Why a Strong Recommendation Letter Matters
A well-crafted recommendation letter can significantly impact a candidate’s chances of securing a job, admission to a program, or winning an award. It provides insights into their skills, character, and potential from a trusted source. This article provides 10 recommendation letter format samples and practical tips to help you write impactful endorsements.
Key Elements of an Effective Recommendation Letter
Before diving into the examples, understand the core components. A strong recommendation letter includes: a clear introduction stating your relationship to the candidate; specific examples highlighting their skills and achievements; a strong endorsement of their suitability; and your contact information for further inquiries. Tailoring the letter to the specific opportunity is crucial for maximum impact. Remember, authenticity and genuine enthusiasm make the most significant difference.
10 Recommendation Letter Samples (with Formatting)
Sample 1: General Employment
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship]. During that time, I have been consistently impressed by their [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. For example, [Specific example of their skill].
[Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual. They are also a team player and always willing to go the extra mile. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend [Candidate Name] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: Academic Recommendation
[Professor Name]
[Professor Title]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I had the pleasure of teaching [Candidate Name] in [Course Name] during the [Semester/Year]. [He/She/They] was one of the most outstanding students I have had the opportunity to instruct. Their [Specific skill relevant to the program] was particularly impressive. For instance, [Specific example illustrating their skill].
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. They are also an excellent communicator and collaborate effectively with peers. I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the potential to succeed in your rigorous program and make significant contributions to the field. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Internship Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager/Recruiter Name]
[Hiring Manager/Recruiter Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager/Recruiter Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for an internship at your organization. [He/She/They] interned with [Your Company] in the [Department] department from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During their internship, [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated [Positive trait 1] and [Positive trait 2]. Specifically, [He/She/They] was responsible for [Key responsibility 1] and [Key responsibility 2]. A notable achievement was [Specific accomplishment during the internship].
[Candidate Name] is a quick learner, possesses excellent problem-solving skills, and is a valuable team member. [He/She/They] is eager to learn and contribute, and I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a successful intern at your company. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: Scholarship Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee]
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly endorse [Candidate Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Your Relationship to Candidate], I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her/their] dedication and potential firsthand. [Candidate Name] possesses a rare combination of [Key Quality 1] and [Key Quality 2], making [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for this prestigious award. For instance, [provide specific example demonstrating qualities].
[Candidate Name]’s commitment to [Field of Study/Area of Interest] is evident in [his/her/their] [Achievements/Activities/Projects]. [He/She/They] demonstrates exceptional [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are crucial for success in [his/her/their] chosen field. I am confident that [Candidate Name] will make significant contributions to society. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: Volunteer Work Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[To Whom It May Concern]
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name] for any opportunity where dedication, compassion, and a strong work ethic are valued. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as a volunteer at [Your Organization]. During that time, [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated a commitment to our mission of [Organization’s Mission]. Specifically, [he/she/they] volunteered [Number] hours per week, contributing to [Specific tasks/projects].
[Candidate Name] is a reliable, responsible, and enthusiastic individual. [He/She/They] possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and is able to work effectively with diverse groups of people. A particularly memorable example of [his/her/their] contribution was when [Specific instance showcasing their skills/dedication during volunteering]. I am confident that [Candidate Name] would be a valuable asset to any organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: Character Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title (if known), or To Whom It May Concern]
[Recipient Organization (if known)]
[Recipient Address (if known)]
Dear [Recipient Name/To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to offer my personal recommendation for [Candidate Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend, member of the same community group]. Throughout this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] strong moral character and integrity. [He/She/They] is a person of principle who consistently demonstrates [Positive Character Trait 1] and [Positive Character Trait 2].
[Candidate Name] is a trustworthy, responsible, and caring individual. [He/She/They] is always willing to help others and has a positive impact on those around [him/her/them]. For example, [Specific instance illustrating their positive character traits – e.g., helping a neighbor, volunteering in the community, showing empathy]. I am confident that [Candidate Name] will continue to be a positive influence in any environment. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: Recommendation for Graduate School
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Candidate Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Field of Study]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., professor, research advisor]. [He/She/They] was a student in my [Course Name] class and also worked as a research assistant in my lab. [He/She/They] consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] [Positive Qualities – e.g., intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, dedication to research].
[Candidate Name] possesses a strong academic background and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. In my [Course Name] class, [he/she/they] demonstrated exceptional [Specific Skill] by [Specific Example]. As a research assistant, [he/she/they] made significant contributions to our project on [Research Topic]. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and independent learner with the potential to excel in graduate studies and make significant contributions to the field. I strongly recommend [him/her/them] for admission to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Recommendation for a Promotion
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Department Name]
[Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Title (e.g., HR Manager, Supervisor)]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for a promotion to the position of [Target Position] within [Department Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., direct supervisor, colleague]. During this time, [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated the skills, dedication, and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in this role.
In [his/her/their] current role as [Current Position], [Candidate Name] has consistently exceeded expectations. For example, [Specific Accomplishment 1 showcasing their skills and impact on the company]. Furthermore, [he/she/they] has demonstrated exceptional [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are crucial for the success of the [Target Position]. [Candidate Name] is a valuable asset to our team, and I am confident that [he/she/they] will excel in this new role. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this promotion.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Recommendation for an Award
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Award Committee]
[Award Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Award Committee,
I am writing to strongly nominate [Candidate Name] for the [Award Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., mentor, colleague, supervisor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] exceptional contributions to [Field/Area of Contribution]. [He/She/They] embodies the spirit of this award through [his/her/their] [Qualities that align with the award’s criteria – e.g., innovation, leadership, community service].
[Candidate Name]’s achievements in [Field/Area of Contribution] are truly remarkable. For example, [Specific Accomplishment 1 that demonstrates the award’s criteria]. Furthermore, [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated a commitment to [Value/Principle that aligns with the award’s criteria]. [Candidate Name]’s dedication, passion, and outstanding achievements make [him/her/them] a highly deserving candidate for the [Award Name]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for this prestigious recognition.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Recommendation for a Board Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Organization Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Nominating Committee]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear Nominating Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for a position on the Board of Directors of [Organization Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., fellow board member, colleague, community leader]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Qualities that make them suitable for the board – e.g., strategic thinking, leadership skills, commitment to the organization’s mission].
[Candidate Name] possesses a wealth of experience in [Relevant Field/Industry] and a strong understanding of [Organization’s Sector/Industry]. [He/She/They] has a proven track record of success in [Specific Achievements that demonstrate their qualifications for the board]. Furthermore, [he/she/they] is a highly engaged and dedicated individual with a genuine passion for [Organization’s Mission]. [Candidate Name]’s expertise, leadership, and commitment to the organization make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for a board position. I strongly recommend [him/her/them] for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Crafting the Perfect Recommendation: Key Takeaways
Writing a compelling recommendation letter requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By using these format samples as a guide and tailoring each letter to the specific opportunity, you can create impactful endorsements that help candidates achieve their goals. Remember to focus on specific examples, highlight relevant skills, and express genuine enthusiasm for the candidate’s potential. Your effort will make a significant difference in their success.
