Writing a personal recommendation letter can be daunting. It requires carefully balancing enthusiasm for the candidate with a realistic and credible assessment of their skills and character. A well-written letter can significantly impact someone’s opportunities, whether for a job, volunteer position, or academic program. This article provides 24 customizable templates and examples to help you craft compelling and effective personal recommendations, saving you time and ensuring your endorsement carries weight. We’ll cover various scenarios, highlighting key qualities and providing clear, concise wording that resonates with the recipient. Each template is designed to be a starting point, adaptable to your specific relationship with the candidate and the requirements of the situation. By using these resources, you can confidently write impactful letters that genuinely support the individual you’re recommending.
These templates are designed to be adapted to fit different situations and personalities. Remember to always personalize the letter with specific anecdotes and examples that demonstrate the candidate’s strengths. The most effective recommendation letters are authentic and genuinely reflect your positive experience with the individual. Consider the specific requirements of the recipient (e.g., the employer, the academic institution) and tailor your letter accordingly. Focus on the key qualities and skills they are seeking in a candidate. Before using these templates, review the specific requirements or guidelines provided by the requestor and ensure your letter addresses the critical points they are evaluating. Remember, the purpose of a recommendation letter is to provide valuable insights and support the candidate’s application, so be honest, detailed, and positive in your endorsement.
Sample Letter Templates
Sample Letter 1: General Character Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as my [Relationship to Candidate – e.g., neighbor, friend, mentee]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Positive Qualities – e.g., integrity, work ethic, empathy].
Specifically, I remember when [Candidate Name] [Specific Anecdote Illustrating the Quality – e.g., volunteered to help an elderly neighbor with their yard work, consistently offered support during a difficult time in my life]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] commitment to [Value Demonstrated – e.g., community service, compassion, responsibility].
[Candidate Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., reliable, thoughtful, hardworking] individual with a strong sense of [Positive Trait – e.g., purpose, dedication, kindness]. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your [Organization/Team/Program].
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Recommendation for Volunteer Work
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for a volunteer position at your organization. I have had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a fellow volunteer, a supervisor at a previous volunteer organization].
During [his/her/their] time volunteering with [Previous Organization], [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated [Positive Qualities Relevant to Volunteering – e.g., reliability, enthusiasm, teamwork skills]. [He/She/They] were particularly effective at [Specific Task or Achievement – e.g., organizing fundraising events, assisting clients with their needs, mentoring other volunteers]. I was consistently impressed by [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., connect with people from diverse backgrounds, manage multiple tasks efficiently, solve problems creatively].
I am confident that [Candidate Name]‘s dedication, strong work ethic, and passion for helping others would make [him/her/them] a valuable addition to your volunteer team. [He/She/They] are a genuinely caring and responsible individual who I believe would excel in this role.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Recommendation for Academic Admission
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University/College Name]
[University/College Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for admission to your esteemed program. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their tutor, a family friend]. I have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity and dedication to academic pursuits.
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong aptitude for [Subject Area – e.g., mathematics, literature, science]. I recall when [he/she/they] [Specific Example of Academic Achievement or Initiative – e.g., independently researched a complex topic and presented it clearly, consistently sought out extra learning opportunities, demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Qualities – e.g., intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, dedication to learning].
Beyond academics, [Candidate Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., motivated, resourceful, inquisitive] individual with a genuine passion for [Area of Interest – e.g., learning new things, contributing to society, making a difference]. I am confident that [he/she/they] would thrive in your challenging academic environment and make a significant contribution to your university community.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Recommendation for Scholarship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for your prestigious scholarship program. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a mentor, a close family friend]. Throughout this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] unwavering commitment to academic excellence and [his/her/their] dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
[Candidate Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, achieving [Specific Academic Achievements – e.g., a high GPA, excellent performance in challenging courses, notable awards or recognitions]. Beyond academics, [he/she/they] are actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement – e.g., volunteering at a local charity, leading a student organization, participating in research projects], demonstrating [his/her/their] commitment to [Values Demonstrated – e.g., social responsibility, leadership, community service]. I specifically remember when [Candidate Name] [Specific Anecdote Illustrating their Qualities – e.g., organized a successful fundraising event to support a local cause, tutored underprivileged students in their spare time, spearheaded a community initiative to address a pressing issue]. This experience showcased not only [his/her/their] [Skills and Traits Demonstrated – e.g., organizational skills, leadership abilities, compassion for others], but also [his/her/their] profound dedication to serving others.
