Writing effective recommendation letters is crucial. This guide helps you create standout letters.
Learn how to showcase an individual’s strengths and potential with compelling details.
Understanding the Importance of Recommendation Letters
A well-crafted letter of recommendation can significantly impact an individual’s chances of securing a job, gaining admission to a desired academic program, or receiving a scholarship. These letters provide valuable insights into a candidate’s skills, character, and potential, offering a perspective that resumes and transcripts often cannot.
Think of a recommendation letter as a persuasive argument on behalf of the individual. It’s your opportunity to highlight their unique qualities, accomplishments, and suitability for the position or program they are pursuing. A generic or poorly written letter can be detrimental, while a compelling and specific one can be the deciding factor in their success.
Who Should Write a Recommendation Letter?
The ideal person to write a recommendation letter is someone who knows the candidate well and can speak to their qualifications with authority. This could be a former supervisor, professor, mentor, or colleague. Consider these factors when selecting a recommender:
- Familiarity with the Candidate: How well do they know the individual and their work?
- Relevant Experience: Do they have experience in the field or industry the candidate is targeting?
- Writing Ability: Can they articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively?
- Credibility: Are they respected in their field?
What Makes a Strong Recommendation Letter?
A strong recommendation letter goes beyond simply stating that the candidate is a “good person” or “hard worker.” It provides concrete examples, specific anecdotes, and quantifiable results to support the claims made. Here are key elements of an effective recommendation letter:
- Clear Purpose: State the purpose of the letter and the specific position or program the candidate is applying for.
- Relationship to the Candidate: Explain your relationship to the candidate and how long you have known them.
- Specific Examples: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills, accomplishments, and qualities.
- Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, quantify the candidate’s achievements using numbers, percentages, or other metrics.
- Enthusiasm and Confidence: Express your enthusiasm for the candidate and your confidence in their ability to succeed.
- Contact Information: Provide your contact information so the recipient can reach out with any questions.
23 Powerful Letter of Recommendation Samples
Below are 23 sample letters of recommendation covering various scenarios. These templates are designed to be adapted and customized to fit the specific circumstances of the candidate and the position or program they are applying for. Remember to replace the bracketed information with the appropriate details.
Sample Letter 1: Academic Recommendation for Graduate School
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee Name]
[Graduate Program Name]
[University Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name] for admission to the [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as their professor in [Course Name] and as their research advisor on [Research Project].
[Candidate Name] is an exceptional student with a keen intellect, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. In my [Course Name] class, [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to think critically. [He/She/They] actively participated in class discussions, offering insightful perspectives and challenging assumptions. [He/She/They] consistently earned top grades on assignments and exams, demonstrating a mastery of the subject matter.
Beyond [his/her/their] academic performance, [Candidate Name] is also an outstanding researcher. As [his/her/their] research advisor, I have been impressed by [his/her/their] ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. [He/She/They] took the initiative to [Specific example of initiative taken during the research project], which resulted in [Positive outcome of the initiative]. [He/She/They] presented [his/her/their] research at [Conference Name], where [he/she/they] received positive feedback from leading experts in the field.
[Candidate Name] possesses the intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and dedication to succeed in your rigorous graduate program. I am confident that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions to your academic community. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 2: Professional Recommendation for a Job Application
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [Candidate Name] consistently exceeded expectations. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a proven ability to [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. For example, [Candidate Name] was instrumental in [Specific Project] where [he/she/they] [Specific Action] which resulted in [Quantifiable Result, e.g., a 15% increase in sales, a 10% reduction in costs].
[Candidate Name] is also an excellent team player and a skilled communicator. [He/She/They] is able to effectively collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and communicate complex information clearly and concisely. [He/She/They] consistently volunteered to [Example of Teamwork or Communication] and was always willing to go the extra mile to help the team achieve its goals.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] possesses the skills, experience, and personality to be a valuable asset to your team. [He/She/They] is a quick learner, a dedicated worker, and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 3: Recommendation for Scholarship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee Name]
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, advisor] at [Your Institution].
[Candidate Name] is an exceptional individual with a strong commitment to academic excellence and a deep passion for [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates intellectual curiosity, a proactive approach to learning, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world. For instance, in [Course Name], [he/she/they] [Specific achievement or contribution in the course]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Specific Quality, e.g., critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities].
