A strong employment recommendation letter can significantly impact a candidate’s job search. It provides valuable insights into the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and overall suitability for a specific role. These letters carry more weight than a resume alone, offering a personalized endorsement from a trusted source. Crafting a compelling letter requires understanding the recipient’s needs and highlighting the candidate’s relevant strengths and accomplishments with specific examples. This is where these examples can provide powerful and effective help.
This collection of 25+ employment recommendation letter samples covers a wide range of scenarios, from recommending former colleagues to supporting recent graduates entering the workforce. Each sample is designed to be easily adaptable to your specific situation. You’ll find examples tailored to different industries, job levels, and types of relationships with the candidate. These samples serve as templates to guide you in writing an impactful and persuasive recommendation.
Using these templates, remember that tailoring is key. Don’t simply copy and paste; instead, personalize each letter with details that showcase the candidate’s unique qualities and contributions. Focus on quantifiable achievements whenever possible, and demonstrate how the candidate’s skills and experiences align with the requirements of the target position. A genuine and enthusiastic tone will further enhance the letter’s credibility and effectiveness.
Each example below is formatted with italics and bold where applicable to emphasize key elements. You can easily copy and paste these into your document editor of choice, and make all of the edits to suit your needs. These templates are here to save you time and make your letters more impactful!
Employment Recommendation Letter Samples
Sample 1: General Recommendation
[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 [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years as their [Your Role]. During that time, I was consistently impressed by their [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
[Candidate Name] consistently exceeded expectations. For example, they [Specific accomplishment], which resulted in [Positive outcome]. They are a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a strong work ethic.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Recommendation for a Recent Graduate
[Professor Name]
[Department]
[University Name]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had [Student Name] in my [Course Name] class at [University Name], where they consistently demonstrated exceptional aptitude and a strong commitment to learning.
[Student Name] possesses a keen understanding of [Relevant Subject] and consistently demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills. For example, in the [Project Name] project, they [Specific Action], resulting in [Positive Outcome]. They are also a highly collaborative and communicative individual, which makes them a valuable team player.
I believe [Student Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
Sample 3: Recommendation for a Colleague
[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 recommend my former colleague, [Candidate Name], for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I worked closely with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years on the [Project Name] team.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptionally talented [Job Title] with a proven track record of success. Their key strengths include [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. During their time at [Your Company], they consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a willingness to go above and beyond.
For example, when [Challenge faced], [Candidate Name] [Action taken], resulting in [Positive outcome]. [Candidate Name] is also an excellent communicator and a highly effective team player.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable addition to your team. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Recommendation Focusing on Leadership Skills
[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],
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position. I had the privilege of being [Candidate Name]‘s manager at [Your Company] for [Number] years. Throughout that time, I was consistently impressed by their leadership abilities and their commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment.
[Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated strong leadership qualities, including [Leadership skill 1], [Leadership Skill 2], and [Leadership Skill 3]. They have a remarkable ability to motivate and inspire their team members.
For example, when [Challenge], [Candidate Name] [Action Taken – showing leadership], resulting in [Positive Outcome – demonstrating impact of leadership]. They are also an exceptional communicator and have the ability to effectively delegate tasks and provide constructive feedback.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be an outstanding leader at your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Recommendation for a Technical Role
[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 pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I worked with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years as a [Your Role], and I was consistently impressed by their technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
[Candidate Name] possesses a deep understanding of [Technical Skill 1], [Technical Skill 2], and [Technical Skill 3]. They are also a quick learner and are always eager to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
For example, they played a key role in [Project Name], where they [Specific technical achievement], resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. [Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual who is always willing to go the extra mile.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your technical team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Recommendation Emphasizing Communication Skills
[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 [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I supervised [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, and I was consistently impressed by their exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
[Candidate Name] excels at conveying complex information clearly and concisely. They are also an active listener and are able to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
For example, they were responsible for [Responsibility requiring communication], which involved [Specific Communication Task]. They consistently received positive feedback on their communication abilities from both internal and external stakeholders. [Candidate Name] is a highly personable and professional individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team, particularly in a role that requires strong communication skills. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Recommendation for a Management Position
[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 strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I worked alongside [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, and I witnessed firsthand their exceptional management skills and leadership potential.
[Candidate Name] possesses a deep understanding of [Industry/Area of expertise] and a proven track record of successfully managing teams and projects. They are adept at setting goals, delegating tasks, and providing constructive feedback.
For example, as [Previous Role], they successfully [Specific Management Achievement], resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. [Candidate Name] is also a highly effective communicator and has the ability to motivate and inspire their team members.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization’s management team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Recommendation for a Sales Position
[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 [Candidate Name] for the Sales position at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years as their direct supervisor. During that time, I was consistently impressed by their sales acumen and their dedication to exceeding targets.
[Candidate Name] has a proven track record of generating revenue and building strong client relationships. They possess excellent communication, negotiation, and closing skills.
For example, in [Specific Time Period], they [Specific Sales Achievement], resulting in [Quantifiable Sales Result]. They consistently exceeded their quota and were recognized as a top performer within the company. [Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your sales team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Recommendation Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills
[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 recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to work with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, and I was consistently impressed by their analytical abilities and their ability to solve complex problems effectively.
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong aptitude for identifying and analyzing problems, developing creative solutions, and implementing those solutions efficiently.
