Recommendation Letter Format: Samples & Writing Tips

[Date]

Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[University Address]

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 [School Name]. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and intellectually curious student with a strong work ethic.

During my class, [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated [Specific Skill, e.g., excellent writing skills] and a [Positive Quality, e.g., passion for learning]. For example, [He/She/They] wrote an exceptional research paper on [Topic] that showcased [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Skill demonstrated, e.g., analyze complex information and present it in a clear and concise manner]. [He/She/They] also actively participated in class discussions, offering insightful perspectives and challenging [His/Her/Their] peers to think critically.

I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, work ethic, and personal qualities to succeed at [University Name]. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name (if known), or “Hiring Manager”]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager 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 [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

During [His/Her/Their] time here, [Employee’s Name] consistently exceeded expectations. [He/She/They] is a highly skilled [Skill 1, e.g., project manager] with a proven track record of [Achievement, e.g., successfully delivering projects on time and within budget]. For instance, [He/She/They] led the [Project Name] project, which resulted in a [Quantifiable Result, e.g., 15% increase in efficiency]. [He/She/They] is also a strong [Skill 2, e.g., team player] and a [Positive Quality, e.g., creative problem-solver].

[Employee’s Name] is a valuable asset to any team, and I am confident that [He/She/They] would be a significant contribution to your organization. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] for this position.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Name],

I am pleased to recommend [Colleague’s Name] for consideration. I have worked alongside [Colleague’s Name] at [Your Company] for the past [Number] years as [Your Role], and I have been consistently impressed by [His/Her/Their] dedication and skills.

[Colleague’s Name] possesses a strong understanding of [Area of Expertise] and is particularly adept at [Specific Skill]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1, e.g., excellent communication skills] and [Positive Quality 2, e.g., a collaborative spirit]. For example, [He/She/They] played a key role in [Project/Situation] by [Action Taken] which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. [He/She/They] is also a [Positive Quality 3, e.g., quick learner] and is always willing to go the extra mile.

I am confident that [Colleague’s Name] would be a valuable asset to any organization. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without hesitation.

[Date]

Scholarship Committee
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have been [Student’s Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor] at [School/Organization Name] for [Number] years.

[Student’s Name] is an exceptionally talented and dedicated individual with a strong academic record and a commitment to [Area of Study/Passion]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., intellectual curiosity] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a strong work ethic]. For example, in my [Course Name] class, [He/She/They] consistently [Specific Action Demonstrating Quality – e.g., went above and beyond on assignments, participated actively in discussions]. [He/She/They] also displays a genuine passion for [Area of Study/Passion], as evidenced by [Specific Example – e.g., volunteer work, independent projects].

I believe [Student’s Name] possesses the qualities and potential to make a significant contribution to [Field of Study/Society]. Receiving the [Scholarship Name] scholarship would greatly assist [Him/Her/Them] in achieving [His/Her/Their] academic and professional goals. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] for this scholarship.

[Date]

Residency Program Director
[Program Name]
[Hospital/Institution Name]
[Hospital/Institution Address]

Dear Residency Program Director,

It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a residency position in your [Specialty] program at [Hospital/Institution Name]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role – e.g., attending physician, professor] at [Hospital/Institution Name] for [Number] months/years.

[Applicant’s Name] is an exceptional medical student/graduate with a strong foundation in [Medical Field] and a demonstrated commitment to patient care. [He/She/They] consistently displayed [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., excellent clinical skills] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a compassionate bedside manner]. During [His/Her/Their] rotation in [Department/Service], [He/She/They] consistently [Specific Action Demonstrating Quality – e.g., went above and beyond to ensure patient comfort, demonstrated a thorough understanding of complex medical concepts]. [He/She/They] also actively sought opportunities to learn and improve, demonstrating a proactive and inquisitive approach to medicine.

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, clinical skills, and personal qualities to excel in your residency program. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and compassionate individual who would be a valuable addition to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Volunteer Coordinator
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., neighbor, teacher, mentor].

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and compassionate individual with a genuine desire to help others. [He/She/They] possesses [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., excellent communication skills] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a strong work ethic]. [He/She/They] is also [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., reliable and punctual]. For example, [He/She/They] previously volunteered at [Previous Volunteer Experience, if any] where [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment/Task]. [He/She/They] is eager to contribute [His/Her/Their] time and talents to your organization and is passionate about [Organization’s Mission/Cause].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer team. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and responsible individual who is committed to making a positive impact. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] for this position.

