Why a Strong Recommendation Matters
A well-crafted letter of recommendation can significantly impact a candidate’s chances of securing employment. It provides potential employers with valuable insights into the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and character, often going beyond what can be gleaned from a resume or interview. A compelling recommendation highlights specific achievements and quantifies the candidate’s contributions, making them stand out from the competition. The following examples provide a template and inspiration for writing impactful letters.
Crafting an Effective Letter
When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s crucial to tailor it to the specific job the candidate is applying for. Researching the company and understanding the required skills will allow you to showcase the applicant’s relevant qualifications. Focus on providing concrete examples of their abilities and highlight situations where they demonstrated key strengths. Remember to maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone, demonstrating your genuine belief in the candidate’s potential.
Sample Letters of Recommendation for Employment (21 Examples)
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[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] as their [Your Role] for the past [Number] years. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] [mention 2-3 key skills/attributes, e.g., dedication, problem-solving abilities, and positive attitude].
[Candidate Name] consistently exceeded expectations in [his/her/their] role. For example, [he/she/they] [provide a specific achievement with quantifiable results, e.g., “increased sales by 15% in Q2 by implementing a new marketing strategy”]. [He/She/They] is also a highly collaborative team member, always willing to go the extra mile to support colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and skilled individual with a strong work ethic and a proven track record of success. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Job Title]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of managing [him/her/them] as [Candidate Name]’s supervisor during [his/her/their] time as a [Candidate’s Previous Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong understanding of [relevant skills/industry knowledge]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated [positive traits, e.g., initiative, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence]. A specific instance that stands out is when [he/she/they] [describe a challenging situation the candidate successfully navigated]. This showcases [his/her/their] ability to [skills demonstrated in the situation].
[Candidate Name] is also an excellent communicator and a reliable team player. I believe [he/she/they] would be a valuable addition to your organization, bringing [his/her/their] skills and dedication to your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Candidate – e.g., a colleague, a mentee, a student].
[Candidate Name] possesses strong skills in [List 2-3 key skills]. For example, during [Project/Situation], [he/she/they] successfully [Describe specific accomplishment]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [Highlight key skill demonstrated]. [He/She/They] is also a highly motivated and dedicated individual.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in this role. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and believe [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is without hesitation that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at your company. As [Candidate Name]’s [Your Relationship – e.g., Professor, Supervisor] at [Your Organization], I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her/their] growth and development over [Number] years.
[Candidate Name] is a highly capable and dedicated individual. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated [Positive Qualities – e.g., strong analytical skills, a proactive approach, and a passion for learning]. For example, during [Project/Assignment], [he/she/they] [Specific Achievement – e.g., developed a innovative solution, exceeded expectations, successfully managed a complex task]. This showcased [his/her/their] [Relevant Skills – e.g., problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, technical expertise].
[He/She/They] are also a valuable team player, always willing to collaborate and support others. I am certain that [Candidate Name] would be a significant asset to your organization, and I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this role. Please feel free to reach out if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for [Candidate Name], who is applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Candidate – e.g., their manager, professor, project lead].
[Candidate Name] consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] [Key Qualities – e.g., dedication, work ethic, and ability to learn quickly]. During [Specific Project or Situation], [he/she/they] [Describe Action and Result – e.g., led the team to successfully complete the project ahead of schedule and under budget]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] skills in [Relevant Skills – e.g., project management, leadership, and problem-solving]. [He/She/They] is also a highly effective communicator and team player.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] possesses the skills and experience necessary to excel in the [Job Title] role. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] and believe [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Job Title] Position
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the distinct pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as [his/her/their] [Your Role Relative to Candidate – e.g., supervisor, mentor, team lead] at [Your Company/Organization] for [Number] years.
Throughout [his/her/their] tenure, [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional abilities in [List 2-3 Key Skills – e.g., communication, problem-solving, and teamwork]. In particular, I recall when [Specific Situation or Project – e.g., they spearheaded the X project, resolved a critical customer issue]. [He/She/They] [Actions Taken and Positive Outcomes – e.g., took initiative to implement a new system that streamlined the process, successfully negotiated a favorable outcome for the client]. This clearly showcased [his/her/their] strengths in [Specific Skills Demonstrated – e.g., project management, negotiation, and critical thinking].
[Candidate Name] is a highly motivated, results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team, and I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for employment. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Candidate – e.g., their manager, professor, volunteer coordinator].
[Candidate Name] is a highly [Positive Adjective – e.g., reliable, diligent, creative] individual with a strong work ethic. During [his/her/their] time with [Your Company/Organization], [he/she/they] consistently [Positive Action – e.g., exceeded expectations, took initiative, volunteered for extra tasks]. For example, [Specific Situation and Result – e.g., they developed a new training program that improved employee performance by 15%]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., creativity, leadership, and problem-solving abilities].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and would be happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Job Title] Opening
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It gives me great pleasure to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] opening at [Company Name]. I served as [Candidate Name]’s [Your Role Relative to Candidate] at [Your Company/Organization] for [Number] years, and during that time I was consistently impressed by [his/her/their] dedication and skills.
[Candidate Name] is a highly skilled professional with a proven track record of success in [Relevant Skills/Areas of Expertise]. One instance that particularly stands out is when [Specific Example of Achievement – e.g., they led a team to successfully launch a new product line]. [He/She/They] [Actions Taken and Results Achieved – e.g., demonstrated exceptional leadership, managed the project effectively, and delivered outstanding results]. This clearly demonstrated [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., project management, leadership, and communication skills].
[Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual, and I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] and encourage you to consider [his/her/their] application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation – [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for a position within your organization. I had the pleasure of being [Candidate Name]’s [Your Role Relative to Candidate – e.g., Professor, Supervisor, Mentor] at [Your Institution/Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. During [his/her/their] time with me, [he/she/they] [Actions Taken and Positive Results – e.g., consistently exceeded expectations on assignments, proactively sought out new challenges, and made significant contributions to the team]. I remember one specific instance when [Specific Situation Where Candidate Shined – e.g., they were tasked with a complex project and not only completed it on time but also delivered exceptional results]. This displayed [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and attention to detail].
[Candidate Name] is also a highly motivated and collaborative individual. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Specific Role, if known, or “a suitable position”]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for [Specific Role, if known, or “a suitable position”] at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years in my capacity as [Your Relationship to Candidate – e.g., his/her/their supervisor, project lead, mentor] at [Your Company/Organization].
[Candidate Name] is a highly skilled and dedicated individual with a passion for [Industry/Field]. I have been particularly impressed by [his/her/their] [Specific Skills or Qualities – e.g., analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, leadership potential]. For instance, [he/she/they] [Specific Action and Positive Impact – e.g., developed a new marketing strategy that increased lead generation by 20%, streamlined a key process that resulted in significant cost savings, mentored a junior employee who subsequently exceeded performance goals]. This clearly demonstrates [his/her/their] aptitude for [Specific Skills Highlighted – e.g., strategic thinking, process improvement, and employee development].
[Candidate Name] is also a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your organization, and I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Strong Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Job Title, if applicable]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to provide a strong letter of recommendation for [Candidate Name], whom I have known for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Candidate – e.g., his/her/their direct supervisor, professor, project leader] at [Your Company/Institution]. I am confident that [he/she/they] possesses the skills and qualities necessary to excel in the [Job Title, if applicable] role or any similar position within your organization.
During [his/her/their] time with [Your Company/Institution], [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated [List 2-3 Key Strengths – e.g., exceptional problem-solving abilities, a proactive and results-oriented approach, strong leadership skills]. A particular instance that highlights these strengths is when [Specific Example of Achievement and Impact – e.g., he/she/they successfully navigated a complex project that was behind schedule and over budget, developing creative solutions that brought it back on track and within budget; he/she/they consistently exceeded sales targets by developing strong relationships with key clients and identifying new market opportunities]. This experience showcased [his/her/their] proficiency in [List Specific Skills Demonstrated in the Example – e.g., project management, critical thinking, negotiation, and client relationship management].
[Candidate Name] is also a highly motivated and dedicated individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I am certain that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your team, and I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for this opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – Position at [Company Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for a position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as [his/her/their] [Your role, e.g., supervisor, professor, team lead] at [Your company/institution] for [Number] years.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptionally talented and driven individual. [He/She/They] consistently exceeded expectations in [his/her/their] role. For example, [specific example showcasing skill, e.g., “he/she/they developed a new training program that resulted in a 20% increase in employee productivity”]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [key skills shown, e.g., “innovate, problem-solve, and lead”]. [He/She/They] is also a fantastic team player and communicator.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your company. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and believe [he/she/they] will quickly become a star employee. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for a position at your company. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your relationship to the candidate – e.g., supervisor, colleague, mentor] at [Your company/organization].
[Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and talented individual with a strong work ethic. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated [positive qualities – e.g., excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities, a positive attitude]. One example of this is when [specific accomplishment or situation demonstrating skills].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for any position that utilizes [his/her/their] skills. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Candidate Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your relationship to the candidate e.g., direct supervisor, professor, project manager].
[Candidate Name] is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a strong ability to [mention key skill e.g., problem-solve, communicate, lead]. During our time working together, [he/she/they] consistently [positive action e.g., exceeded expectations, took initiative, went above and beyond]. For instance, [describe a specific accomplishment and its positive impact].
I have no doubt that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable addition to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and encourage you to consider [his/her/their] application. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name] – [Job Title]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at your company. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] as [his/her/their] [Your role – e.g., supervisor, professor] at [Your Organization] for [Number] years.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptionally skilled and dedicated individual. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated [Positive qualities – e.g., strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, a positive attitude]. For example, [describe a specific achievement or situation where the candidate excelled]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [key skills displayed – e.g., lead, innovate, analyze].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate Name] for [Job Title] position
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position. I had the privilege of working with [Candidate Name] as [his/her/their] [Your role – e.g., manager, mentor, professor] at [Your company/institution] for [Number] years.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptional individual who consistently demonstrates [positive attributes – e.g., a strong work ethic, exceptional problem-solving skills, leadership potential]. During [his/her/their] time with us, [he/she/they] [specific action and positive result – e.g., consistently exceeded expectations on projects, developed innovative solutions to complex problems, effectively led a team to achieve a significant goal]. This is clearly demonstrated by [specific example with quantifiable results if possible].
I am certain that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and encourage you to contact me with any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for your consideration. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your relationship to candidate – e.g., their direct supervisor, a colleague, their professor].
[Candidate Name] consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] [key strengths – e.g., dedication to excellence, ability to learn quickly, collaborative spirit]. During [his/her/their] time [at the company/in my class], [he/she/they] [specific example of accomplishment e.g., “consistently exceeded sales goals”, “developed an innovative solution”, “led a team project to success”]. [This demonstrated] [skills demonstrated – e.g., problem-solving skills, leadership ability, ability to work effectively as part of a team].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the skills and personality to thrive in your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name] -
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information][Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Candidate Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for a position at your company. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [his/her/their] [Your relationship – e.g., supervisor, professor, mentor] at [Your Company