A strong letter of recommendation is vital for job applications, college admissions, and scholarship opportunities. It provides a third-party perspective, highlighting the candidate’s strengths and qualifications. Knowing how to structure and what to include can significantly impact its effectiveness. This guide gives 14 templates.
These samples show different styles and focus areas. Customize each to accurately reflect the candidate’s accomplishments and the specific requirements of the role or program they are applying for. Focusing on specific, quantifiable achievements is always impactful. Provide context and specific examples.
Writing a personalized recommendation letter is key. Draw upon the candidate’s experiences and strengths that you have witnessed firsthand. This shows the reader that you know the candidate well and can vouch for their skills and abilities. Refer to their achievements.
Before writing, understand the goal. Tailor the recommendation for a specific job or program. Focus on attributes and accomplishments directly related. Doing so makes the letter more relevant and compelling to the recipient, increasing the chances of a positive outcome for candidate.
14 Letter of Recommendation Samples
Sample 1: Academic Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Institution]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to your esteemed program. As their [Your Role, e.g., Professor] in [Course Name], I had the opportunity to witness their exceptional academic abilities and dedication firsthand. [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated a strong grasp of the course material and a proactive approach to learning. Their insightful contributions to class discussions and thoughtful essays were truly commendable. In particular, their research paper on [Paper Topic] was outstanding, showcasing their critical thinking skills and ability to synthesize complex information. [He/She/They] also excelled in [Specific Project or Assignment], demonstrating [Skill, e.g., leadership, teamwork, problem-solving]. Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is a highly motivated and responsible individual. They are always willing to help their classmates and contribute to a positive learning environment. I am confident that [Student’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your program and I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Professional Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Company]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee’s Name] for the position of [Position Applied For] at your company. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Manager] at [Your Company] for [Number] years. During that time, I was consistently impressed by their [Skill 1, e.g., work ethic], [Skill 2, e.g., problem-solving abilities], and [Skill 3, e.g., dedication]. [Employee’s Name] played a crucial role in [Project or Achievement], where they successfully [Specific Accomplishment]. Their ability to [Specific Skill Demonstrated] was instrumental in the project’s success. Beyond their technical skills, [Employee’s Name] is a highly collaborative and results-oriented team player. They are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure project success and are highly respected by their colleagues. I am confident that [Employee’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team and I highly recommend them for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Character Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position, if applicable]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title, if applicable]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Person’s Name]. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship, e.g., neighbor, friend, volunteer coordinator]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their integrity, compassion, and strong moral character. [Person’s Name] is a highly reliable and trustworthy individual. They are always willing to help others and go above and beyond to support their community. For example, [He/She/They] regularly volunteer at [Organization], where they [Specific Activities/Contributions]. Their dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others are truly inspiring. [Person’s Name] also demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and is always willing to take on challenges. I am confident that [Person’s Name] would be a valuable asset to any organization or community. I highly recommend them without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Scholarship Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee/Recipient Name]
[Scholarship Organization]
[Address, if applicable]
Dear [Scholarship Committee/Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Teacher, Counselor] at [School Name] for the past [Number] years. [Student’s Name] is an exceptional student with a strong academic record and a clear passion for [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] consistently excel in their coursework and demonstrate a genuine thirst for knowledge. Their dedication to their studies is evident in their high grades and their active participation in class discussions. In addition to their academic achievements, [Student’s Name] is also actively involved in extracurricular activities. [He/She/They] are a member of [Club/Organization], where they [Specific Activities/Responsibilities]. Their involvement in these activities demonstrates their leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and commitment to making a positive contribution to their community. [Student’s Name] is a highly deserving candidate for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I am confident that they will make significant contributions to their chosen field and I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Internship Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company/Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Hiring Manager]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Company/Organization]
