A strong employee recommendation letter can significantly impact a former colleague’s career prospects. It’s more than just a formality; it’s a testament to their skills, work ethic, and overall contributions to your team. Providing a well-crafted and personalized letter demonstrates your commitment to their success and helps them stand out from the competition. These letters serve as critical evidence of an employee’s past performance and potential, enabling them to take the next step in their professional trajectory. By providing concrete examples and highlighting exceptional qualities, you amplify their strengths in the eyes of potential employers.
Writing an effective recommendation letter requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Begin by understanding the specific job or opportunity the employee is pursuing. Tailor your letter to emphasize the skills and qualities that align with the requirements. Focus on quantifiable achievements and provide specific examples of their positive impact. Remember, honesty and sincerity are paramount. A genuine and enthusiastic endorsement will carry far more weight than a generic and uninspired one. Review the following samples for inspiration and guidance in crafting your own compelling recommendation.
Remember to always ask the employee for their resume or CV to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and achievements. This will help you create a more personalized and impactful recommendation. Also, it’s important to understand the context of the recommendation. What specific skills or experiences does the new role require? By understanding these things, you can tailor your letter to be highly effective and relevant to the recipient. In the end, a well-written recommendation letter can be a deciding factor in a hiring decision, so take the time to write it well.
Sample Employee Recommendation Letters
Here are 24 sample employee recommendation letters. Remember to adapt these to fit the specific employee and the situation.
Sample Letter 1: General Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Employee Name] for [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee Name] at [Your Company] for [Number] years, where they served as [Employee’s Role].
During their time here, [Employee Name] consistently demonstrated [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3]. They were a valuable asset to our team, always willing to go the extra mile and consistently exceeding expectations. For example, [Specific example of their positive contribution].
[Employee Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a strong work ethic. They are also a team player and possess excellent communication skills. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Focusing on Leadership
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee Name] for a leadership role within your company. I had the opportunity to work closely with [him/her/them] as [Employee’s Title] at [Your Company] for [Number] years.
[Employee Name] consistently displayed exceptional leadership qualities. They effectively motivated and guided their team to achieve ambitious goals. For instance, they successfully spearheaded the [Project Name] initiative, resulting in a [Quantifiable Result]% increase in [Key Metric]. Their ability to inspire and empower others is truly remarkable.
Furthermore, [Employee Name] possesses strong communication and problem-solving skills, which were invaluable in navigating complex challenges. They consistently demonstrated a proactive and results-oriented approach. I am confident that [Employee Name] has the potential to be a highly successful leader within your organization.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Highlighting Problem Solving
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I wholeheartedly recommend [Employee Name] for any position requiring exceptional problem-solving skills. During their time as [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company], I consistently witnessed their ability to analyze complex situations and develop innovative solutions.
One notable example is when [Employee Name] identified a critical bottleneck in our [Process Name] process. They meticulously analyzed the data, identified the root cause, and implemented a streamlined solution that increased efficiency by [Quantifiable Result]%. Their ability to think critically and proactively address challenges is truly impressive.
Beyond their technical skills, [Employee Name] is also an excellent communicator and collaborator. They effectively articulate their ideas and work seamlessly with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. I am confident that their problem-solving abilities and collaborative spirit would make them a valuable asset to your organization.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Recommendation for entry level
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for this entry-level position with your company. During the time [he/she/they] worked with me as a [employee’s role] I have seen the ability to learn quickly and be able to adapt with the flow of the job.
[Employee Name] has shown skills on [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3]. Although the skills are not as in-depth because it is an entry level position. I am confident that they will improve as you give them the chance and the opportunity to do so.
[Employee Name] is a fast learner and a great team player. I hope you will give them the chance to demonstrate their skills. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Focus on Work Ethic
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Employee Name]. [His/Her/Their] work ethic sets the bar very high as [He/She/They] consistently finish projects and task ahead of schedule. [He/She/They] served as [employee’s role] on [company name].