For example, when faced with [Specific Problem], [Candidate Name] [Specific Action taken to solve the problem], resulting in [Positive Outcome]. [Candidate Name] is a critical thinker and is always willing to challenge the status quo.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team, especially in a role that requires strong problem-solving skills. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Recommendation Focusing on Teamwork
[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 recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I worked with [Candidate Name] on several projects at [Your Company] over the course of [Number] years, and I can attest to their excellent teamwork skills and their ability to contribute positively to a collaborative environment.
[Candidate Name] is a highly collaborative and supportive team member. They are always willing to help others and share their knowledge.
For example, during the [Project Name] project, [Candidate Name] [Specific action demonstrating teamwork], which significantly improved the team’s overall performance. [Candidate Name] is an excellent communicator and has the ability to effectively build rapport with colleagues.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your team and would contribute positively to your company culture. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Recommendation for a Customer Service Position
[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 [Candidate Name] for the Customer Service position at [Company Name]. I was [Candidate Name]’s supervisor at [Your Company] for [Number] years and consistently impressed by their dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
[Candidate Name] possesses excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and they have a genuine passion for helping others.
For instance, [Candidate Name] consistently received positive feedback from customers, with an average customer satisfaction rating of [Rating]. They were also able to resolve complex customer issues effectively and efficiently. In one instance, when a customer was [Customer issue], [Candidate Name] [Action taken to resolve the issue], resulting in [Positive outcome for the customer].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would excel in a customer service role at your company. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Recommendation Focusing on Initiative and Drive
[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 strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship – e.g., mentor, supervisor], and I have been consistently impressed by their initiative, drive, and proactive approach to work.
[Candidate Name] consistently seeks out new challenges and is not afraid to take on new responsibilities. They are a self-starter and require minimal supervision.
For instance, [Candidate Name] took the initiative to [Specific Initiative taken], which resulted in [Positive Outcome – Quantifiable if possible]. Their proactive approach and dedication to continuous improvement made a significant contribution to our team’s success.
I am confident that [Candidate Name]‘s initiative and drive would make them a valuable asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Recommendation for an Entry-Level Position
[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 pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for the Entry-Level [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had [Candidate Name] as a student in my [Course Name] class at [University Name/Institution Name].
While [Candidate Name] is just starting their career, they possess a strong foundation of knowledge in [Relevant Field] and have demonstrated a keen willingness to learn and grow.
For example, in our class project, [Candidate Name] [Specific contribution showcasing skills relevant to the job], demonstrating their [Skill] and their ability to [Action]. They are a quick learner and are eager to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. [Candidate Name] is a responsible and dedicated individual with a strong work ethic.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the potential to excel in this role with the right training and opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Recommendation Addressing a Specific Skill Gap (Positively)
[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 recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to work with [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, and I believe their overall skill set and eagerness to learn make them a strong candidate, despite limited experience in [Specific Skill Area].
While [Candidate Name]‘s experience with [Specific Skill Area] is not extensive, they have consistently demonstrated a strong aptitude for learning new technologies and processes.
For example, when faced with [Situation Requiring the specific skill], [Candidate Name] quickly learned [New skill or process] and successfully [Achieved Result]. [Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is committed to continuous improvement. Their core strengths lie in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are highly relevant to the requirements of this role.
I am confident that [Candidate Name]‘s willingness to learn and their strong foundation of skills would allow them to quickly master [Specific Skill Area]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Recommendation Highlighting Adaptability
[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 recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I managed [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed by their ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.
[Candidate Name] possesses a remarkable ability to learn quickly, embrace new challenges, and thrive in dynamic situations.
For instance, when our team underwent a significant restructuring, [Candidate Name] seamlessly adapted to their new role and responsibilities, quickly mastering new skills and exceeding expectations. They proactively [Specific action demonstrating adaptability], resulting in [Positive outcome]. [Candidate Name] is a resourceful and resilient individual who is always willing to embrace change.
I am confident that [Candidate Name]‘s adaptability would be a valuable asset to your team, especially in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Recommendation for a Project Management Role
[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 [Candidate Name] for the Project Management position at [Company Name]. I collaborated with [Candidate Name] on several projects at [Your Company] for [Number] years and consistently admired their organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
[Candidate Name] possesses a comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies and has a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects from start to finish.
For example, as the Project Manager for the [Project Name] project, [Candidate Name] [Specific action demonstrating project management skills], resulting in [Positive Outcome – Quantifiable result if possible]. They are also an excellent communicator and are able to effectively manage stakeholders and mitigate risks.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your project management team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17: Recommendation Highlighting Creativity and Innovation
[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 strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I worked alongside [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed by their creativity and innovative thinking.
[Candidate Name] possesses a unique ability to generate new ideas, think outside the box, and develop creative solutions to complex challenges.
For instance, [Candidate Name] spearheaded the development of [Innovative Solution/Project], which resulted in [Positive Outcome – e.g., increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction]. They are also a highly collaborative individual and are able to effectively communicate their ideas to others.
I am confident that [Candidate Name]‘s creativity and innovation would be a valuable asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 18: Recommendation for a Marketing Position
[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 recommend [Candidate Name] for the Marketing position at [Company Name]. I had the privilege of managing [Candidate Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed by their marketing skills and strategic thinking.
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong understanding of marketing principles and has a proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns.
For example, [Candidate Name] led the development and execution of the [Marketing Campaign Name] campaign, which resulted in a [Quantifiable Result – e.g., 20% increase in leads, 15% increase in sales]. They are proficient in various marketing channels, including [List Marketing Channels – e.g., social media, email marketing, SEO]. [Candidate Name] is also a data-driven marketer and is adept at analyzing marketing metrics to optimize campaign performance.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to your marketing team. Please do not hesitate to
