Writing a personal recommendation letter can feel daunting, especially when you want to highlight the individual’s strengths and suitability for a particular opportunity. Whether it’s for a job application, scholarship, or volunteer position, a well-crafted letter can significantly impact the outcome. This guide offers 16 diverse examples to help you understand the key elements and tailor your letter to the specific context. Remember to personalize each letter with specific anecdotes and details to make it authentic and impactful. Focus on showcasing the individual’s character, skills, and how they align with the requirements of the opportunity.
These samples cover a range of scenarios, from recommending a student for university admission to supporting a former colleague seeking a new role. Each example emphasizes different aspects of the individual’s personality and accomplishments. Pay close attention to the structure, tone, and language used in each sample. Consider the relationship you have with the person you are recommending and the specific requirements of the opportunity. By studying these examples, you can gain valuable insights into writing effective and compelling personal recommendation letters.
Before diving into the samples, it’s helpful to understand the common elements of a strong recommendation letter. These include a clear introduction stating your relationship to the person, specific examples that demonstrate their skills and qualities, a positive tone throughout, and a strong closing statement. Remember to proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A polished and well-written letter reflects positively on both you and the person you are recommending. Don’t hesitate to ask the individual for their resume or details about the opportunity to inform your writing.
A truly impactful letter of recommendation goes beyond generic praise. It tells a story, painting a vivid picture of the individual’s capabilities and character. Consider including a specific anecdote that showcases their problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, or dedication to their work. This personal touch can make your letter stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Remember, the goal is to provide a compelling and authentic endorsement that helps the individual achieve their goals. Use the following samples as inspiration to craft a powerful and persuasive letter of your own.
16 Personal Recommendation Letter Samples
Sample 1: For University Admission
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., high school teacher, mentor]. Throughout this time, I have been consistently impressed by their [Positive Qualities – e.g., intelligence, work ethic, and passion for learning]. Specifically, [Applicant’s Name] excelled in my [Subject] class, consistently demonstrating a strong understanding of the material and a willingness to go above and beyond in their studies. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: For a Job Opportunity
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, where they served as our [Applicant’s Role]. During their time here, [Applicant’s Name] consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating strong [Skills – e.g., leadership, communication, and problem-solving] skills. For example, [Specific Example of their achievement]. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: For a Scholarship
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., teacher, mentor, community leader]. [Applicant’s Name] possesses a unique combination of academic excellence, strong character, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world. I believe they are exceptionally deserving of this scholarship. [Specific Example related to the scholarship’s criteria]. I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: For a Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Volunteer Coordinator
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend, colleague]. [Applicant’s Name] is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong commitment to helping others. [Specific Example of their volunteering experience or helpfulness]. Their enthusiasm and willingness to contribute make them an ideal candidate for your volunteer program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Coworker Moving to Another Company
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
It is without hesitation that I recommend [Applicant’s Name]. I had the distinct pleasure of working alongside [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years at [Your Company]. During this time, I witnessed firsthand their exceptional [Specific Skill] and unwavering dedication to our shared goals. Their departure is a loss for our team, but I am confident they will bring tremendous value to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Teacher Recommending a Student
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant’s Name], a former student in my [Subject] class. [Applicant’s Name] consistently impressed me with their intellectual curiosity and their ability to grasp complex concepts quickly. They are a highly motivated and engaged student, and I have no doubt they will excel in their future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: For an Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for an internship at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., professor, mentor]. [Applicant’s Name] possesses a strong work ethic, a keen interest in [Relevant Field], and a willingness to learn. I am confident they would be a valuable asset to your team and would benefit greatly from the opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: For a Leadership Program
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
Leadership Program Committee
[Program Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Leadership Program Committee,
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Program Name] leadership program. I have had the opportunity to observe [Applicant’s Name]’s leadership abilities in [Context, e.g., as a club president, team leader]. [Applicant’s Name] demonstrates a natural ability to inspire and motivate others, and they possess the qualities necessary to become an effective leader. I believe participation in your program would further enhance their skills and prepare them for future leadership roles.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: For a Promotion
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Job Title] position. I have worked closely with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years, and they have consistently proven their ability to excel. [Applicant’s Name] is ready to take on more responsibilities and I am confident they will be successful in this new role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Friend Recommending Another Friend
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend my friend, [Applicant’s Name], for this oppurtunity. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for many years and I truly believe they are hard working and will be a valueble asset to any business. [Applicant’s Name] is ready to take on the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: For a Nursing Program
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Nursing Program Name]
[Program Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasim that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for this program. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for many years as their doctor and I know they will bring compassion and the will to learn. [Applicant’s Name] is ready to take on the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: For an Apartment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord Name]
[Apartment Complex Name]
[Apartment Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a lease at this complex. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for many years as their neighbor and I know they will be a great tenant. [Applicant’s Name] is friendly, clean and well respected.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Recommendation for a Board Member Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Board of Directors]
[Organization Name]
[Address]
Dear Board of Directors,
I am writing to express my strong support for [Candidate’s Name] as a candidate for the Board of Directors at [Organization Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years in my capacity as [Your Relationship – e.g., business partner, colleague, community leader].
