by Constructing a letter of recommendation is a big responsibility. You are given the power to endorse your recommendee's skills and qualifications to help them land an opportunity.
Therefore, you need to do your best to craft a thoughtful and meaningful letter that accurately reflects the qualities and accomplishments of the person you are recommending.
This article will provide tips for both parties: the recommendie and the recommender. In the end, you will find recommendation letter templates and examples for creating a complete picture of how to write this professional document.
What is a letter of recommendation?
A recommendation letter is a document that supports an individual's candidacy for a job, admission to educational institutions, or other opportunities. This correspondence is typically penned by a person knowledgeable of the individual and can assure of their character and credentials.
The letter's composer should be able to give valuable insight into the candidate's capabilities and talents that would not be simply procured through a resume or other documents.
A reference letter can provide a more exact depiction of the person's qualifications and experiences, allowing them to be distinguished from others.
It is also important to remember that the letter of recommendation should be honest and genuine. Regardless of the relationship between the recommender and the recommendee, the letter must authentically attest to the job seeker's expertise.
Recommendation letter samples
To better prepare you for writing a recommendation letter, below are a few letters of recommendation examples composed for different occasions. Use them as a reference when constructing yours.
Sample letter of recommendation for job application
Recommendation letter sample for internship
Dear Ms. Jefferson,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for John Wilson's application for the Assistant Manager's position. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of working closely with John and can confidently attest to his outstanding qualities.
John is not only a dedicated professional but also an exceptional team player. His quick grasp of new concepts and impressive problem-solving skills make him stand out. His passion for work is evident in his strong commitment to completing projects promptly with precision and organizational prowess. John excels in handling multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure without compromising quality.
His interpersonal skills are exceptional, fostering effective collaboration within the team. Reliable, punctual, and selfless in prioritizing the team's needs, John is a valuable asset. I wholeheartedly recommend John for any position requiring strong organizational skills, precision, and the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
In conclusion, John Wilson has been an indispensable contributor to our team. I endorse his application for the Assistant Manager's position and encourage you to consider him for this role. I wish John the very best in his job search.
Best regards,
Alisa Stones
Scholarship recommendation letter example
"Your network is your net worth."
Sample letter of recommendation for graduate school application
Dear Admission Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Henry Brown for admission to the MBA program at the University of Texas at Austin. My name is Peter Wescott, and I am honored to serve as an Assistant Professor of Business at Arizona State University.
Over the course of four years, I have had the privilege of teaching and advising Henry, and it is with great confidence that I express my endorsement of his application.
Henry is an exceptional student, exemplifying high motivation and unwavering dedication to his academic pursuits. His enthusiasm and diligence have not only propelled him to graduate with top honors in his undergraduate degree but also contributed to his impressive research experience. Throughout his college tenure, Henry showcased robust analytical skills, acquiring a profound understanding of the subjects we explored.
Beyond his academic prowess, Henry distinguishes himself as an outstanding communicator. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity during our meetings at the Entrepreneurship Center was consistently impressive. Moreover, he proved to be a collaborative force within the team, fostering creativity and effective teamwork among peers.
In addition to his scholastic achievements, Henry has garnered practical experience through internships with Lone Star Bank & Trust. This hands-on knowledge equips him with a real-world perspective that seamlessly aligns with his intended studies at the graduate level.
In summation, I am unequivocal in my belief that Henry is an exemplary candidate for your MBA program. His combination of passion, intelligence, and unwavering dedication positions him as a perfect fit for the academic environment at your institution. It is with utmost confidence that I strongly recommend Henry Brown for admission to your esteemed program.
Sincerely,
Peter Wescott
Letter of recommendation template for career transition
Recommendation letter template
Formulating a letter of reference can be challenging. However, it is an integral part of the job search process. Here is a letter of recommendation template to help you get started.
Recommendation letter template
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am pleased to write this letter in support of [Name]'s application for [Position]. My name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Title]. I have known [Name] for [length of time], as we worked together at [Company].
In my role as [position], I had the opportunity to observe [Name] closely. I was consistently impressed by her hard work and dedication to the job. She always approached tasks with enthusiasm and was eager to learn new skills.
[Name]'s commitment to excellence was evident in all aspects of her work. She was highly organized, with great attention to detail. She also had excellent problem-solving skills and was quick to develop creative solutions.
[Name] is a true team player, and I found her easy to work with. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge with others. On top of that, she has an engaging personality and can build relationships easily.
