Recommendation Letters: Templates, Tips & Compelling Examples

Crafting a compelling recommendation letter is a valuable skill, whether you’re supporting a student’s college application, advocating for a colleague’s career advancement, or vouching for a former employee’s capabilities. A well-written recommendation can significantly impact the recipient’s chances of success. However, simply stating that someone is “good” isn’t enough. You need to provide specific examples, quantifiable results, and a genuine portrayal of the individual’s strengths and character. This guide provides comprehensive tips, templates, and real-world examples to help you write effective and impactful recommendation letters. We’ll explore different scenarios and letter formats to ensure you can tailor your recommendations to each unique situation.

The key to a successful recommendation letter lies in authenticity and specificity. Avoid generic phrases and focus on illustrating the individual’s unique qualities with concrete examples. Think about the specific requirements of the opportunity the person is pursuing and tailor your letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant. Consider the tone you want to convey – professional, enthusiastic, or supportive – and adjust your language accordingly. Remember, your recommendation is a reflection of both the individual you’re recommending and your own credibility, so take the time to write a letter that is thoughtful, well-written, and persuasive.

11 Recommendation Letter Examples & Templates

1. Recommendation Letter for College Admission

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

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., English teacher] at [High School Name]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their intellectual curiosity, academic abilities, and personal qualities.

[Student’s Name] is a highly motivated and engaged student who consistently exceeds expectations. In my [Course Name] class, they demonstrated a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill, e.g., analyze complex literary themes] and contribute insightful commentary during class discussions. I was particularly impressed by their [Specific Project or Assignment, e.g., research paper on Shakespeare] which showcased their exceptional research skills and critical thinking abilities. [Provide a specific example of their work and its impact].

Beyond their academic achievements, [Student’s Name] is also a highly responsible and compassionate individual. They actively participate in [Extracurricular Activities, e.g., the debate club and volunteer work at a local shelter]. [Describe their contributions and impact in these activities. For example: As the president of the debate club, they successfully organized several competitions and mentored younger members]. Their commitment to [Specific Cause or Activity] demonstrates their dedication to making a positive impact on their community.

I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the academic aptitude, personal qualities, and drive to succeed at [University Name]. They are a bright, dedicated, and well-rounded individual who would be a valuable asset to your university community. I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

2. Recommendation Letter for a Job

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

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., direct supervisor] at [Your Company] for [Number] years. During that time, they consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.

[Employee’s Name] is a highly skilled [Profession/Skill, e.g., project manager] with a proven track record of success. In their role at [Your Company], they were responsible for [Key Responsibilities]. [Provide specific examples of their accomplishments, using quantifiable results whenever possible. For example: They successfully managed a team of 5 to deliver a critical project 2 weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency]. They are adept at [List Key Skills, e.g., problem-solving, communication, and teamwork].

Beyond their technical skills, [Employee’s Name] is also a highly collaborative and reliable team member. They are always willing to go the extra mile to help colleagues and ensure the success of the team. [Provide a specific example of their teamwork or problem-solving skills. For example: When our team faced a critical deadline, they volunteered to work overtime and helped us identify and resolve a key bottleneck]. Their positive attitude and strong work ethic make them a valuable asset to any organization.

I am confident that [Employee’s Name] possesses the skills, experience, and personal qualities necessary to excel in the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. They are a highly motivated and results-oriented individual who would be a valuable addition to your team. I highly recommend them without hesitation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

3. Recommendation Letter for Graduate School

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University]
[Your Department]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to the [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., professor] in the [Department Name] department at [Your University]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their intellectual curiosity, research skills, and dedication to the field of [Field of Study].

[Student’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student who consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of complex concepts. In my [Course Name] course, they excelled in [Specific Area of the Course, e.g., research methodology] and demonstrated a strong aptitude for [Specific Skill, e.g., data analysis]. Their performance in the course was among the top [Percentage] of the class.

I had the pleasure of supervising [Student’s Name]’s [Thesis/Research Project] on [Topic of Research]. During this project, they demonstrated exceptional research skills, critical thinking abilities, and a strong work ethic. [Provide specific details about their research, including the methodology used, the findings, and their contribution to the field. For example: They developed a novel approach to analyzing [Data Type] and their findings have significant implications for [Field of Application]]. Their research was of publishable quality, and I encouraged them to submit it to a peer-reviewed journal.

[Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual curiosity, research skills, and dedication necessary to succeed in your rigorous graduate program. They are a highly promising scholar with the potential to make significant contributions to the field of [Field of Study]. I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

4. Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., teacher] at [School Name]. I have been consistently impressed by their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service.

[Student’s Name] is an exceptional student with a strong academic record. They consistently achieve high grades in all their courses and demonstrate a genuine passion for learning. [Provide specific examples of their academic achievements and intellectual curiosity. For example: They are currently enrolled in [Advanced Course] and are consistently one of the top performing students in the class. They also independently pursued research on [Topic] and presented their findings at the school science fair].

Beyond their academic achievements, [Student’s Name] is also a highly active and engaged member of the community. They volunteer their time at [Organization Name] where they [Describe their responsibilities and contributions]. [Provide specific examples of their leadership and community involvement. For example: As the president of the student council, they successfully organized a fundraising event that raised [Amount] for [Cause]]. Their dedication to serving others and their strong leadership skills make them an ideal candidate for this scholarship.

[Student’s Name] is a highly motivated, intelligent, and compassionate individual with a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. I am confident that they will make a significant contribution to society and I highly recommend them for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

5. Recommendation Letter for an Internship

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],

I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Internship Name] internship at [Company Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor] in the [Department] department at [University Name]. [Student’s Name] is a dedicated and talented student with a strong interest in [Relevant Field].

In my [Course Name] class, [Student’s Name] demonstrated a strong understanding of [Relevant Concepts] and a keen ability to apply these concepts to real-world problems. [Provide a specific example of their work or contribution in the class. For example: They developed a particularly insightful analysis of [Case Study] and presented it with clarity and confidence]. Their problem-solving skills and analytical abilities are well-suited for an internship in [Relevant Field].

[Student’s Name] also possesses excellent [Soft Skills, e.g., communication, teamwork, and leadership] skills. They are an active participant in class discussions and are always willing to collaborate with their peers. [Provide a specific example of their soft skills in action. For example: As a member of a group project, they took the initiative to organize the team’s efforts and ensure that everyone contributed effectively].

I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the skills, motivation, and work ethic to succeed in the [Internship Name] internship. They are a bright and enthusiastic student who is eager to learn and contribute to your organization. I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

6. Recommendation Letter for a Volunteer Position

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization/Community Group]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Contact Person Last Name],

It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Volunteer’s Name] for a volunteer position with [Organization Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Volunteer’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Supervisor/Leader] at [Your Organization]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their dedication, reliability, and compassion.

[Volunteer’s Name] has been a valuable asset to our organization. They have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and a willingness to go above and beyond to help those in need. [Provide specific examples of their contributions. For example: They volunteered over [Number] hours each week, assisting with [Tasks] and providing invaluable support to our clients].

[Volunteer’s Name] possesses excellent [Relevant Skills, e.g., communication, interpersonal, and organizational] skills. They are able to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and are always willing to lend a listening ear. [Provide a specific example of their skills in action. For example: They were particularly effective at comforting and supporting clients who were experiencing difficult times].

[Volunteer’s Name] is a compassionate, dedicated, and reliable individual who would be a valuable asset to your organization. I am confident that they will make a significant contribution to your volunteer program. I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

7. Recommendation Letter for Residency Program (Medical)

[Your Name], MD
[Your Title]
[Your Hospital/University]
[Your Department]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear Program Director,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name], MD, for a residency position in [Specialty] at [Hospital Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. [Applicant’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Attending Physician] during their [Rotation] rotation at [Hospital Name].

Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and dedicated medical student who consistently exceeded my expectations. They possess a strong fund of medical knowledge and are able to apply this knowledge effectively to patient care. [Provide specific examples of their clinical skills and medical knowledge. For example: During a complex case involving [Medical Condition], Dr. [Applicant’s Name] demonstrated a strong understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and proposed a treatment plan that was both appropriate and effective].

Beyond their clinical skills, Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is also a highly compassionate and empathetic physician. They have a genuine concern for their patients and are always willing to go the extra mile to provide the best possible care. [Provide a specific example of their empathy and patient care skills. For example: They took the time to listen to a patient who was experiencing significant anxiety and provided reassurance and support].

Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated, intelligent, and compassionate physician who would be a valuable asset to your residency program. I am confident that they have the potential to become an outstanding [Specialty] physician and I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name], MD

8. Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship Program

[Your Name], PhD
[Your Title]
[Your University/Research Institute]
[Your Department]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear Fellowship Committee,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name], PhD, for the [Fellowship Program Name] fellowship. I have known Dr. [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Research Advisor] in the [Department] department at [University Name]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their intellectual curiosity, research skills, and dedication to the field of [Field of Study].

Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is an exceptionally talented and productive researcher. Their doctoral research focused on [Research Topic] and resulted in several high-impact publications. [Provide specific details about their research, including the methodology used, the findings, and their contribution to the field. For example: They developed a novel computational model for [Process] and their findings were published in [Journal Name]]. Their research has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of [Field of Study].

Beyond their research skills, Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is also a highly collaborative and communicative scientist. They are an active participant in our research group and are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise with others. [Provide a specific example of their collaboration skills. For example: They mentored several junior researchers in our group and helped them develop their research skills].

Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated, intelligent, and collaborative researcher who has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of [Field of Study]. I am confident that they would be an outstanding fellow in your program and I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name], PhD

9. Recommendation Letter for a Board Position

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear Nominating Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] for a position on the Board of Directors of [Organization Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Colleague/Business Partner/Community Member]. During this time, I have consistently been impressed by their leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and commitment to the community.

[Candidate’s Name] has a proven track record of success in [Relevant Field/Industry]. They have held leadership positions at [Company/Organization] where they were responsible for [Key Responsibilities]. [Provide specific examples of their accomplishments and leadership skills. For example: As CEO of [Company], they successfully led the company through a period of significant growth and expansion]. Their experience and expertise would be a valuable asset to your board.

Beyond their professional accomplishments, [Candidate’s Name] is also a highly active and engaged member of the community. They have served on the boards of several non-profit organizations and have a strong commitment to [Cause/Mission]. [Provide specific examples of their community involvement and dedication. For example: They have been a long-time supporter of [Organization] and have played a key role in raising awareness and funds for their mission].

[Candidate’s Name] is a highly respected leader with a strong commitment to the community. I am confident that they would be a valuable addition to your Board of Directors and I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

10. Recommendation Letter for a Promotion

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Manager Last Name],

I am writing to strongly recommend [Employee’s Name] for a promotion to [New Position] within our company. I have worked closely with [Employee’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Supervisor/Team Lead] and have been consistently impressed by their performance, dedication, and leadership potential.

[Employee’s Name] has consistently exceeded expectations in their current role as [Current Position]. They have demonstrated a strong understanding of [Key Skills/Responsibilities] and have consistently delivered high-quality work. [Provide specific examples of their accomplishments and contributions. For example: They successfully led the [Project] project, which resulted in a [Percentage]% increase in [Metric] ]. Their performance has consistently been rated as “exceeds expectations” in their performance reviews.

[Employee’s Name] also possesses the skills and qualities necessary to succeed in the role of [New Position]. They have demonstrated strong [Leadership Skills/Technical Skills/Communication Skills] and are always willing to take on new challenges. [Provide specific examples of their skills that are relevant to the new position. For example: They have shown a strong ability to mentor and train new team members, which is a critical skill for the [New Position] role].

[Employee’s Name] is a highly motivated, dedicated, and talented employee who is ready to take on the challenges of a more senior role. I am confident that they will excel in the position of [New Position] and will continue to make significant contributions to our company. I highly recommend them without reservation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

11. Personal Recommendation Letter (Character Reference)

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name/To Whom It May Concern],

I am writing to offer my personal recommendation for [Person’s Name]. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship, e.g., neighbor, friend, member of the same community group]. During this time, I have come to know them as a person of strong character, integrity, and compassion.

[Person’s Name] is a highly reliable and trustworthy individual. They are always willing to help others and are known for their [Positive Qualities, e.g., honesty, kindness, and generosity]. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities. For example: They are always the first to offer assistance to neighbors in need and are a constant source of support for their friends and family].

[Person’s Name] is also a [Positive Adjective, e.g., responsible, hardworking, and dedicated] individual. They are committed to [Cause/Activity] and are always willing to go the extra mile to achieve their goals. [Provide specific examples of their dedication and commitment. For example: They have been a dedicated volunteer at [Organization] for many years and have made a significant contribution to their work].

I highly recommend [Person’s Name] without reservation. They are a person of strong character, integrity, and compassion who would be a valuable asset to any organization or community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]