Dear [Recipient Name/Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for an internship at your organization. I had the opportunity to work with [Applicant’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Supervisor, Project Lead] at [Your Company/Organization] during their [Project or Timeframe]. During this time, I was impressed by [Applicant’s Name]‘s eagerness to learn and their ability to quickly grasp new concepts. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a proactive approach to their tasks. [Applicant’s Name] made significant contributions to [Project or Task], where they successfully [Specific Accomplishment]. Their [Specific Skill, e.g., problem-solving skills, communication skills] were invaluable to the project’s success. Furthermore, [Applicant’s Name] is a highly adaptable and collaborative individual. They are able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your internship program and I highly recommend them for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Graduate School Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Field of Study]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as their professor in [Course Name] and as their research advisor. [Student’s Name] is an exceptional student with a strong academic record and a genuine passion for research. [He/She/They] consistently excel in their coursework and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter. Their critical thinking skills and analytical abilities are truly outstanding. [Student’s Name] also possesses a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Their research on [Research Topic] was particularly impressive, showcasing their ability to conduct independent research and analyze complex data. [He/She/They] are also highly motivated and eager to learn. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, research skills, and dedication to succeed in your rigorous graduate program. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Volunteer Position Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Volunteer Coordinator]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
Dear [Recipient Name/Volunteer Coordinator],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Volunteer’s Name] for a volunteer position at your organization. I had the pleasure of working with [Volunteer’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Supervisor, Coordinator] at [Your Organization] for [Number] months/years. During this time, [Volunteer’s Name] consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and a willingness to contribute their time and talents. [He/She/They] were responsible for [Specific Tasks/Responsibilities], and they consistently exceeded our expectations. Their dedication, reliability, and positive attitude were invaluable to our team. [Volunteer’s Name] also possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They are able to work effectively with a diverse group of people and are always willing to go the extra mile to help others. I am confident that [Volunteer’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer program and I highly recommend them for this opportunity. They are also passionate about [Cause related to volunteer work].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Medical School Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Medical School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with immense pleasure that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your esteemed medical school. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their professor in [Course Name] and as their research mentor. [Applicant’s Name] is an exceptional student with a strong academic record and a genuine passion for medicine. [He/She/They] consistently excel in their coursework and demonstrate a deep understanding of the complex concepts of human biology and disease. Their critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and problem-solving capabilities are truly remarkable. Furthermore, [Applicant’s Name] possesses a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and dedication to serving others. Their volunteer work at [Hospital/Clinic] demonstrates their commitment to providing healthcare to underserved populations. Their research on [Research Topic] was particularly impressive, showcasing their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, ethical grounding, and personal qualities to excel in your rigorous medical program and become a compassionate and skilled physician. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Law School Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Law School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great confidence that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your law school. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their professor in [Course Name]. [Applicant’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and articulate student with a keen interest in legal issues. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrate a strong understanding of legal principles and a remarkable ability to analyze complex legal arguments. Their contributions to class discussions are always insightful and well-reasoned. [He/She/They] possess excellent critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and communication skills, which are essential for success in law school and the legal profession. Furthermore, [Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual. [He/She/They] are committed to academic excellence and possess the intellectual curiosity to delve deeply into legal concepts. Their participation in [Debate Club/Mock Trial] demonstrates their passion for law and their ability to advocate for their clients. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, ethical grounding, and personal qualities to excel in your rigorous law program. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Residency Recommendation (Medical)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Hospital/Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Residency Program Director]
[Residency Program Name]
[Hospital/Institution]