I firmly believe that [Candidate Name] possesses the intellectual capacity, character, and unwavering determination to make a significant contribution to society. This scholarship would not only provide [him/her/them] with the financial resources to pursue [his/her/their] academic goals but would also empower [him/her/them] to further [his/her/their] commitment to [his/her/their] passions. I am confident that [he/she/they] will excel in [his/her/their] chosen field and use [his/her/their] talents to make a lasting positive impact on the world.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information or have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Recommendation for Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[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 internship position at [Company Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a mentor, a supervisor in a previous role, a professor] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] skills and potential.
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong understanding of [Relevant Field – e.g., marketing principles, software development, data analysis] and has demonstrated [his/her/their] abilities through [Specific Projects or Experiences – e.g., successfully completing a challenging project in class, contributing to a research project, developing a personal website]. I was particularly impressed by [his/her/their] [Specific Skill – e.g., problem-solving skills, ability to work independently, attention to detail] when [Specific Situation – e.g., they debugged a complex piece of code, they presented their research findings clearly and concisely, they took initiative to improve a process].
Furthermore, [Candidate Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., motivated, enthusiastic, quick learner] individual with excellent [Soft Skills – e.g., communication skills, teamwork skills, time management skills]. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team and would quickly adapt to the demands of the internship.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for this internship and believe that [he/she/they] would make a significant contribution to [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Recommendation for a Friend
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend my friend, [Candidate Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [Number] years, and during that time I’ve come to admire [his/her/their] [Positive Qualities – e.g., resilience, creativity, generosity].
One thing that has always struck me about [Candidate Name] is [his/her/their] ability to [Positive Skill or Trait – e.g., find creative solutions to problems, remain calm under pressure, bring people together]. For example, [Specific Anecdote – e.g., when our group faced a challenge organizing the community event, they stepped up and found a way to make it a success; they helped a mutual friend overcome a difficult personal situation with unwavering support]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] [Underlying Quality – e.g., resourcefulness, empathy, leadership].
[Candidate Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., genuine, supportive, inspiring] person, and I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your [Organization/Team/Endeavor]. [He/She/They] has a genuine [Positive Trait – e.g., passion, drive, dedication] that shines through in everything [he/she/they] does.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Recommendation for a Caregiver Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization/Family Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for a caregiver position. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend, acquaintance whose family member they cared for] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] compassionate and responsible nature.
[Candidate Name] has experience caring for [Age Group/Type of Care Recipient – e.g., elderly individuals, children with special needs, individuals recovering from surgery]. In particular, I witnessed [him/her/them] [Specific Example of Caregiving – e.g., patiently assisting an elderly neighbor with daily tasks, providing attentive care to a child with a disability, managing medications and appointments effectively]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Qualities Relevant to Caregiving – e.g., patience, empathy, attentiveness, responsibility].
I am particularly impressed with [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., communicate effectively with individuals with dementia, adapt to changing needs, create a safe and comfortable environment]. [Candidate Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., reliable, compassionate, trustworthy] individual with a genuine desire to help others. I am confident that [he/she/they] would provide excellent care and companionship.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Recommendation for Babysitting Services
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Family Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am happy to recommend [Candidate Name] as a babysitter for your children. [He/She/They] has babysat for my children, [Child’s Name(s)], for the past [Number] years and we have always been extremely pleased with [his/her/their] services.
[Candidate Name] is [Positive Adjectives – e.g., responsible, reliable, energetic, patient] and great with children. [He/She/They] is always on time, follows our instructions carefully, and keeps the children entertained and safe. My children, [Child’s Name(s)], love spending time with [him/her/them]. [He/She/They] is good at [Specific Skills – e.g., playing games, reading stories, preparing simple meals, putting children to bed].
I feel completely comfortable leaving my children in [Candidate Name]’s care and highly recommend [him/her/them] to you. You can reach me at the phone number or email address above if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Recommendation for a Roommate
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord/Property Manager Name]
[Property Management Company]
[Property Address]
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] as a roommate. I have lived with [him/her/them] for [Number] years at [Address of Shared Residence, if applicable] and can confidently say that [he/she/they] would be a responsible and considerate tenant.
