If you are tasked to write a letter of recommendation for an employee, it can be challenging and time-consuming to start from scratch. Fortunately, there are letter of recommendation templates available that you can use as a guide. These templates can help you save time and effort while ensuring that your letter is professional and effective.
Here is a list of seven letter of recommendation templates for an employee that you can use as a reference. You can find examples and edit them as needed to fit your specific needs.
Template 1: Recommendation for Job Promotion
Greeting:
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the promotion to [New Position]. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] an ideal candidate for this position. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the promotion to [New Position]. I am confident that [he/she] will continue to excel in this new role and make valuable contributions to our company.
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Template 2: Recommendation for Scholarship Application
Greeting:
Dear Scholarship Committee,
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [Specific Scholarship] program. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] an ideal candidate for this scholarship. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [Specific Scholarship] program. [He/She] has the potential to be a valuable asset to your program and make a positive impact in the field of [Field of Study].
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Template 3: Recommendation for Graduate School Application
Greeting:
Dear Admissions Committee,
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for admission to [Name of Graduate Program] at [Name of University]. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] an ideal candidate for this program. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for admission to [Name of Graduate Program] at [Name of University]. [He/She] has the potential to succeed in this program and make significant contributions in the field of [Field of Study].
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Template 4: Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Greeting:
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for volunteer work with [Name of Organization]. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] an ideal candidate for this volunteer work. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for volunteer work with [Name of Organization]. [He/She] has the potential to make a positive impact and be an asset to your team.
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Template 5: Recommendation for Business Partnership
Greeting:
Dear [Business Partner’s Name],
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for a business partnership between our companies. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] an ideal partner for this venture. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for a business partnership between our companies. I am confident that [he/she] will bring valuable expertise and contribute to the success of our partnership.
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Template 6: Recommendation for Immigration Application
Greeting:
To Whom It May Concern,
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for [Specific Immigration Application]. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] a valuable member of our team. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for [Specific Immigration Application]. [He/She] has my full support and I believe [he/she] will continue to make valuable contributions to our company and community.
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Template 7: Recommendation for Award Nomination
Greeting:
Dear Awards Committee,
Letter Body:
I am writing to highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [Specific Award] at [Name of Awarding Organization]. During [his/her] time at our company, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific qualities/skills] that make [him/her] an outstanding candidate for this award. [Provide specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths.]
In conclusion, I highly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [Specific Award] at [Name of Awarding Organization]. [He/She] has the potential to make a significant impact in the [Field of Award] and deserves to be recognized for [his/her] achievements.
Complimentary Close:
Best regards,
[Your Name and Title]
Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation for an Employee
Writing a letter of recommendation for an employee can be daunting, especially if you are not used to this type of task. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling and effective letter:
- Be specific: Provide specific examples and details about the employee’s work, accomplishments, and strengths.
- Use a professional tone: Use a formal, respectful, and friendly tone of voice in your letter.
- Keep it concise: Stick to 40 to 50 sentences in total in your letter. Make sure that every sentence counts and adds value to your recommendation.
- Check for errors: Proofread your letter carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A letter with mistakes can undermine your credibility and hurt the employee’s chances.
- Be honest: Only recommend an employee if you truly believe that they deserve it. Do not exaggerate or fabricate information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a letter of recommendation?
A: A letter of recommendation is a document that provides an assessment or endorsement of an individual’s qualifications, skills, or character. It is typically written by a former or current employer, colleague, teacher, or mentor and is used for various purposes such as job applications, promotions, scholarships, and awards.
Q: How do I start a letter of recommendation?
A: Start your letter of recommendation with a formal greeting and an introduction that explains your relationship or connection with the employee. Mention the purpose of the letter and your overall assessment of the employee. Follow it up with specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths, and conclude with a summary and a recommendation.
Q: What should I include in a letter of recommendation?
A: A letter of recommendation should include the following components:
- A formal greeting and introduction
- The purpose of the letter
- Your overall assessment of the employee
- Specific examples of their work, accomplishments, and strengths
- A summary of the employee’s qualifications and potential
- A recommendation or endorsement
- A complimentary close and your contact information
Q: How long should a letter of recommendation be?
A: A letter of recommendation should be concise and to-the-point. It should be no longer than two pages or 40 to 50 sentences. Avoid lengthy or irrelevant information that can dilute the impact of your recommendation.
Q: Can I decline a request to write a letter of recommendation?
A: Yes, you have the right to decline a request to write a letter of recommendation if you do not feel comfortable or qualified to do so. Be honest and respectful in your response and offer alternative solutions if possible.
Q: How do I send a letter of recommendation?
A: You can send a letter of recommendation by mail, email, or fax. Make sure to use a professional format and include your contact information and signature. You can also provide a copy of the letter to the employee for their records.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation?
A: The deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation depends on the specific application or program. Make sure to check the requirements and follow the instructions carefully. It is recommended to submit your letter at least two weeks before the deadline to allow time for processing and follow-up.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation for an employee can be a rewarding and valuable experience. By using a template as a guide and following some basic tips, you can create a compelling and effective letter that can make a difference in the employee’s career or academic path. Remember to be honest, specific, and professional in your recommendation and to take the time to proofread and edit your letter before sending it out.