A strong letter of recommendation can significantly impact your job search. It provides potential employers with valuable insights into your skills, work ethic, and character from a trusted source. Whether you’re requesting a letter or writing one, understanding the key elements of a compelling recommendation is crucial. These samples provide templates to assist in your journey.
These 16 sample employment letter of recommendation examples cover a range of professions and situations, demonstrating effective ways to highlight an individual’s qualifications. Note: always tailor the letters to the specific role and organization the person is applying for. Personalization is key to making the recommendation genuinely impactful and believable.
The following letters will help you to provide powerful recommendation letters. The information contained will help you to create a detailed insight of a candidate.
Remember to replace bracketed placeholders like [Name], [Company], [Date] etc with the actual information.
Sample Letter 1: General Recommendation
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee Name] for [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During their time here, [Employee Name] consistently demonstrated [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. They were particularly effective at [Specific accomplishment] which resulted in [Positive outcome].
[Employee Name] is a [Positive adjective 1] and [Positive adjective 2] individual with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. I am confident they would be a valuable asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 2: Focus on Leadership Skills
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I served as [Employee Name]'s [Your Role] at [Your Company] for the past [Number] years.
[Employee Name] possesses exceptional leadership qualities. They consistently motivated their team to exceed expectations, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. Specifically, they spearheaded [Project Name], which resulted in [Quantifiable achievement].
[Employee Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a proven track record of success. I am certain that they would excel in this leadership role and make a significant contribution to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 3: Focus on Technical Skills
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to manage [Employee Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.
[Employee Name] possesses a strong command of [Technical Skill 1] and [Technical Skill 2]. They were instrumental in developing [Project Name], utilizing their expertise in [Specific Technology] to achieve [Positive outcome]. They also proactively learned [New Technology] on their own, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning.
[Employee Name] is a dedicated and technically proficient individual. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your technical team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 4: Focus on Communication Skills
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I highly recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I was [Employee Name]'s [Your Role] at [Your Company] and worked closely with them.
[Employee Name] excels in communication. Their ability to clearly articulate ideas and build rapport with colleagues and clients is exceptional. During their time here, they successfully presented [Presentation Topic] to [Audience], receiving positive feedback for their clarity and persuasiveness.
[Employee Name] is a skilled communicator and a valuable team player. I believe they would be an excellent fit for your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 5: Recommendation for Recent Graduate
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Student Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I was [Student Name]'s [Professor/Advisor Role] at [University Name].
While a student in my [Course Name] class, [Student Name] consistently demonstrated [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. They approached their studies with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn. Their final project, [Project Name], was particularly impressive, showcasing their understanding of [Relevant Concept].
[Student Name] is a bright, motivated, and eager learner. I am confident that they would be a valuable addition to your team and quickly adapt to the challenges of the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 6: Recommendation for Internship
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I enthusiastically recommend [Intern Name] for an internship at [Company Name]. As [Your Role] at [Your Company], I supervised [Intern Name] during their internship with us from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Intern Name] quickly became an integral part of our team. They demonstrated a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Their contributions to [Project Name] were particularly valuable. They exceeded expectations by [Specific accomplishment related to the project].
[Intern Name] is a promising young professional with a bright future. I highly recommend them for an internship opportunity at your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 7: Recommendation Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is my pleasure to recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I worked with [Employee Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] is an exceptional problem-solver. They consistently demonstrated the ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions. For example, when faced with [Challenge], [Employee Name] quickly devised a strategy that [Positive Result].
[Employee Name] is a resourceful and analytical individual. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your team, especially in roles requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 8: Recommendation Highlighting Teamwork
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I was [Employee Name]'s [Your Role] at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] is an outstanding team player. They consistently collaborate effectively with colleagues, contributing positively to team projects and fostering a supportive work environment. During [Project Name], [Employee Name] readily assisted other team members, ensuring the project was completed successfully and on time.
[Employee Name] is a collaborative and supportive individual. They will bring great teamwork skills to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 9: Recommendation Emphasizing Initiative
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I highly recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] consistently demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to their work. They are not afraid to take on new challenges and seek out opportunities for improvement. For instance, they independently identified a bottleneck in [Process] and proposed a solution that increased efficiency by [Percentage].
