Writing a recommendation letter can be daunting. Knowing what to include and how to structure your letter is crucial for creating a compelling endorsement. These sample letters provide a solid foundation, but always tailor them to the specific individual and opportunity. Highlight their key strengths and accomplishments that directly relate to the position or program they are applying for. A generic letter lacks impact; make it personal and specific.
Before diving into the examples, consider the context. Are you recommending a student for a scholarship, an employee for a promotion, or a colleague for a new job? The tone and content should align with the purpose. Focus on concrete examples and quantifiable results whenever possible. Instead of saying someone is “hardworking,” describe a specific situation where they demonstrated exceptional work ethic. Strong verbs and vivid language will make your letter stand out.
A good recommendation letter usually includes an opening salutation, an introduction explaining your relationship to the candidate, a body highlighting their skills and experiences, and a closing statement offering your strong endorsement. Remember to proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A well-written letter reflects positively on both the candidate and you. Be honest and realistic in your assessment. An over-the-top or unrealistic recommendation can be counterproductive.
These recommendation letter samples cover various scenarios and job types. Reviewing these letters and writing recommendation letters will allow you to create your own letter that can help someone reach their dreams.
Recommendation Letter Samples
Sample 1: For a Student Applying to University
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[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 been [Student’s Name]’s [Teacher/Professor] in [Course Name] for the past [Number] years. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their intellectual curiosity, dedication, and academic performance.
[Student’s Name] consistently demonstrates a strong grasp of complex concepts and a willingness to engage in challenging discussions. Their contributions to class discussions are insightful and well-articulated. Furthermore, they are a highly motivated and independent learner, always seeking to expand their knowledge beyond the scope of the curriculum.
For example, in [Specific project or assignment], [Student’s Name] [Describe their accomplishment]. This demonstrates their [Specific skill, e.g., problem-solving abilities, creativity, analytical skills].
Beyond their academic abilities, [Student’s Name] is also a valuable member of the classroom community. They are respectful, collaborative, and always willing to help their peers. I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, personal qualities, and drive to succeed in your rigorous academic environment. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: For an Employee Applying for a New Job
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [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] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, where they served as our [Employee’s Position].
During their tenure, [Employee’s Name] consistently exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to our team. They possess a strong understanding of [Relevant skills/industry knowledge] and a proven track record of success.
Specifically, [Employee’s Name] was instrumental in [Specific project or accomplishment]. This resulted in [Quantifiable results, e.g., increased sales by 15%, reduced costs by 10%]. Their ability to [Specific skill demonstrated, e.g., manage multiple projects simultaneously, solve complex problems, lead a team] is truly impressive.
Furthermore, [Employee’s Name] is a highly motivated, results-oriented, and dedicated individual. They are also a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I am confident that [Employee’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. I highly recommend them without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: For a Volunteer
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Volunteer’s Name] for any opportunities they may be pursuing. I have had the pleasure of working with [Volunteer’s Name] as a volunteer at [Organization Name] for the past [Number] months/years.
During their time with us, [Volunteer’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and a genuine desire to make a difference. They have generously dedicated their time and skills to [Specific tasks or responsibilities].
For example, [Volunteer’s Name] [Describe a specific contribution and its positive impact]. This showed their [Mention qualities like dedication, reliability, or compassion]. Their positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile have been invaluable to our organization.
[Volunteer’s Name] is a reliable, dedicated, and compassionate individual with a strong work ethic. They are also a pleasure to work with and get along well with staff and other volunteers. I am confident that they will be an asset to any organization or endeavor they undertake. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Character Reference
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Person’s Name]. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Your Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend, member of the same community group].
Throughout our acquaintance, I have consistently observed [Person’s Name] to be a [Positive adjective, e.g., responsible, honest, kind, compassionate] and [Another positive adjective, e.g., reliable, trustworthy, considerate] individual. They are always willing to lend a helping hand and demonstrate a strong sense of integrity.
For instance, I recall when [Specific anecdote illustrating positive character traits]. This demonstrated their [Mention the specific positive qualities the anecdote highlights, e.g., selflessness, resourcefulness, empathy].
[Person’s Name] is a person of strong moral character and I have no hesitation in recommending them. They are a valuable member of our community and I am confident that they will be a positive influence in any situation. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: For a Scholarship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] as their [Teacher/Professor] in [Course Name] at [Institution Name].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student with a strong academic record. They consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter and a genuine passion for learning.
Beyond their academic achievements, [Student’s Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles]. For example, [Describe a specific accomplishment or contribution]. This demonstrates their [Skills gained or qualities demonstrated, e.g., leadership skills, commitment to community service, ability to balance multiple responsibilities].
[Student’s Name]’s dedication, work ethic, and commitment to [Academic field or area of interest] make them an ideal candidate for this scholarship. I am confident that they will make a significant contribution to [Field of study] in the future. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: For an Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Student’s Name] for an internship at [Company Name]. I have been [Student’s Name]’s professor for the last year, teaching them [Course Name], and have been very impressed by their potential.
[Student’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated student. Their performance on multiple projects in class have shown that they are committed to meeting any expectation, even at times exceeding them. Their knowledge of [Relevant Skills] would make them an excellent intern at [Company Name].
In a project in [Course Name], [Student’s Name] [Describe a specific accomplishment or contribution]. This demonstrates their [Skills gained or qualities demonstrated, e.g., leadership skills, commitment to community service, ability to balance multiple responsibilities]. They used those skills to make sure all the work was submitted on time and made sure to help their teammates along the way.
I am confident that [Student’s Name] would be an asset to [Company Name] as an intern. They are always eager to learn new things and I would highly recommend them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: For a Residency Program (Medical Field)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Program Director Name]
[Residency Program]
[Hospital or Institution Address]
Dear [Program Director Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for your residency program in [Specialty]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Student’s Name] as their attending physician during their rotation in [Department] at [Hospital Name].
[Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated a strong clinical aptitude, excellent patient care skills, and a deep commitment to the medical profession. Their knowledge of [Specific area of medicine] is particularly impressive.
During a particularly challenging case involving [Describe a specific medical case or situation], [Student’s Name] [Describe their actions and positive impact]. This demonstrated their [Skills and qualities, e.g., critical thinking skills, diagnostic abilities, empathy, ability to work under pressure].
Furthermore, [Student’s Name] is a highly professional, compassionate, and collaborative individual. They are a valuable asset to any medical team. I am confident that they have the potential to become an outstanding physician. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name], MD
Sample 8: Peer Recommendation Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
Dear [Manager Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Employee Name] for [Promotion, Project Lead, Award]. I am a [Your Job Title] on the same team as [Employee Name], and have had the pleasure of working with them closely for the past [Time period].
I believe [Employee Name] excels at their job due to the amount of focus and commitment that they give to [Employee’s duties]. They have shown that they are dedicated to the team by [Describe an action they took] and have assisted me and others on the team during our own projects.
One instance of their dedication would be that [Employee Name] [Describe how they help teammates complete a project] and thanks to [Employee Name] completing that task, we were able to [Complete the project]. This has shown me that they are committed to helping others and it has led our team to have great success.
[Employee Name] would be an excellent candidate for [Promotion, Project Lead, Award] and I highly recommend them for this opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to consider my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways & Best Practices
These recommendation letter samples offer a starting point for crafting your own. Remember that the best letters are personalized, specific, and honest. Always tailor the letter to the individual and the opportunity, highlighting their most relevant skills and accomplishments. Provide concrete examples to support your claims and proofread carefully before submitting. By following these guidelines, you can write a powerful recommendation that makes a real difference.