Overall, I believe [Name] would add value to your organization. I can confidently recommend her for the position and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Who to ask for a recommendation letter?
A good letter of recommendation may make all the difference when getting the job you want. But how do you know who makes a good reference?
Letter of recommendation - examples of references:
- Employer or colleague. Your manager from the previous job is usually the best reference. They have worked with you directly and can offer detailed insight into your abilities. They can also speak to your reliability and professionalism.
- Professor or mentor. If you don't have any work experience or are applying for a position in academia, a reference from your educational journey is an excellent choice. They can talk about your academic performance, noteworthy accomplishments, engagement in extracurricular activities, and ability to take initiative and collaborate with peers.
- Supervisor from a volunteer organization. Volunteering can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to the greater community. Having a coordinator who worked in such an organization serves as a reference and allows potential employers to see these qualities in action.
Ultimately, having reliable references is key to ensuring that a potential employer learns about you as much as possible. While many people may be willing to serve as references, not everyone will have the capacity to provide a detailed assessment of your skills or character.
Some hiring managers may consider recommendations from mutual connections or colleagues to be influential in their hiring decisions. This is why networking is important.
Choosing the right references helps ensure that your recommendation letter will make a great impression on hiring managers.
Tips on how to ask for a letter
Acquiring a letter of recommendation could be daunting as you may feel nervous or afraid of rejection. Use these hints to help you ask confidently and politely.
1. Reach out in person or by phone
Contacting your recommender via phone or a personal meeting is better than email. It also gives a space for a conversation to talk about the details to be included in the letter.
2. Provide information
Write a resume and give it to the chosen recommender along with the list of accomplishments, job description, and other details to help them boost their letter with facts. Ensure they receive all the necessary materials to write the letter, such as a link to a submission form.
3. Set expectations
Let the chosen person know when the recommendation letter is due, who should receive it, and any other relevant details.
4. Follow up
Contact your recommender when you hear back from the company or school regarding their decision. Share the updates or any new details as they become available.
5. Show your appreciation
Send a thank-you note after they write the letter to show your gratitude for their effort. Regardless of the outcome, be grateful for their willingness to help you achieve what you desire.
As you reach out to your potential recommender, be polite and professional. Make sure you request a recommendation letter well in advance to allow enough time to write it.
Be prepared that someone may not be able to commit to composing a supporting letter for you at the time. Hence, have a backup of who else you may ask for a letter of recommendation.
Types of recommendation letters
Letters of recommendation hold significant weight in the hiring process. Most employers value them as an essential factor in their decision-making process.
With such weight that is put on your shoulders, you may see the task of writing a recommendation letter as a challenge. Especially if this is your first time being a recommender. However, it does not have to be.
Letters of recommendation provide employers with information about a candidate's character and qualifications. There are several types of letters of recommendation, each with its purpose.
| Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional | These references reveal the candidate's professional skills and experiences. These letters must emphasize the candidate's expertise and provide proof of their achievements in the workplace. |
| Academic | Such documents exhibit a student's academic performance and potential for success in a future program or position. These letters have to include specific examples that demonstrate the student's abilities and achievements. |
| Personal | These recommendation letters offer insight into a candidate's personality traits that would benefit an employer. These letters should focus on the individual's overall attitude, integrity, and other positive qualities. |
| Character | An employer or organization usually requests these to inquire about details concerning the candidate's character and reputation. The letter should highlight the person's strengths and accomplishments. |
A letter of recommendation is a valuable part of the job application process. Different types of letters offer unique insights about the candidate. Understanding each type can help you choose the best letter for your needs.
Recommendation letter format
The letter of recommendation format is similar to other professional letters, such as a cover letter or letter of interest.
Below are some suggestions to help choose the proper recommendation letter format for easy and effective delivery.
- Use a professional font. A standard font like Times New Roman of a font size 12 is the most common choice.
- Align your text to the left margin, and leave adequate space between the lines and paragraphs.
- Include the date at the top of the letter. This will facilitate the organization.
- If possible, use the organization/company's letter blank to add credibility.
- Keep your letter to one page of 4-5 paragraphs long.
By taking note of these guidelines, you will indeed compose a recommendation letter that is pleasant to read.
Tips on writing a recommendation letter
A recommendation letter is an important document that can help someone get their dream job or university acceptance.
"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities."
Writing a great letter of recommendation is not always easy. Use the following advice to craft an excellent letter of recommendation.
