What is a Letter of Recommendation Template?

Recommendation letters, also known as reference letters, are often written by professional colleagues, direct supervisors, professors, or other personal peers who have first-hand knowledge of another person’s strengths. Check out these easy-to-use letters of recommendation templates to help you learn the recommendation letter format and start writing your recommendation letter draft.

What is a letter of recommendation?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"A letter of recommendation is a written document affirming a candidate's competency for a particular job. It's provided by a person who had worked with the candidate, usually in a superior position."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15105,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Montserrat","16":8}">A letter of recommendation is a written document affirming a candidate’s competency for a particular job. It’s provided by a person who had worked with the candidate, usually in a superior position.

What are the 6 details that should be included in a letter of recommendation?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"A letter of recommendation should start with the sender's introduction of themself, proving that they are the right person to write it, and the position the candidate is recommended for. Then the sender should describe the candidate's role in their company, listing their personal and professional strengths and specific skills. Finally, an example of the candidate's outstanding performance is an essential element of an effective recommendation letter."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15105,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Montserrat","16":8}">A letter of recommendation should start with the sender’s introduction of themselves, proving that they are the right person to write it, and the position the candidate is recommended for. Then the sender should describe the candidate’s role in their company, listing their personal and professional strengths and specific skills. Finally, an example of the candidate’s outstanding performance is an essential element of an effective recommendation letter.

How do you write a powerful letter of recommendation?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Focus on the successes and the strengths the person has demonstrated. As for the format, write the recommendation as a regular business letter. And always consider the specifics of the letter request."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15105,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Montserrat","16":8}">Focus on the successes and the strengths the person has demonstrated. As for the format, write the recommendation as a regular business letter. And always consider the specifics of the letter request.

Letter of Recommendation Template

Created by:

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] [Sender.Company]

Prepared for:

[Recipient.FirstName][Recipient.LastName]

[Recipient.Company]

(MM.DD.YYYY)

Dear [Recipient.FirstName][Recipient.LastName],

My name is [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName], and I currently work as [Sender.Company]'s [Sender.Title]. Thank you

for reaching out for a recommendation letter

to discuss [Candidate.FirstName][Candidate.LastName] professional strengths.

I can confidently recommend [Candidate.FirstName][Candidate.LastName] for the position of [Candidate.Title] with [Recipient.Company] because (he/she/they) hold(s) all of the desired skills and personality traits to excel in your company.

I have been with the company for the last (number) of years. During my time with [Sender.Company], I have seen many employees come and go. However, [Candidate.FirstName][Candidate.LastName] has stood out among these associates due to (his/her/their) dedication to their work that exceeds much of the talent I have seen in many years. I had the absolute pleasure of (managing/working alongside) as (his/her/their) (colleague, employer, direct supervisor) from (year) to (year).

During our working relationship, I have witnessed [Candidate.FirstName]'s many strengths and leadership skills, including (insert strengths here. Examples: dependability, hardworking, independent, motivated, etc.). [Candidate.FirstName][Candidate.LastName] and (his/hers/their) can-do attitude was an essential asset to the team and the company as a whole.

[Candidate.FirstName]'s superior skills in (enter specific skill here) led to (his/hers/their) achievements in reaching organizational goals including (enter specific goals here. Examples: enhancing ROI, reducing employee turnover, securing new clients, identifying new partners).

I can personally remember one example when [Candidate.FirstName] went above and beyond for the company. (List specific examples here. If you can't think of any, continue to list additional positive information).

Aside from (his/her/their) achievements, [Candidate.FirstName] as a person is a pleasure to work with. (His/Her/Their) sunny disposition and willingness to lend a hand were contagious in the office. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that [Candidate.FirstName][Candidate.LastName] is the right person for the job with [Recipient.Company].

Any organization, especially your own, would be lucky to have [Candidate.FirstName] on the team. If you have any further questions about [Candidate.FirstName]'s performance in the workplace, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [Sender.Email] or via phone at [Sender.Phone].

Thank you,

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] [Sender.Title][Sender.Company]

Letter of Recommendation Template