A strong professional recommendation is very useful to open the doors of many opportunities. It showcases an individual’s skills, character, and achievements from a credible perspective.
Crafting a compelling letter of recommendation requires careful consideration. Think about the positive qualities you want to highlight and concrete examples that back up that person.
These samples below are designed to provide inspiration and guidance. Please tailor each to accurately reflect the candidate and your own experiences and professional opinion.
Recommendation Letter Samples
Sample 1: Academic Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student Name] for [Program/Position] at [Institution/Organization]. During my time as [Your Title] at [Your Organization], I had the pleasure of teaching [Student Name] in [Course Name].
[Student Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], often exceeding expectations in class assignments. Their [Specific achievement] was particularly impressive, showcasing their ability to [Describe ability].
Beyond academics, [Student Name] is a highly motivated and collaborative individual. They actively participated in class discussions and always offered help to their peers. Their positive attitude and willingness to learn made them a valuable asset to the classroom environment.
I am confident that [Student Name] possesses the intellectual curiosity, dedication, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in [Program/Position]. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Employee Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I had the privilege of working with [Employee Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, where they served as a [Employee’s Role].
During their time at [Your Company], [Employee Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. They were instrumental in [Specific achievement], which resulted in [Positive outcome] for the company. Their ability to [Describe ability] was particularly valuable.
[Employee Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual. They are a strong team player and possess excellent communication skills. They are also adept at problem-solving and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure success.
I am confident that [Employee Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Character Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Person’s Name], whom I have known for [Number] years as a [Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend, volunteer colleague].
Throughout our acquaintance, [Person’s Name] has consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion, and a strong work ethic. They are a reliable and trustworthy individual who consistently goes above and beyond to help others. For example, [Specific example of their character].
[Person’s Name] is also a highly responsible and dedicated individual. They are committed to their community and are always willing to lend a helping hand. They possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, making them a pleasure to be around.
I am confident that [Person’s Name] would be a valuable asset to any organization or endeavor. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Recommendation for Scholarship
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Providing Scholarship]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student Name] as their [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, advisor] at [Your Organization] for the past [Number] years.
[Student Name] is an exceptional student with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and [Field of Study]. They have consistently maintained a high GPA and actively participate in class. [Specific example of academic achievement], showcasing their dedication and aptitude.
Beyond academics, [Student Name] is a dedicated member of the community. They volunteer at [Organization] and actively participate in [Extracurricular Activity], demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact. Their leadership skills are evident in their role as [Leadership Role].
I am confident that [Student Name] is a deserving candidate for the [Scholarship Name]. Their academic achievements, community involvement, and personal qualities make them an ideal recipient. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Recommendation for Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for an internship at [Company Name]. I have known [Student Name] as a student in my [Course Name] class at [Your Organization].
During their time in my class, [Student Name] consistently demonstrated a strong grasp of [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2]. They possess a strong work ethic and are always eager to learn new things. Their performance on [Specific project/assignment] showcased their abilities effectively.
[Student Name] is a quick learner and a valuable team member. They are proactive, responsible, and possess excellent communication skills. They are also highly organized and able to manage their time effectively.
I am confident that [Student Name] would be a valuable asset to your internship program. I highly recommend them and believe they have the potential to make significant contributions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Recommendation for Graduate School
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] as their [Your Role] in [Context] for the past [Number] years.
[Student Name] possesses a sharp intellect, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. They have consistently excelled in their coursework, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex concepts. Specifically, their work on [Specific Project/Research] was outstanding, showcasing their ability to [Describe Ability].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Student Name] is a highly motivated and independent thinker. They are actively involved in [Research/Extracurricular Activity], demonstrating their commitment to the field and their ability to work collaboratively. They possess excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
I am confident that [Student Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to your program and the field of [Field of Study]. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Recommendation for Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Volunteer Coordinator
[Organization Name]
[Address]
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Volunteer Name] for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have known [Volunteer Name] for [Number] years as a [Relationship – e.g., neighbor, member of our community group].
[Volunteer Name] is a highly motivated, reliable, and compassionate individual with a strong desire to help others. They have consistently demonstrated a willingness to give back to the community and are always eager to lend a helping hand. For example, [Specific example of their volunteerism/helpfulness].
[Volunteer Name] possesses excellent interpersonal skills and is able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. They are also highly organized and responsible. Their enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious.
I am confident that [Volunteer Name] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer team. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Recommendation for a Leadership Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the leadership role of [Specific Leadership Role]. I have had the opportunity to observe [Candidate Name]‘s leadership abilities firsthand during their time as [Their Previous Role] at [Your Organization/Context].
[Candidate Name] possesses a unique blend of vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. During their time in [Their Previous Role], they successfully [Specific Accomplishment demonstrating Leadership]. This resulted in [Positive Outcome] and demonstrated their capability to drive positive change.
[Candidate Name] is a strong communicator, an active listener, and adept at building consensus among diverse stakeholders. They are also highly resilient and able to navigate complex challenges effectively. Their commitment to ethical leadership and team development is truly commendable.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] possesses the skills, experience, and character necessary to excel in the leadership role of [Specific Leadership Role]. I highly recommend them without any hesitation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Recommendation for a Creative Role (e.g., Designer, Writer)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate Name] for a creative role at your organization. I had the distinct pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as their [Your Role – e.g., supervisor, client] on the [Project Name] project.
[Candidate Name] possesses an exceptional talent for [Specific Creative Skill – e.g., graphic design, writing, illustration]. Their work is consistently innovative, visually compelling, and demonstrates a strong understanding of [Relevant Industry/Artistic Principles]. For example, their contributions to [Specific aspect of the Project] were particularly impressive.
Beyond their technical skills, [Candidate Name] is a highly creative thinker and a collaborative team member. They are able to generate original ideas and are always open to feedback. Their passion for their craft is truly inspiring.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your creative team. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please review their portfolio at [Link to Portfolio] for further evidence of their talent. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Recommendation for a Technical Role (e.g., Software Engineer)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for a technical role at [Company Name]. I had the privilege of working with [Candidate Name] at [Your Organization] as their [Your Role – e.g., Team Lead, Senior Engineer].
[Candidate Name] is a highly skilled and dedicated software engineer with expertise in [Specific Technologies/Languages – e.g., Python, Java, AWS]. They possess a strong understanding of software development principles and are adept at problem-solving and debugging. Specifically, they played a critical role in [Specific Project], where they [Specific Contribution and Result].
Beyond their technical skills, [Candidate Name] is a strong team player and a clear communicator. They are able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand and are always willing to help others. They consistently demonstrate a commitment to learning new technologies and best practices.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your technical team. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Recommendation for a Sales Role
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great confidence that I recommend [Candidate Name] for a sales role at your company. I had the pleasure of managing [Candidate Name] at [Your Company], where they served as a [Their Role – e.g., Sales Representative, Account Manager].
[Candidate Name] consistently exceeded sales targets and demonstrated a strong ability to build and maintain relationships with clients. They possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, and are adept at understanding customer needs and providing tailored solutions. For instance, they [Specific achievement: increased sales by X%, acquired a major account, etc.].
[Candidate Name] is a highly motivated, results-oriented, and resilient individual. They are a quick learner, embrace new challenges, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. They are also a strong team player and contribute positively to the overall sales team dynamic.
I am certain that [Candidate Name] has the potential to be a top performer on your sales team. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
These professional recommendation letter samples are mere frameworks. Tailor each letter to reflect the individual’s unique talents and the requirements of the opportunity they are seeking. The most effective letters are those that are authentic, specific, and highlight quantifiable achievements.