During [his/her/their] stay [Employee Name] has shown the willingness to learn and ask questions whenever there is something [he/she/they] do not understand. [He/She/They] has also shown skills on [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3].
The new company that hires [Employee Name] will be lucky to have [him/her/them]. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding this recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Focus on specific project
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am happy to write this letter for [Employee Name] as [he/she/they] served as a great employee during [Specific Project].
The [Specific Project] required a lot of task but [Employee Name] handled everything professionally. [He/She/They] was able to finish the task ahead of time and with such precision. Because of [Employee Name] the project was successful and will be one of the greatest project we had on [Company Name].
I hope that you will consider [Employee Name] to work with you in the future. I have no doubt that [he/she/they] will be able to give 100 percent to the task assigned to [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: For a Team Member
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am sending this letter to happily recommend [Employee Name] for whatever position you are considering [him/her/them] for. I am writing this because I have worked with [Employee Name] as [his/her/their] team member.
Working with [Employee Name] has been very fun and easy. [He/She/They] always shows up for team meetings and contributes great ideas for the team. The ideas of [Employee Name] are always well thought of and are very useful to the team. [He/She/They] is a valuable member of the team and I was sad to see [him/her/them] leave.
I hope you will be able to give [Employee Name] a chance to work with you as I am sure that you will find the experience very rewarding. For questions please contact me using my contact details.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Short and Succinct
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I highly recommend [Employee Name]. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and talented individual who consistently exceeded expectations during their time at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] possesses [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2], and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. [He/She/They] will be a valuable asset to your team.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: For a Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend [Employee Name] for a volunteer role within your organization. [He/She/They] volunteered with [Your Organization] as a [Volunteer Role] for [Number] months.
Even as a volunteer, [Employee Name] showed a remarkable commitment and passion for our cause. [He/She/They] consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. For example, [He/She/They] single-handedly [Specific example of their contribution].
[Employee Name] is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong desire to make a difference. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Highlighting Creativity
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] without reservation. [His/Her/Their] creativity and innovative thinking were invaluable during their time as [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] consistently brought fresh perspectives and imaginative solutions to every project. For instance, [he/she/they] developed a completely new approach to [Problem Area], resulting in a [Quantifiable Result]% improvement. [His/Her/Their] ability to think outside the box is truly remarkable.
Beyond their creativity, [Employee Name] is also a collaborative and results-oriented individual. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your organization, particularly in a role that demands innovation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: For a Sales Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I highly recommend [Employee Name] for any sales position you may have available. During their time as [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently exceeded sales targets and demonstrated exceptional sales skills.
[Employee Name] possesses a natural ability to connect with clients and build strong relationships. [He/She/They] is a skilled negotiator and closer, consistently exceeding quota by [Quantifiable Result]%. For example, [he/she/they] secured a major deal with [Client Name] that significantly boosted our revenue.
[Employee Name] is a highly motivated and results-driven individual with a passion for sales. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your sales team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Focusing on Technical Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for a role requiring strong technical skills. As their supervisor at [Your Company], I witnessed firsthand their proficiency in [Specific Technical Skill 1], [Specific Technical Skill 2], and [Specific Technical Skill 3].
[Employee Name] consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of [Technical Area]. For instance, [he/she/they] played a crucial role in the development and implementation of [Project Name], which resulted in [Quantifiable Result]%. [His/Her/Their] technical expertise and problem-solving abilities were invaluable to the success of the project.
[Employee Name] is also a quick learner and is always eager to expand their technical knowledge. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your technical team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Recommendation for Career Advancement
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee Name] for a position that allows for career advancement. During [his/her/their] time as [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated the skills and ambition necessary to excel in a more challenging role.
[Employee Name] is a highly motivated and driven individual with a strong desire to learn and grow. [He/She/They] consistently sought out opportunities to expand their skills and take on new responsibilities. For example, [he/she/they] volunteered to lead [Project Name], successfully demonstrating their leadership potential.