[Employee Name] is a self-starter and a valuable asset to any team. I believe they would thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 10: For a Promotion Opportunity
[Date]
[Decision Maker Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Decision Maker Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Employee Name] for the promotion to [Desired Position]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Employee Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Company] for the past [Number] years.
[Employee Name] has consistently exceeded expectations in their current role as [Current Position]. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the success of the team. Specifically, they have been instrumental in [Key Accomplishment], which has directly contributed to [Positive Business Outcome].
[Employee Name] possesses the skills, experience, and drive to excel in the role of [Desired Position]. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset in this new capacity and contribute significantly to the company's continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
Sample Letter 11: Recommendation Focusing on Customer Service Skills
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I worked with [Employee Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] has outstanding customer service skills. They consistently provide excellent service, building strong relationships with clients and resolving issues effectively. I remember when [Specific Instance Where They Provided Excellent Customer Service], the client was so impressed and gave positive feedback.
[Employee Name] has a caring attitude and will be a great candidate to improve client satisfaction.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 12: For a Career Change
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am enthusiastically recommending [Employee Name] as they apply for [Position Name] role. As [Your Role] at [Your Company], I've worked with [Employee Name] and observed their relevant skills.
While [Employee Name]'s background is primarily in [Previous Field], their transferable skills and passion for [New Field] make them an excellent candidate. They possess a strong foundation in [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2] which are highly applicable to this role. Moreover, they proactively pursued [Relevant Course/Certification] demonstrating their commitment to this career change.
I am positive of [Employee Name]'s ability to adopt new skills quickly, making them a great asset for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 13: Recommendation for a Volunteer Position
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I highly recommend [Volunteer Name] for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I supervised [Volunteer Name] while they volunteered at [Your Organization] as [Their Role] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Volunteer Name] is a dedicated and reliable volunteer with a passion for [Cause Supported by Organization]. They consistently went above and beyond to support our mission. Specifically, their work in [Specific Task] significantly improved [Outcome].
[Volunteer Name] is a valuable asset to any organization, and I am confident they would be a great addition to your volunteer team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 14: Recommendation Focusing on Sales Skills
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I wholeheartedly recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] position at [Company Name]. I worked with [Employee Name] as their [Your Role] at [Your Company] for the last [Number] years.
[Employee Name] is an exceptional salesperson. They have a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building strong relationships with clients. Their sales figures consistently ranked among the top performers in the company, and they were instrumental in securing a major deal with [Client Name], resulting in [Quantifiable Benefit].
[Employee Name]'s sales skills will be an awesome addition for your organisation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 15: Addressing a Short Employment Period
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for [Position Name]. Although [Employee Name] was only with [Your Company] for a short period, from [Start Date] to [End Date], they made a significant impact. I served as their [Your Role] during that time.
During their time here, [Employee Name] quickly grasped the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role. Despite the limited duration, their dedication was evident. For instance, they streamlined [Specific task] despite having limited time.
While their time with us was short-lived due to [Reason - *Optional* e.g., company restructuring, relocation*], I have no hesitation in recommending them based on their performance and attitude during their employment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 16: Focusing on Adaptability and Learning
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the [Position Name] at your company. I was [Employee Name]'s [Your Role] at [Your Company] and had the opportunity to see their adaptability.
[Employee Name] possesses a remarkable ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. They embraced new challenges and consistently exceeded expectations. During [Project/Situation], when our team had to quickly pivot due to [Unexpected Change], [Employee Name] proactively took the lead in learning [New Skill/Technology] and sharing their knowledge with others, enabling us to successfully meet the revised deadline.
[Employee Name] is a quick learner and their adaptability will be great for your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
Conclusion
These samples offer a solid starting point for crafting effective employment recommendation letters. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific role and the individual’s unique qualifications and experiences. Highlighting specific achievements and providing concrete examples will make your recommendation more impactful and credible, significantly increasing the candidate’s chances of success. The most important element is authenticity, and representing the candidates personality will enhance the letters impact.