Throughout our association, I have been consistently impressed by [Candidate’s Name]’s [List 2-3 key qualities: e.g., strategic thinking, financial acumen, and commitment to community service]. Their ability to [Give specific example showcasing a quality, e.g., analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions] would be an invaluable asset to the Board.
[Candidate’s Name] possesses a deep understanding of [Industry/Area Relevant to the Organization] and a proven track record of success in [Mention specific achievements or roles]. Furthermore, their [Mention soft skills like communication, leadership] skills make them an effective collaborator and decision-maker.
I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would bring a fresh perspective, sound judgment, and unwavering dedication to the Board of Directors. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Character Reference for Court
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
The Honorable [Judge’s Last Name]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
Honorable Judge [Judge’s Last Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend, family member].
I understand that [Defendant’s Name] is facing serious charges, and I want to offer my perspective on their character. Throughout our relationship, I have known [Defendant’s Name] to be a [List 2-3 positive qualities: e.g., kind, compassionate, and responsible] individual. They have always been [Provide specific examples supporting the qualities mentioned: e.g., willing to help others in need, dedicated to their family, and active in the community].
[Defendant’s Name] has always demonstrated [Mention specific positive traits that are relevant to the case, e.g., respect for the law, remorse for their actions, a desire to make amends]. I believe that [He/She] is a person of good character who is capable of learning from their mistakes.
I respectfully request that the court consider my testimony when making its decision. I believe that [Defendant’s Name] is deserving of leniency.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Recommendation for Grad School
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Department]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[Date]
Graduate Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Field of Study]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., professor, research advisor].
[Applicant’s Name] is an exceptional student with a strong academic record and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. In my [Course Name] class, [Applicant’s Name] consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of complex concepts and an ability to think critically and creatively. [Provide a specific example of their academic performance: e.g., Their insightful analysis of [Topic] in their final paper was particularly impressive].
Furthermore, [Applicant’s Name] possesses excellent [Mention research skills, communication skills, or other relevant skills]. [Give specific examples: e.g., They made significant contributions to my research on [Research Topic], presenting their findings at [Conference Name] with clarity and confidence]. They are a highly motivated and independent learner with a strong work ethic.
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the intellectual ability, research skills, and personal qualities to succeed in your rigorous graduate program. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Recommendation for a Babysitter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Parents Name]
[Parents Address]
Dear [Parents Name],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Babysitter’s Name] as a babysitter for your children. [Babysitter’s Name] has been babysitting my children, [Children’s Names and Ages], for the past [Number] years, and we have been consistently impressed with their care and responsibility.
[Babysitter’s Name] is incredibly [List 2-3 key qualities: e.g., reliable, patient, and engaging] with children. They always arrive on time, prepared with activities to keep the children entertained, and are attentive to their needs. [Give specific example: e.g., My children always look forward to spending time with [Babysitter’s Name], and I feel completely comfortable leaving them in their care].
[Babysitter’s Name] is also very responsible and safety-conscious. They are always mindful of our house rules and ensure that the children are safe and well-supervised at all times. [Give specific example: e.g., They are adept at handling minor emergencies and always communicate effectively with us].
I highly recommend [Babysitter’s Name] to anyone looking for a trustworthy and caring babysitter. You can reach me at the contact information above if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
These 16 personal recommendation letter samples provide a strong foundation for crafting your own compelling endorsements. Remember to personalize each letter with specific details and anecdotes that highlight the individual’s strengths and suitability for the opportunity. Tailor your language and tone to the specific context and always proofread carefully for errors. A well-written and thoughtful recommendation can make a significant difference in someone’s life.