When it comes to helping someone land their dream job or gain admission to their desired school, a well-written letter of recommendation could be the difference-maker. But what makes a letter of recommendation stand out? In this article, we’ll share tips, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you write a letter of recommendation that truly shines.
How To Write An Effective Letter Of Recommendation
Before we dive into examples, let’s go over some tips to keep in mind when writing a letter of recommendation:
1. Start with a clear title
Begin your letter with a clear title that states the purpose of the letter. For example, “Letter of Recommendation for [Name]” or “Academic Recommendation for [Name].”
2. Be specific and detailed
Avoid using vague language and instead provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills, achievements, and qualities. The more detail you can provide, the better.
3. Use a formal tone
A letter of recommendation should be written in a formal tone, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dry and boring. Try to find a balance between professionalism and personality.
4. Be honest
Don’t exaggerate or lie about the candidate’s qualifications. Stick to the facts and provide an accurate representation of their abilities and achievements.
5. Edit and proofread
Before submitting your letter, make sure to edit and proofread it for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A polished letter will show that you put effort and care into your recommendation.
Now that we’ve covered some tips for writing a letter of recommendation, let’s move on to some examples.
Examples Of Letter Of Recommendation Best
Letter of Recommendation for a Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position] role at your company. As their supervisor at [Previous Company], I had the pleasure of working closely with [Name] for [Length of Time].
[Name] is an exceptional employee who is not only highly skilled in their work but also a natural leader who inspires their team to achieve their goals. One example of [Name]’s exceptional leadership was when they spearheaded a [Project Name] project that resulted in a [Percentage or Dollar Amount] increase in revenue for the company.
I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in the [Position] role and be a valuable asset to your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for admission to your [Program Name] program. As their professor in [Course Name] at [University Name], I have had the pleasure of watching [Name] grow and excel academically and personally.
[Name]’s dedication to their studies is commendable, as evidenced by their consistently high grades and their contributions to class discussions. What sets [Name] apart, however, is their ability to think critically and creatively. One example of this was when [Name] proposed a unique solution to a complex problem in our course that impressed both me and their peers.
I am confident that [Name] would thrive in your [Program Name] program and make valuable contributions to the academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for any volunteer opportunities available at your organization. As a volunteer alongside [Name] at [Organization Name], I have had the pleasure of working with them for [Length of Time].
[Name] is an exceptional volunteer who is always willing to go above and beyond to help those in need. Whether it’s assisting with event planning, fundraising, or hands-on work, [Name] is always enthusiastic and eager to help.
What sets [Name] apart, however, is their ability to work well with others and build meaningful connections with those they help. One example of this was when [Name] spent extra time with a client who was feeling particularly down and helped them feel heard and supported.
I am confident that [Name] would make an excellent addition to your team of volunteers and bring a positive attitude and strong work ethic to any task they are given. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Name]’s guidance counselor at [High School Name], I have had the pleasure of working closely with them and have been consistently impressed by their dedication and hard work.
What sets [Name] apart, however, is their leadership skills and their commitment to giving back to their community. One example of this was when [Name] organized a school-wide fundraiser to benefit a local charity, which raised over [Dollar Amount].
I am confident that [Name] would make excellent use of the scholarship funds and continue to achieve great things both academically and in their community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Medical School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for admission to your medical school program. As [Name]’s physician and mentor, I have had the pleasure of working closely with them for [Length of Time].
[Name]’s passion for medicine is evident in their tireless dedication to their studies and their commitment to providing the best possible care to their patients. One example of this was when [Name] went above and beyond to research and recommend a unique treatment plan for a patient that resulted in a successful outcome.
I am confident that [Name] has the skills, knowledge, and dedication to excel in your medical program and make invaluable contributions to the field of medicine. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position] role at your school. As [Name]’s principal at [School Name], I have had the pleasure of working closely with them for [Length of Time].
[Name] is an exceptional teacher who is not only highly skilled in their subject matter but also a natural leader who inspires their students to learn and grow. One example of [Name]’s exceptional teaching was when they implemented a project-based learning curriculum in their classroom that resulted in a [Percentage or Grade] increase in student engagement and performance.
I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in the [Position] role and be a valuable asset to your school. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Internship
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Internship Position] role at your company. As [Name]’s professor at [University Name], I have had the pleasure of working with them for [Length of Time].
[Name] is an exceptional student who is not only highly skilled in their field of study but also a natural problem-solver who thinks outside the box. One example of [Name]’s exceptional problem-solving was when they proposed a unique solution to a complex problem in our course that impressed both me and their peers.
I am confident that [Name] has the skills, knowledge, and dedication to excel in the [Internship Position] role and make invaluable contributions to your company. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation should include specific examples of the candidate’s skills, achievements, and qualities. It should also provide an accurate representation of their abilities and achievements and be written in a formal tone.
Who should write a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation should be written by someone who knows the candidate well and can provide specific examples of their skills and achievements. This could be a supervisor, teacher, mentor, or other professional acquaintance.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
A letter of recommendation should be one to two pages in length and provide enough detail to give the reader a clear understanding of the candidate’s qualifications and achievements.
How should a letter of recommendation be formatted?
A letter of recommendation should be formatted like a formal business letter, with the date, recipient’s address, greeting, body, complimentary close, and signature. It should also be typed and printed on professional letterhead if possible.
How do I ask someone for a letter of recommendation?
When asking someone for a letter of recommendation, it’s important to be clear about the purpose of the letter and provide any necessary details about the position or program the candidate is applying for. It’s also important to give the person ample time to write the letter and provide any necessary information or documents.
Can a letter of recommendation be negative?
A letter of recommendation should provide an accurate representation of the candidate’s abilities and achievements. If the writer cannot provide a positive recommendation, it’s best to decline the request or suggest that the candidate find someone else to write the letter.
Conclusion
A letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in helping someone achieve their goals. By following the tips and examples in this article, you can write a standout letter that helps your candidate shine. Remember to be specific, honest, and professional, and give yourself enough time to edit and proofread your letter before submitting it. With a well-written letter of recommendation, you can help someone take the next step in their career or education.