well-reasoned and compelling legal briefs. I was particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] performance in [Specific Assignment/Project], which showcased [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Skill, e.g., research legal issues thoroughly, analyze case law effectively, present arguments persuasively].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual. [He/She/They] is actively involved in [School Club/Organization] and participates in [Moot Court/Debate Team]. [His/Her/Their] involvement in these activities demonstrates [His/Her/Their] commitment to [Values, e.g., advocacy, justice, public service]. I am particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] [Positive Trait, e.g., leadership skills, ability to work under pressure, commitment to ethical principles].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the intellectual capacity, analytical skills, and personal qualities to succeed at [Law School Name]. [He/She/They] is a talented and dedicated individual who will make a valuable contribution to your legal community. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Recommendation for a Teaching Position (Principal)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Hiring Committee
[School Name]
[School Address]
Dear Hiring Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Teaching Position] position at [School Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] principal at [Your School] for the past [Number] years. During that time, [He/She/They] has consistently demonstrated exceptional teaching skills, a strong commitment to student success, and a genuine passion for education.
[Applicant Name] is a highly effective and engaging teacher. [He/She/They] possesses a deep understanding of [Subject Matter] and a remarkable ability to connect with students of all backgrounds and learning styles. [He/She/They] creates a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel challenged and encouraged to reach their full potential. I have observed [him/her/them] [specific teaching anecdote]. [His/Her/Their] students consistently achieve high scores on standardized tests and demonstrate a strong understanding of the material.
Beyond [His/Her/Their] classroom skills, [Applicant Name] is a dedicated and collaborative member of our school community. [He/She/They] actively participates in school events and committees, and is always willing to share [His/Her/Their] knowledge and expertise with colleagues. [He/She/They] is also a strong advocate for [His/Her/Their] students, working tirelessly to ensure that they receive the support and resources they need to succeed.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an invaluable asset to your school. [He/She/They] is a talented, dedicated, and compassionate teacher who is committed to making a difference in the lives of [His/Her/Their] students. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Recommendation for a Creative Role (Art Director)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Creative Role] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] as [His/Her/Their] art director at [Your Company] on various projects and campaigns.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, a strong design sense, and a keen understanding of visual communication. [His/Her/Their] ability to translate complex ideas into compelling and visually appealing designs is truly remarkable. One notable project was [Project Name], where [Applicant Name]’s innovative designs resulted in [Positive Outcome, e.g., a significant increase in engagement, positive brand recognition]. [He/She/They] consistently produces work that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly effective in achieving its intended purpose.
Beyond [His/Her/Their] technical skills, [Applicant Name] is a highly collaborative and communicative team player. [He/She/They] effectively communicates [His/Her/Their] ideas to clients and colleagues and is always open to feedback. [He/She/They] is also a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. I am particularly impressed by [His/Her/Their] ability to [Positive Trait, e.g., think outside the box, generate fresh ideas, adapt to changing creative briefs].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the creative talent, technical skills, and personal qualities to excel in the [Creative Role] position at [Company Name]. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: For an MBA Program
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Business School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your MBA program. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [His/Her/Their] supervisor at [Your Company].
[Applicant Name] is a highly driven and results-oriented individual with a demonstrated track record of success. During [His/Her/Their] time at [Your Company], [He/She/They] consistently exceeded expectations in [His/Her/Their] role as [Job Title]. For example, [He/She/They] led a project to [Project Description] which resulted in [Quantifiable Achievement, e.g., a 15% increase in revenue, a significant cost reduction]. [He/She/They] possesses strong analytical skills, excellent leadership abilities, and a strategic mindset.
Beyond [His/Her/Their] professional accomplishments, [Applicant Name] is an active member of the community, volunteering with [Organization Name] and demonstrating a commitment to [Cause]. [He/She/They] is also a strong communicator and a collaborative team player. I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make a significant contribution to your MBA program and to the business world.
I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: For a Summer Research Program
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]