[Date]

Internship Coordinator/Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Internship Coordinator,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Internship Name] internship at [Company Name]. I have been [Student’s Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., professor, advisor] at [School/Organization Name] for [Number] years.

[Student’s Name] is an outstanding student with a strong academic record and a keen interest in [Field Related to Internship]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., analytical skills] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a proactive approach to problem-solving]. In my [Course Name] class, [He/She/They] [Specific Action Demonstrating Quality – e.g., completed a particularly insightful project on [Topic], consistently asked thoughtful questions]. [He/She/They] also possesses [Technical Skill/Software Proficiency], which would be directly applicable to the responsibilities of this internship.

I am confident that [Student’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. [He/She/They] is a quick learner, eager to contribute, and dedicated to professional growth. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] for this internship.

[Date]

Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
[University Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as [His/Her/Their] [Your Role – e.g., professor, research advisor] at [Your University].

[Student’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student with a strong academic record and a clear passion for [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., intellectual curiosity] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a strong work ethic] throughout [His/Her/Their] undergraduate studies. [He/She/They] excelled in my [Course Name] class, where [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment – e.g., completed a research project that was later presented at a conference, consistently asked insightful questions that stimulated class discussion]. [He/She/They]’s research on [Research Topic] demonstrated [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., analyze complex data, formulate innovative hypotheses].

I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, research skills, and dedication to succeed in your rigorous graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Committee/Selection Committee
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Leadership Role] position at [Organization Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Role/Relationship – e.g., supervisor, mentor, colleague] at [Your Organization].

[Candidate’s Name] is a highly effective and inspiring leader with a proven track record of success in [Area of Expertise]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Leadership Quality 1 – e.g., strong communication skills], [Positive Leadership Quality 2 – e.g., strategic thinking], and [Positive Leadership Quality 3 – e.g., the ability to motivate and empower others]. During [His/Her/Their] time at [Your Organization], [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Leadership – e.g., successfully led a team to achieve a challenging goal, implemented a new initiative that significantly improved efficiency]. [He/She/They] is also a highly [Positive Personal Quality – e.g., collaborative and results-oriented] individual who is committed to achieving organizational goals.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] possesses the leadership skills, experience, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to [Organization Name]. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Committee
[School/University Name]
[Department Name]
[School/University Address]

Dear Hiring Committee,

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Teaching Position] position at [School/University Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as [His/Her/Their] [Your Role – e.g., professor, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution].

[Candidate’s Name] is an exceptional educator with a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of [Subject Area]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Teaching Quality 1 – e.g., excellent communication skills], [Positive Teaching Quality 2 – e.g., the ability to engage students], and [Positive Teaching Quality 3 – e.g., a commitment to student success]. In my [Course Name] class, [Candidate’s Name] [Specific Teaching Achievement – e.g., developed innovative teaching materials, created a positive and supportive learning environment]. [He/She/They] is also a [Positive Personal Quality – e.g., dedicated and enthusiastic] individual who is committed to providing students with a high-quality education.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] possesses the teaching skills, subject matter expertise, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your department. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

[Applicant’s Name] is an exceptionally talented and creative designer with a strong understanding of [Design Principles/Software]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., a keen eye for detail], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., strong problem-solving skills], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., the ability to translate ideas into visually appealing designs]. During [His/Her/Their] time here, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Design Skill – e.g., designed a new logo that significantly improved brand recognition, created marketing materials that increased sales by X%]. [He/She/They] is also proficient in [Software 1] and [Software 2].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the creative skills, technical expertise, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation. I encourage you to review [His/Her/Their] portfolio at [Portfolio Link].

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Software Engineer position at [Company Name]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly skilled and dedicated software engineer with a strong understanding of [Programming Languages/Technologies]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., strong problem-solving skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., the ability to write clean and efficient code], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., a collaborative approach to software development]. During [His/Her/Their] time here, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Technical Skill – e.g., developed a new feature that improved application performance by X%, contributed significantly to the development of [Project Name]]. [He/She/They] is proficient in [Programming Language 1], [Programming Language 2], and [Software Development Framework].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the technical skills, experience, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation. I can provide code samples upon request.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Sales Representative position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented sales professional with a proven track record of success. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., excellent communication and interpersonal skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a strong understanding of sales principles], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., the ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships]. During [His/Her/Their] time here, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Sales Skill – e.g., consistently exceeded sales quotas, generated X amount of revenue, acquired Y number of new clients]. [He/She/They] is also a skilled negotiator and a master of [Sales Technique].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the sales skills, experience, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Customer Service Representative position at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to work with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly dedicated and customer-focused individual with a passion for providing excellent service. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., excellent communication and problem-solving skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., empathy and patience], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., the ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism]. During [His/Her/Their] time here, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Customer Service Skill – e.g., consistently received positive customer feedback, resolved complex customer issues efficiently and effectively, maintained a high customer satisfaction rating]. [He/She/They] is also proficient in [Customer Service Software].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the customer service skills, experience, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Accountant position at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Role/Relationship].