[Candidate Name] is [Positive Qualities – e.g., clean, organized, respectful of others’ space, quiet]. [He/She/They] always pays [his/her/their] rent on time and is very respectful of shared living spaces. [He/She/They] is also [Positive Qualities – e.g., friendly, easy to get along with, helpful] and contributes positively to a shared living environment.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be an excellent roommate and would be a valuable addition to your property. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Recommendation for Pet Sitting
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Family Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate Name] for pet-sitting services. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years and have personally witnessed [his/her/their] responsible and loving care for animals.
[Candidate Name] has taken care of my [Type of Pet – e.g., dog, cat, rabbit], [Pet’s Name], on numerous occasions. [He/She/They] is always attentive to [Pet’s Name]’s needs, ensuring [he/she] is fed, watered, walked, and given plenty of affection. [He/She/They] is also very responsible and follows all instructions carefully. I feel completely at ease leaving my pet in [Candidate Name]’s care.
[He/She/They] truly loves animals and is experienced in handling different types of pets. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for your pet-sitting needs. You can reach me at the phone number or email address above if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Recommendation for Music Lessons
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] as a music instructor. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their former student, a colleague, a fellow musician] and have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] musical talent and teaching abilities.
[Candidate Name] is an accomplished musician with expertise in [Instruments/Genres – e.g., piano, guitar, violin, classical music, jazz]. [He/She/They] is also a skilled and patient teacher. I have seen [him/her/them] work effectively with students of all ages and skill levels. [He/She/They] is able to tailor [his/her/their] teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each student and inspire a love of music.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] as a music instructor. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Recommendation for Sports Coaching
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for a sports coaching position with your organization. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a parent of a child he/she coached, a fellow coach, a player he/she coached] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] knowledge, dedication, and positive impact on athletes.
[Candidate Name] has extensive experience coaching [Sport – e.g., soccer, basketball, baseball, swimming] at the [Level – e.g., youth level, high school level, college level]. [He/She/They] possesses a strong understanding of the game, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate and inspire athletes to reach their full potential. I have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] ability to develop players’ skills, foster teamwork, and create a positive and supportive team environment.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your coaching staff. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Recommendation for Art Classes Instructor
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Art Classes Instructor at your esteemed institution. I have had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a former student, a colleague, a fellow artist] and have consistently admired [his/her/their] artistic talent, passion for teaching, and dedication to fostering creativity in others.
[Candidate Name] possesses a remarkable understanding of various art forms and techniques, including [List Specific Art Forms – e.g., painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, digital art]. [He/She/They] is not only a talented artist but also an exceptional educator. I have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] ability to inspire and motivate students of all ages and skill levels, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where creativity can flourish. [He/She/They] can effectively communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner, encouraging students to explore their own artistic potential.
In my experience, [Candidate Name] is a dedicated and passionate art instructor with a proven track record of success. [He/She/They] possesses the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to make a significant contribution to your art program. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation and am confident that [he/she/they] will be a valuable asset to your institution. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Recommendation for Tutoring Services
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Family Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for tutoring services. [He/She/They] has tutored my child, [Child’s Name], in [Subject – e.g., math, science, English] for the past [Number] months, and we have seen significant improvement in [his/her] grades and understanding of the subject matter.
[Candidate Name] is a [Positive Adjectives – e.g., patient, knowledgeable, dedicated, engaging] tutor. [He/She/They] is able to explain complex concepts in a clear and easy-to-understand way. [He/She/They] is also very good at motivating [Child’s Name] and helping [him/her] build confidence. We are very grateful for [Candidate Name]’s help.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for tutoring services. You can reach me at the phone number or email address above if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15: Recommendation for Gardening/Landscaping Services
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for gardening and landscaping services. [He/She/They] has been taking care of my garden for the past [Number] years, and I have always been extremely satisfied with [his/her/their] work.
[Candidate Name] is [Positive Adjectives – e.g., knowledgeable, reliable, hardworking, detail-oriented]. [He/She/They] is very knowledgeable about plants and gardening techniques. [He/She/They] is always on time and works diligently to keep my garden looking its best. [He/She/They] is also very responsive to my requests and offers helpful suggestions. I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 16: Recommendation for House Cleaning Services
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date