Dear [Residency Program Director],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Dr. [Applicant’s Name] for a residency position in your [Specialty] program. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. [Applicant’s Name] as their attending physician during their [Rotation] rotation at [Hospital/Institution]. Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is an exceptionally talented and dedicated medical professional with a strong clinical foundation. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing excellent patient care and a willingness to learn and grow. Their medical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and procedural abilities are truly impressive. Dr. [Applicant’s Name] is also a highly compassionate and empathetic physician. [He/She/They] are able to connect with patients on a personal level and provide them with the support and encouragement they need. Their teamwork skills and communication skills are excellent. During their rotation, Dr. [Applicant’s Name] took the initiative to [Specific Example of Initiative], which demonstrated their commitment to patient safety and quality improvement. I am confident that Dr. [Applicant’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, clinical skills, and personal qualities to excel in your rigorous residency program and become an outstanding physician in [Specialty]. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Art School Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Studio]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Art School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your art school. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role: e.g., teacher, mentor, studio instructor]. During this time, I have witnessed their exceptional artistic talent and unwavering dedication to their craft. [Applicant’s Name] possesses a unique creative vision and a remarkable ability to translate their ideas into compelling works of art. Their skills in [Specific Medium/Technique: e.g., painting, sculpture, digital art] are outstanding. In particular, their work on [Specific Project] demonstrated their mastery of [Specific Skill] and their ability to push creative boundaries. Furthermore, [Applicant’s Name] is highly receptive to feedback and eager to learn and grow as an artist. They consistently seek opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge, and they are always willing to experiment with new techniques and materials. Beyond their artistic abilities, [Applicant’s Name] is a dedicated and disciplined student. They are passionate about art and demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the talent, dedication, and potential to thrive in your art school environment and make significant contributions to the art world. I recommend them enthusiastically.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Music School Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Studio]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Music School Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your prestigious music school. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role: e.g., music teacher, band director, vocal coach]. From the moment I met [him/her/them], I was struck by their exceptional musical talent and their unwavering passion for music. [Applicant’s Name] possesses a remarkable musical ear, a strong technical foundation, and a deep understanding of musical theory. Their proficiency on [Instrument/Voice] is truly impressive. In particular, their performance of [Specific Piece] during [Recital/Concert] showcased their virtuosity, musicality, and stage presence. Beyond their technical skills, [Applicant’s Name] is a highly dedicated and disciplined musician. They practice diligently, are always eager to learn, and consistently strive for excellence. They are also a highly collaborative and supportive member of our ensemble. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] has the talent, dedication, and potential to excel in your rigorous music program and become a successful and influential musician. I highly recommend them without reservation. They also display dedication to learning [Musical Genre].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Recommendation for a Promotion
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Company]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Employee’s Name] for a promotion to [Proposed Position] within our team. I have worked closely with [Employee’s Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Manager] for the past [Number] years and have consistently been impressed by their performance, dedication, and leadership potential. During their time in the role of [Current Position], [Employee’s Name] has consistently exceeded expectations. They have been instrumental in [Specific Accomplishment/Project], successfully achieving [Quantifiable Result]. Their problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to motivate their colleagues have made them a valuable asset to our team. [Employee’s Name]‘s skills in [Specific Skill relevant to the new role] make them ideally suited for this promotion. They also display strong leadership skills. Furthermore, [Employee’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities. I am confident that they possess the skills, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to excel in the role of [Proposed Position]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this promotion and believe that they will continue to make significant contributions to our company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Recommendation for a Grant
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Grant Committee/Organization Name]
[Address]
Dear Grant Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name/Organization Name] for the [Grant Name] grant. I have known [Applicant’s Name/Organization Name] for [Number] years in my capacity as [Your Role/Relationship]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their dedication to [Area of Focus related to the grant] and their impactful work in the community. [Applicant’s Name/Organization Name]‘s proposed project, [Project Name], is a well-conceived and innovative initiative that addresses a critical need in our community. The project is designed to [Specific goals/outcomes of the project]. [He/She/They/It] possesses the necessary skills, experience, and resources to successfully implement this project and achieve its intended outcomes. Furthermore, the proposed budget is reasonable and well-justified, and the project has a strong potential for sustainability. Their previous work in [Related Field] has been exceptional. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name/Organization Name] will make a significant contribution to [Field related to grant] and I highly recommend them for this grant. Their commitment to [Specific Cause] is unmatched.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A strong letter of recommendation is invaluable. These examples demonstrate how to highlight key strengths. Remember to tailor the letter to each situation. Focus on specific, quantifiable achievements. The most impactful recommendation letters are personalized, specific, and sincere. Use these to guide. Good Luck!
