When it comes to writing a letter of recommendation, finding the right words can be challenging. You want to highlight the skills and strengths of the person you’re recommending, but also remain professional and accurate. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and examples of letter of recommendation phrases that will help you write a compelling recommendation letter.
Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation
Before we dive into specific examples of letter of recommendation phrases, let’s go over some general tips to keep in mind:
- Be Specific: Use concrete examples to support your claims about the person’s skills and abilities.
- Mention Relevant Skills: Focus on the skills that are relevant to the job or program the person is applying for.
- Highlight Achievements: Mention any accomplishments or achievements that showcase the person’s strengths.
- Avoid Clichés: Don’t use overused phrases that don’t say much, such as “hard worker” or “team player”.
- Be Honest: Don’t exaggerate or lie about the person’s abilities.
Remember, these are just general tips. To give you a better idea of what a good letter of recommendation looks like, let’s look at some examples of letter of recommendation phrases:
Letter of Recommendation Phrases – Leadership
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Name] for a leadership position at your organization. As the team leader at [Company X], I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for over two years. During that time, I had the opportunity to observe [Name] closely and I can say with confidence that [they are] one of the best leaders I have worked with.
[Name] possesses excellent communication skills and is able to motivate and inspire team members to achieve their goals. [They are] also very organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that projects are completed on time and to a high standard. [They are] an asset to any team and I highly recommend [them] for the leadership position at your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation Phrases – Work Ethic
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for any position that [they are] applying for. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] at [Company X] for over two years and during that time, I was consistently impressed by [their] strong work ethic and dedication to [their] job.
[Name] consistently went above and beyond in [their] duties and always delivered high-quality work. [They are] highly skilled in [their] field and was always willing to help other team members whenever needed. [Name]’s positive attitude and work ethic were contagious and contributed to a great work environment.
I highly recommend [Name] for any position that [they are] applying for and believe that [they] would be a valuable asset to any organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation Phrases – Academic Performance
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for admission to your university [or program]. [Name] was a student of mine for [length of time] and during that time, [they] consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance and intellectual curiosity.
[Name] is a highly motivated student who always went above and beyond in [their] studies. [They are] able to think critically and analytically, and [they possess] excellent research skills. [Their] ability to work independently and in group settings is exceptional, and [they have] contributed greatly to class discussions and projects.
I strongly believe that [Name] has the talent, drive, and intellectual curiosity to excel in your program and I highly recommend [them] for admission.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation Phrases – Interpersonal Skills
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for any position that requires strong interpersonal skills. During [their] time at [Company X], [Name] demonstrated exceptional communication skills, both in written and verbal form.
[Name] is a great listener and works well with others. [They have] a positive attitude and are always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. [Their] ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues is remarkable and [they are] an asset to any team.
I highly recommend [Name] for any position that requires strong interpersonal skills and believe that [they] would excel in such a role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation Phrases – Problem-Solving
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for any position that requires strong problem-solving skills. As [their] manager at [Company X], I was consistently impressed by [their] ability to identify and solve complex problems.
[Name] is a critical thinker who is able to analyze information, identify key issues and develop effective solutions. [They are] highly skilled in [their] field and are always willing to take on new challenges. [Name] is also able to work well under pressure and deliver results even in the most challenging circumstances.
I strongly recommend [Name] for any position that requires strong problem-solving skills and believe that [they] would excel in such a role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation Phrases – Creativity
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for any position that requires creativity and innovation. During [their] time at [Company X], [Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
[Name]’s creative approach to problem-solving led to the development of several innovative solutions that greatly benefited our organization. [They have] a unique perspective and [their] ability to come up with fresh, new ideas is truly impressive.
I highly recommend [Name] for any position that requires creativity and innovation and believe that [they] would excel in such a role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a letter of recommendation?
A good letter of recommendation should include specific examples of the person’s skills and abilities, as well as any relevant achievements or accomplishments. You should also include your contact information and a clear statement of recommendation.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
A letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page. It should be concise and to the point, while still including all the necessary information.
How do I address a letter of recommendation?
You should address a letter of recommendation to the person or organization you are recommending the individual to. If you don’t know their name, you can use a generic salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern”.
Can I see examples of letter of recommendation phrases?
Yes, this article includes several examples of letter of recommendation phrases that you can use as inspiration for your own letter.
What is the best way to format a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation should be formatted like a formal business letter, with your contact information at the top, followed by the date, the recipient’s contact information, a salutation, the body of the letter, and a complimentary close. You should also use a professional font and format the letter with proper spacing and margins.
What if I don’t have much experience working with the person I’m recommending?
If you don’t have much experience working with the person you’re recommending, you can still write a letter of recommendation based on your observations of them. Focus on any interactions you’ve had with them and any positive qualities you’ve observed.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation can be daunting, but with these tips and examples of letter of recommendation phrases, you should be able to write a compelling letter that highlights the strengths and abilities of the person you’re recommending. Remember to be specific, highlight relevant skills, and avoid clichés. Good luck!