Understanding the Impact of a Strong Recommendation
A well-crafted letter of recommendation can significantly influence a person’s chances of securing a job, gaining admission to a university, or receiving an award. It provides valuable insights into their skills, character, and potential, offering a perspective that resumes and applications alone cannot convey. This article will equip you with the knowledge and examples to write effective recommendations.
The following samples are designed to provide a solid foundation for writing your own letters. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific individual and opportunity, highlighting the most relevant qualities and experiences. Consider the unique skills and achievements of the person you are recommending and frame your letter to showcase their strengths in relation to the target role or program.
Sample Recommendation Letters
Sample 1: Academic Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Institution/Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student Name] for admission to your esteemed program in [Field of Study]. I have had the opportunity to teach [him/her/them] in [Course Name], where [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities and a genuine passion for learning.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Professional Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title] at your company. During [his/her/their] time at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently exceeded expectations in [Specific Role/Project]. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with excellent [Specific Skill] skills.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Volunteer Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Volunteer Name] for [Opportunity/Position] at your organization. [He/She/They] volunteered with us at [Your Organization] for [Duration], and consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to [Cause/Mission]. [He/She/They] is a reliable, dedicated, and compassionate individual.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Colleague Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I highly recommend [Colleague Name] for any position requiring [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. I worked closely with [him/her/them] on the [Project Name] project, and was consistently impressed by [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Accomplishment]. [He/She/They] is a strong team player and a valuable asset to any organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Personal Character Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Organization/Individual]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great confidence that I recommend [Person Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as a friend and neighbor. [He/She/They] is a person of integrity, honesty, and unwavering principles. [He/She/They] is also a kind and compassionate individual who is always willing to help others.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Scholarship Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee Name]
[Scholarship Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [his/her/their] [Teacher/Mentor], I have observed [his/her/their] exceptional academic achievements and dedication to [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] is a deserving candidate with a bright future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Internship Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Internship Committee Name]
[Internship Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear Internship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for an internship at your organization. During [his/her/their] time as a student in my [Course Name] class, [he/she/they] demonstrated a keen interest in [Industry/Field] and a strong work ethic. [He/She/They] is eager to learn and contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Graduate School Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Graduate Admissions Committee]
[University Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] possesses the intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and research aptitude necessary to succeed in a rigorous graduate environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Leadership Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Individual Name] for a leadership position at your organization. Throughout [his/her/their] involvement in [Organization/Project], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated strong leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate, delegate, and inspire others.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Skill-Based Recommendation (e.g., Writing)
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company/Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company/Institution]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Person Name] for any opportunity requiring exceptional writing skills. As [his/her/their] [Professor/Supervisor], I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. [He/She/They] possesses a strong command of grammar, style, and rhetoric.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Specific Project Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I wholeheartedly recommend [Employee Name] for future opportunities based on [his/her/their] outstanding work on the [Project Name] project. [He/She/They] played a crucial role in [Specific Contribution], demonstrating [his/her/their] expertise in [Relevant Skill] and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Career Change Recommendation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name], who is seeking a career change into [New Field]. While [his/her/their] previous experience was in [Previous Field], [he/she/they] possesses transferable skills such as [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] that would make [him/her/them] a valuable asset in this new role. [He/She/They] is highly motivated and eager to learn.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: For a Promotion
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Employee Name] for the promotion to [New Position]. During [his/her/their] time in [his/her/their] current role as [Current Position], [he/she/they] has consistently exceeded expectations and demonstrated the skills and qualities necessary to excel at the next level.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Recommendation for a Program
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Institution]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student Name] for your [Program Name] program. As [his/her/their] [Professor/Advisor], I have witnessed [his/her/their] strong academic performance, dedication to [Field of Study], and genuine interest in [Program Focus].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Recommendation Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I recommend [Employee Name] without reservation. A key strength [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated was [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving abilities. On one occasion, when our team faced a critical setback with [Project/Issue], [he/she/they] quickly identified the root cause and implemented a creative solution that saved us valuable time and resources.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Recommendation Highlighting Communication Skills
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I highly recommend [Employee Name]. [He/She/They] possesses excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. [He/She/They] effectively conveyed complex information to diverse audiences, including clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. [His/Her/Their] ability to clearly articulate ideas and listen attentively made [him/her/them] a valuable member of our team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17: Recommendation Highlighting Teamwork Skills
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I enthusiastically recommend [Employee Name] for any role requiring teamwork. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated a collaborative spirit, actively contributing to team goals and supporting [his/her/their] colleagues. [He/She/They] is a reliable and supportive team player.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 18: Recommendation for Someone You’ve Mentored
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It gives me great pleasure to recommend [Mentee Name]. As [his/her/their] mentor for the past [Number] years, I have witnessed [his/her/their] significant growth and development. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and driven individual with a thirst for knowledge.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 19: Recommendation Focusing on Initiative
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I highly recommend [Employee Name]. One of [his/her/their] most impressive qualities is [his/her/their] proactive nature and willingness to take initiative. [He/She/They] consistently sought out opportunities to improve processes and contribute beyond [his/her/their] assigned responsibilities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 20: Recommendation Focusing on Adaptability
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name]. [He/She/They] is a highly adaptable individual who thrives in dynamic environments. When faced with unexpected challenges or changing priorities, [he/she/they] quickly adjusts [his/her/their] approach and remains focused on achieving the desired outcome.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 21: For Admission to a Competitive Program
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee Name]
[Program Name]
[Recipient Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with considerable enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your highly competitive [Program Name]. Having taught [him/her/them] in several advanced courses, I am consistently impressed by [his/her/their] intellectual depth and unwavering dedication to [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] possesses the rare combination of analytical rigor and creative thinking that will enable [him/her/them] to thrive in your challenging program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 22: Focusing on Passion and Enthusiasm
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I wholeheartedly recommend [Individual Name]. What truly sets [him/her/them] apart is [his/her/their] genuine passion for [Field/Area]. This enthusiasm is infectious and inspires those around [him/her/them]. [He/She/They] approaches every task with energy and a positive attitude.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 23: Recommendation for someone who overcame challenges
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Institution]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Student Name]. Despite facing [brief description of challenge] during [his/her/their] academic career, [he/she/they] demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. [He/She/They] not only overcame this obstacle but emerged stronger and more focused on [his/her/their] goals. This experience has instilled in [him/her/them] a level of perseverance and maturity that will serve [him/her/them] well in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 24: Recommendation for Entrepreneurial Skills
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I highly recommend [Individual Name]. I was consistently impressed by [his/her/their] entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. [He/She/They] demonstrated a strong understanding of market trends, a knack for identifying opportunities, and the drive to turn ideas into successful ventures.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 25: Endorsement of Creativity and Innovation
[Your Name/Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title]
[Recipient Company]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I wholeheartedly endorse [Individual Name] for any endeavor that requires creativity and innovation. [He/She/They] possesses a unique ability to think outside the box, generate novel ideas, and approach challenges from unconventional angles. [His/Her/Their] creative solutions have consistently added value to our projects.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: Crafting a Powerful Recommendation
These samples are just a starting point. The most effective letters of recommendation are those that are personalized, specific, and enthusiastic. Consider the recipient’s needs, the candidate’s strengths, and your own unique perspective. By tailoring your letter to the specific situation, you can create a powerful endorsement that makes a real difference.