[Applicant’s Name] is a detail-oriented and highly accurate accounting professional with a solid understanding of financial principles and practices. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., strong analytical skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., proficiency in accounting software], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., a commitment to maintaining accurate financial records]. During [His/Her/Their] time [here/with me], [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment/Task – e.g., successfully managed the monthly closing process, prepared accurate financial reports, identified and resolved accounting errors]. [He/She/They] is proficient in [Accounting Software] and has a strong understanding of [Accounting Principles].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the skills, experience, and integrity to excel in this role. I recommend [him/her/them] for this position.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

[Applicant’s Name] is a creative and results-driven marketing professional with a strong understanding of marketing principles and strategies. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., excellent communication and analytical skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., creativity and innovation], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., the ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns]. During [His/Her/Their] time here, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Marketing Skill – e.g., developed and implemented a social media campaign that increased brand awareness by X%, created marketing materials that generated Y leads, increased website traffic by Z%]. [He/She/They] is proficient in [Marketing Software/Tools].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the marketing skills, experience, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Administrative Assistant position at [Company Name]. I have worked with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Role/Relationship].

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly organized and efficient administrative professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., strong attention to detail], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., the ability to prioritize tasks effectively], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., proficiency in office software]. During [His/Her/Their] time [with me/here], [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment/Task – e.g., managed complex calendars and travel arrangements, prepared accurate and timely reports, provided excellent customer service to clients and visitors]. [He/She/They] is proficient in [Software Programs, e.g., Microsoft Office Suite] and is a quick learner.

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the skills and experience necessary to be a successful Administrative Assistant at your company. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Project Manager position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly organized and results-oriented project manager with a proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., strong leadership and communication skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., the ability to effectively manage risks and resources], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., a thorough understanding of project management methodologies]. During [His/Her/Their] time here, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement Demonstrating Project Management Skill – e.g., successfully managed the [Project Name] project, which resulted in [Positive Outcome], implemented project management best practices that improved efficiency by X%]. [He/She/They] is proficient in [Project Management Software/Tools].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the project management skills, experience, and personal qualities to excel in this role and make a significant contribution to your team. I highly recommend [Him/Her/Them] without reservation.

[Date]

Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Human Resources position at [Company Name]. I have worked with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Role].

[Applicant’s Name] is a dedicated and knowledgeable HR professional with a strong understanding of HR principles and practices. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., excellent communication and interpersonal skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., knowledge of employment law], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., a commitment to ethical and fair practices]. During [His/Her/Their] time [at the company/working with me], [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment/Task – e.g., successfully managed the recruitment process for X number of positions, developed and implemented a new employee training program, resolved employee relations issues fairly and effectively]. [He/She/They] is proficient in [HR Software/Systems] and has a solid understanding of [HR Legal Frameworks].

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the skills, experience, and integrity necessary to be a successful HR professional at your company. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this position.

[Date]

Hiring Manager/Selection Committee
[Non-Profit Name]
[Non-Profit Address]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Non-Profit Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Role/Relationship – e.g., volunteer coordinator, supervisor, board member].

[Applicant’s Name] is a highly dedicated and passionate individual with a strong commitment to [Non-Profit’s Mission]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., strong communication and interpersonal skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a deep understanding of the issues facing the community served by the non-profit], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., a willingness to go the extra mile to make a difference]. During [His/Her/Their] time [volunteering/working] with [Our Organization/Me], [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement/Contribution – e.g., successfully organized a fundraising event that raised X amount of money, provided valuable support to clients/beneficiaries, played a key role in [Project/Initiative]]. [He/She/They] is particularly skilled in [Skill Relevant to Non-Profit’s Work].