Beyond academics, [Candidate Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities]. [His/Her/Their] involvement in [Activity 1] and [Activity 2] demonstrates [his/her/their] commitment to [Values demonstrated through activities]. Specifically, [he/she/they] [Specific contribution or leadership role in one of the activities].
[Candidate Name]’s academic achievements, combined with [his/her/their] commitment to [Values] and [his/her/their] active involvement in the community, make [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I am confident that [he/she/they] will use this opportunity to [Aspirations related to the scholarship and their field of study]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 4: Recommendation for Internship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company/Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Candidate Name] as [Your Role – e.g., their supervisor, their professor] at [Your Company/Institution] for [Duration].
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills] and a genuine eagerness to learn and contribute. During [his/her/their] time with us, [he/she/they] demonstrated a proactive approach to learning new concepts and a willingness to take on challenging tasks. For example, when faced with [Specific Challenge], [he/she/they] [Actions Taken] which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Specific Skill, e.g., problem-solving ability, initiative, attention to detail].
[He/She/They] also possesses excellent [Soft Skills], such as [Soft Skill 1] and [Soft Skill 2]. [He/She/They] is a strong communicator and collaborator, and is able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. During [Specific Situation], [he/she/they] [Specific Actions demonstrating the soft skill].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the potential to be a valuable asset to your team. [He/She/They] is a dedicated, motivated, and quick learner. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this internship.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 5: Recommendation for a Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Volunteer Coordinator Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Volunteer Position] at [Organization Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Candidate Name] as [Your Role – e.g., their supervisor, a fellow volunteer] at [Your Organization] for [Duration].
[Candidate Name] is a dedicated and compassionate individual with a strong desire to contribute to the community. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond to help others and is always willing to lend a hand. During [His/Her/Their] time with us, [he/she/they] [Specific Task or Activity] with [Positive Outcome]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Specific Quality, e.g., commitment, reliability, empathy].
[He/She/They] also possesses excellent [Soft Skills], such as [Soft Skill 1] and [Soft Skill 2]. [He/She/They] is a strong communicator and is able to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. For example, [Specific Situation where they demonstrated the soft skill].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer team. [He/She/They] is a reliable, enthusiastic, and compassionate individual. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 6: Recommendation for a Leadership Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager/Selection Committee Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager/Selection Committee Name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Leadership Role] at [Organization Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Candidate Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Organization] for [Duration].
[Candidate Name] is a proven leader with a strong track record of success. [He/She/They] possesses a unique combination of vision, strategic thinking, and execution skills. During [his/her/their] time with us, [he/she/they] spearheaded [Project/Initiative] which resulted in [Quantifiable Result]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Leadership Skill, e.g., motivate teams, drive innovation, achieve results].
[He/She/They] also possesses exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. [He/She/They] is able to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels and build strong relationships with colleagues and clients. [He/She/They] consistently [Example of Effective Communication or Interpersonal Skills].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the leadership qualities, experience, and skills to excel in this role. [He/She/They] is a strategic thinker, a results-oriented leader, and a strong communicator. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 7: Recommendation for a Creative Role (e.g., Graphic Designer)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] is an exceptionally talented and creative individual with a keen eye for design and a passion for visual communication. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently produced high-quality work that exceeded expectations. For example, [he/she/they] designed the [Project Name] which resulted in [Positive Outcome, e.g., increased brand awareness, higher conversion rates]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Design Skill, e.g., create visually appealing designs, understand user experience, translate concepts into compelling visuals].
[Candidate Name] also possesses excellent technical skills in [Software/Tools, e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma]. [He/She/They] is a quick learner and is always eager to explore new technologies and design trends. [He/She/They] proactively [Example of Initiative to Learn or Improve Skills].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] possesses the creativity, technical skills, and work ethic to be a valuable asset to your design team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position. Please find links to [his/her/their] portfolio attached/below/in a separate email.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 8: Recommendation for a Technical Role (e.g., Software Engineer)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] is a highly skilled and motivated software engineer with a strong understanding of [Technical Skills/Technologies, e.g., Java, Python, JavaScript, cloud computing]. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently delivered high-quality code and contributed significantly to our team’s success. For example, [he/she/they] played a key role in [Project Name] where [he/she/they] [Specific Contribution] which resulted in [Quantifiable Result, e.g., improved performance, reduced bug counts]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] expertise in [Specific Technical Skill, e.g., algorithm design, database management, software testing].