[Employee Name] also possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, making [him/her/them] a valuable team player. I am confident that [he/she/they] is ready for the next step in their career and would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Emphasizing Adaptability
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I wholeheartedly recommend [Employee Name], whose adaptability and resilience were crucial during their tenure as [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company].
[Employee Name] consistently demonstrated the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and new challenges. For example, when we underwent a major restructuring, [he/she/they] seamlessly transitioned to a new role and quickly mastered new skills. [His/Her/Their] willingness to embrace change and learn new things is truly impressive.
[Employee Name] is also a resourceful and problem-solving individual. I am confident that [he/she/they] would thrive in a dynamic environment and be a valuable asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: For a Marketing Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee Name] for any marketing position you may have open. [He/She/They] excelled as our [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company], consistently delivering innovative and effective marketing strategies.
[Employee Name] possesses a strong understanding of marketing principles and trends. [He/She/They] is proficient in [Specific Marketing Skill 1], [Specific Marketing Skill 2], and [Specific Marketing Skill 3]. For instance, [he/she/they] spearheaded a social media campaign that increased our brand awareness by [Quantifiable Result]%.
[Employee Name] is a creative, analytical, and results-oriented individual. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your marketing team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16: When the Employee is Relocating
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name], who is relocating to your area and seeking employment opportunities. [He/She/They] was a valuable member of our team as [Employee’s Role] at [Your Company].
During their time with us, [Employee Name] consistently demonstrated [Key Skill 1], [Key Skill 2], and [Key Skill 3]. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a strong work ethic. For example, [he/she/they] successfully managed [Project Name], resulting in [Quantifiable Result].
Although we are sad to see [Employee Name] leave, we understand the need for relocation and wish [him/her/them] all the best in their job search. I am confident that [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17: for an Intern
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am happy to recommend [Employee Name] for this new position that you are considering [him/her/them] for. [He/She/They] has shown the ability to learn a lot of things during [his/her/their] internship with us.
During the internship with us [Employee Name] shows up on time and does all the task assigned to [him/her/them] to the best of [his/her/their] ability. [He/She/They] is a team player and works well with the other team members.
I hope that you will consider [Employee Name] for this position as this will give [him/her/them] a chance to learn and become a valuable member for you and your company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 18: for Finance Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I strongly recommend [Employee Name] for this finance position with your company. [He/She/They] served as our [Employee’s Role] for a few years and performed exceptionally well.
During the stay of [Employee Name] [he/she/they] had shown to be proficient on [Specific Finance Skill 1], [Specific Finance Skill 2], and [Specific Finance Skill 3]. [He/She/They] has handled project well and has not missed any deadlines.
I am sure that if you hire [Employee Name] for this finance position you will not regret it as you will have a valuable person in your team. If you have questions please reach out to me on the details provided above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 19: Showing that you can be trusted
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am pleased to send this letter to recommend [Employee Name] for any position that you may consider [him/her/them] for with your company. [He/She/They] is an employee that can be trusted with anything.
As the manager of the department, I was able to trust [Employee Name] with any task and [he/she/they] does all the task accordingly. [He/She/They] has shown honesty during the time that [he/she/they] was working with us. And because of this honesty I have become very comfortable and was able to trust [him/her/them] with sensitive items.
If you are looking for an employee that you can trust with anything then [Employee Name] should be on top of your list. Contact me if you have questions for the recommendation that I am writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 20: To show that the Employee is detail oriented
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Hiring Manager Last Name],
I am happy to recommend [Employee Name] for any position that needs someone that is detail oriented. During the employment that [he/she/they] had with us [he/she/they] has shown to be a very detail oriented person.
The position of [Employee Name] with our company had a lot of details but [he/she/they] did all the tasks accurately. [He/She/They] had shown that [he/she/they] is accurate and also finish the projects ahead of time. With [his/her/their] attention to details there were no mistakes made.
If you are looking for an employee that is detail oriented then I have no doubt that [Employee Name] will be one of the best choices you will make. Contact me on the details provided if you need to.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 21: Recommendation for a friend
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
