A letter of recommendation can play an important role in your career or academic journey.
It allows someone to vouch for your abilities and character, increasing your chances of getting hired or being accepted into a college or university.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What a letter of recommendation is
- How to write a letter of recommendation
- A professional recommendation letter sample
- When to request a letter, and who you should ask
Keep reading to understand how you can help someone get hired or have someone help you with a well-written recommendation letter.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation describes a person’s qualifications, skills, experience, strengths, and abilities.
It can be obtained from:
- Previous employers
- Teachers
- Clients
- Mentors
- Coworkers
Typically, job candidates request a recommendation from professionals, who then send the letters directly to the employer or admissions committee.
Unlike a reference, which is often informal, a recommendation letter is more structured and tailored to a specific purpose, such as applying for a job, scholarship, or academic program.
When Do You Need a Recommendation Letter?
A recommendation letter may be required in the second stage of the application process for certain positions or institutions, after submitting your resume and cover letter.
Here’s when you might need it:
- Applying for college: Admissions committees seek recommendation letters to understand your personality and achievements beyond grades and test scores.
- Applying for certain jobs: Some job applications specifically request a recommendation letter alongside your resume and cover letter.
- To boost your chances: If your resume and cover letter aren’t enough, a strong recommendation letter can help you stand out and increase your chances.
In all cases, a recommendation letter adds significant value to your application, especially when it comes from a reputable source.
Key Components of a Recommendation Letter
When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s important to include certain key elements that highlight the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the opportunity they are pursuing.
Here are the important components of an effective letter, that helps a candidate to pass background checks:
Introduction
Start by briefly introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the applicant. Mention your position and the context in which you’ve worked with the candidate.
Applicant’s strengths and qualities
Highlight the individual’s skills, strengths, and key traits that make them a great fit for the opportunity they are seeking.
Include examples
Share an example that demonstrates the applicant’s skills or character in action. This adds a personal touch to your recommendation.
Conclusion and recommendation
Summarize your recommendation, reaffirming why the applicant would be an excellent choice for the role, institution, or program. End with a note of confidence in their abilities.
Signature
Sign off with your full name, title, and contact information to provide further credibility.
How To Write a Letter of Recommendation
Let’s say someone asks you to write a letter for them.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry! Use our checklist to understand how to properly format the letter and its content according to the candidate’s situation.
- Start with the basics: Introduce yourself and the purpose of the letter. Briefly state how long you have known the candidate and in what role.
- Focus on key strengths: Focus on 2-3 of the applicant’s most important skills needed for the new job or academic position.
- Incorporate specific examples: A recommendation letter that’s very generic won’t be as impactful as one filled with detailed information. Remember to use data and specific examples.
- Maintain a professional tone: While the letter of recommendation should be personal, it must also maintain professionalism. Use formal language and avoid overly casual phrases.
- End on a positive note: Finish with a positive statement. Always end by showing your full support for the person.
Letter of Recommendation Samples
A recommendation letter template can be a great starting point to help you create your own. Below are some examples of recommendation letters that can inspire your own writing.
Recommendation letter sample 1
Dear [RECIPIENT],
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant’s Name] for [Position/Program] at [Company/Institution Name]. I am [Your Name], and I have worked with [Applicant’s Name] for [X years/months] in my capacity as [Your Position] at [Your Company/Institution].
During our time together, [Applicant’s Name] consistently demonstrated excellent [skills/qualities]. [He/She/They] showed particular proficiency in [specific tasks/skills], particularly when [provide brief example].
What truly sets [Applicant’s Name] apart is [his/her/their] [specific positive trait], which made [him/her/them] an invaluable member of our team. [Applicant’s Name] also has a remarkable ability to [highlight another skill or experience].
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] will thrive in [Position/Program], and I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] if you would like further information or specific examples.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Recommendation letter sample 2
Dear [RECIPIENT],
I am delighted to write a recommendation letter for John Doe, who has applied for a marketing role at your company. I have had the privilege of working closely with John for over three years at XYZ Corporation, where I served as his direct supervisor.
During our time together, John demonstrated exceptional skills in content strategy, digital marketing, and team collaboration. One of the highlights of his tenure was when he led a project that increased our website traffic by 40% through innovative SEO strategies. John is not only a skilled marketer but also a great team player who always brings positive energy to every project.
I am confident that John’s creativity, leadership, and technical skills will make him a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend him for this position without reservation.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] for further information or additional examples of his achievements.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Senior Marketing Manager, XYZ Corporation
[Contact Information]
Tips for Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Getting an impactful recommendation letter takes some planning. Use these tips to help your recommender write a letter that strengthens your application:
- Update your resume: Before asking for a recommendation letter, update your resume to show your latest skills and achievements. This helps the writer create a more detailed and impactful letter. Use our resume builder to improve your resume.
- Ask early: Give your recommender plenty of time to write a strong letter. Asking well in advance shows respect for their time.
- Provide details: Help your recommender by giving them details about the job or program you’re applying to, and any skills or experiences you want highlighted.
- Show thanks: Always thank the person for their time and effort. It’s a favor they’re doing for you.
Key Takeaways
A good recommendation letter can improve your application by emphasizing the necessary skills and experience. Here are some simple tips to help you get the best letter:
- A recommendation letter can make a big difference in your application by highlighting your skills, experience, and character.
- Be clear about what you need from your recommender and offer any helpful information.
- Thank your recommender for their time and help!
By using these tips and our sample letters as a guide, you’ll be ready to request an effective recommendation letter. A well-written letter can make a big difference in your application. Good luck with your next steps!
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