[Candidate Name] is also a strong problem-solver and a quick learner. [He/She/They] is able to effectively analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions. [He/She/They] proactively [Example of Problem-Solving or Learning New Skills].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] possesses the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and work ethic to be a valuable asset to your engineering team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 9: Recommendation for a Sales Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Sales Role] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of managing [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] is a highly driven and results-oriented sales professional with a proven track record of success. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently exceeded sales targets and contributed significantly to our revenue growth. For example, [he/she/they] achieved [Quantifiable Sales Achievement, e.g., 20% increase in sales, won the “Salesperson of the Month” award] by [Specific Action, e.g., developing a new sales strategy, building strong relationships with clients]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Sales Skill, e.g., close deals, generate leads, build rapport with customers].
[Candidate Name] also possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. [He/She/They] is able to effectively communicate with customers, understand their needs, and build strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect. [He/She/They] consistently [Example of Communication or Interpersonal Skills in a Sales Context].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the sales skills, drive, and personality to be a valuable asset to your sales team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 10: Recommendation for a Customer Service Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Customer Service Role] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of supervising [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] is an exceptionally dedicated and customer-focused individual with a genuine passion for providing excellent service. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. For example, [he/she/they] [Specific Example of Excellent Customer Service] which resulted in [Positive Outcome, e.g., resolved a difficult customer issue, received positive customer feedback]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Customer Service Skill, e.g., empathize with customers, resolve conflict, provide timely and effective solutions].
[Candidate Name] also possesses excellent communication and problem-solving skills. [He/She/They] is able to effectively communicate with customers, understand their concerns, and provide creative solutions. [He/She/They] consistently [Example of Communication or Problem-Solving in a Customer Service Context].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the customer service skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities to be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 11: Recommendation for a Financial Analyst Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Financial Analyst Role] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] is a highly analytical and detail-oriented financial professional with a strong understanding of financial modeling, analysis, and reporting. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently produced accurate and insightful financial analyses that contributed significantly to our decision-making process. For example, [he/she/they] developed [Specific Financial Model or Analysis] which resulted in [Quantifiable Benefit, e.g., improved forecasting accuracy, identified cost savings]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Financial Skill, e.g., build financial models, analyze financial data, identify trends and insights].
[Candidate Name] also possesses excellent communication and presentation skills. [He/She/They] is able to effectively communicate complex financial information to both technical and non-technical audiences. [He/She/They] consistently [Example of Communication or Presentation Skills in a Financial Context].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the financial skills, analytical abilities, and communication skills to be a valuable asset to your finance team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 12: Recommendation for a Teaching Position (K-12)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School/District]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[School Principal Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name/School Principal Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Teaching Position] position at [School Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role – e.g., Mentor Teacher, Supervising Teacher] at [Your School/District] for [Duration].
[Candidate Name] is a passionate and dedicated educator with a strong commitment to student success. [He/She/They] possesses a deep understanding of [Subject Area] curriculum and pedagogy and is skilled at creating engaging and effective learning experiences for students of all abilities. During [his/her/their] time with us, [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated [Specific Teaching Skill, e.g., effective classroom management, ability to differentiate instruction, strong content knowledge] by [Specific Example, e.g., implementing a new classroom management system that improved student behavior, developing differentiated learning activities to meet the needs of diverse learners]. [He/She/They] also [Quantifiable Achievement, e.g., increased student test scores, improved student engagement].
[Candidate Name] is also a highly collaborative and reflective practitioner. [He/She/They] actively seeks feedback from colleagues and is always looking for ways to improve [his/her/their] teaching practice. [He/She/They] demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. [He/She/They] actively [Example of Collaboration or Reflective Practice, e.g., participated in professional development workshops, collaborated with other teachers to develop curriculum, reflected on student data to adjust instruction].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] possesses the knowledge, skills, and dedication to be a valuable asset to your school. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 13: Recommendation for a Nursing Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Hospital/Clinic]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Nursing Director Name]
[Hospital Name]