DO:
- Use an appropriate salutation. Start with "Dear Mr/Ms/Dr [Last name]" if you know the person, or "To Whom It May Concern" if you don't know whom you are addressing.
- Introduce yourself. Tell who you are and detail your relationship with the individual. State how long you have been acquainted, how you met them, and why you are capable of outlining your reasons for providing a letter of endorsement.
- Highlight qualifications and credentials. Indicate the unique attributes of the individual whom you are recommending. Describe any accomplishments they have achieved and special skills they possess. Illustrate other successes that make them great candidates for the job or university program.
- Be specific. Give concrete illustrations of the person who has excelled in their previous roles or studies. This will give your letter more credibility and provide substantial evidence to support your recommendation. Discuss any challenges they might have faced and how they overcame them.
- Keep it positive. While being honest about the person's abilities is important, keep your letter focused on their positive qualities and using active language. Talk about the applicant's character traits, such as reliability, commitment, hard work, and dedication.
- Remain professional. Do not incorporate overly emotional language or funny stories that do not relate to the person's job performance or qualifications. These can hurt their chances of being taken seriously.
- Restate your recommendation in the end. Close by summarizing your recommendation and expressing confidence in their success. You can also offer to provide additional information if needed.
- Sign the letter. Finish with a closing like "Sincerely" followed by your full name, contact information, and signature.
- Proofread. Read your letter multiple times to ensure it reads clearly and accurately reflects your opinion of the person. Double-check for typos and other mistakes.
By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing a concise layout, you can construct a highly persuasive letter of recommendation. You will be sure that it will provide the person you are advocating for an advantage over others.
Ethical considerations
When writing a letter of recommendation, honesty and integrity are paramount. If you find yourself in a situation where you have conflicts of interest or competing obligations, below are some guidelines to navigate through it.
- Objective recommendation. Reflect on whether you can provide an unbiased and fair assessment of the candidate. If you feel that your judgment may be compromised, it may be best to decline writing the letter or to suggest an alternative recommender who can provide a more impartial perspective.
- Focus on facts. When writing the letter, focus on factual information rather than subjective opinions. Highlight the candidate's skills, qualifications, and achievements based on your observations and interactions with them. Providing specific examples can lend credibility.
- Consider the impact. Think about the potential consequences of your recommendation on both the candidate and the recipient. Your primary obligation is to provide an honest assessment that serves the best interests of all parties involved.
- Maintain confidentiality. Respect the candidate's privacy and confidentiality throughout the recommendation process. Avoid disclosing sensitive information or personal details unless relevant to the recommendation and with the candidate's consent.
FAQ
- When should I request a letter of recommendation?
- It's best to ask at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline to give the writer reasonable time to prepare a thoughtful and detailed letter.
- What if the deadline is approaching and the recommender didn't send me a letter?
- Follow up with a polite reminder. If the recommender is unable to meet the deadline, you may need to ask another person.
- Can a family member write my recommendation letter?
- Generally, it's not advisable as it may be seen as biased. It's better to ask someone in a professional or academic position.
- What if my recommender asks me to write the letter myself?
- Politely suggest that you provide an outline or key points instead, as it is more appropriate for the recommender to write the letter themselves.
- Should I include personal traits in the letter of recommendation?
- Yes, this can add a layer of depth. Attributes like integrity, work ethic, and leadership skills can help the reader understand the candidate’s character.
- Can I write a letter of recommendation if I don’t know the person well?
- If you don’t know the individual well enough to write a detailed and convincing letter, it’s better not to craft one. It’s best to politely decline and suggest they ask someone who has worked with them more closely.
Conclusion
Writing a quality letter of recommendation isn't easy, but it is critical to helping a person in their professional pursuits. A glowing letter of recommendation can mean the distinction between being successful and forgotten.
In this article, you learned how to write a recommendation letter. With the right effort, you can help them make a great impression and secure the ideal job opportunity.
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want"
It is vital to remember that the letter's content needs to be tailored to the particular applicant and reflect their unique strengths and skills. By following the outlined above steps, you can guarantee your letter of recommendation will be remarkable in every way.
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Other relevant articles
As you help your recommendee by providing a reference letter for them, direct them to these useful articles:
- How to write a cover letter to leave a lasting impression.
- How to organize resume sections in the most effective way.
- How to prepare for a STAR job interview to present yourself in the best light.
With the help of these resources and our online resume builder and cover letter creator, they will surely succeed in their job search.
