Write a Recommendation Letter

Letter #1: Recommendation Letter Sample for Teacher

I am pleased to recommend [name] for a teaching position. I worked with [name] for [duration] and found [him/her] to be [standout qualities].

As a substitute,[name] demonstrated [key responsibilities, ex: lesson planning, classroom management]. [He/she] also made a positive impact on [students/colleagues].

[Name] is a [positive qualities] individual. I believe [he/she] would be a strong asset to your school. I'm available for further information at [email] or [phone]

Letter #2: Recommendation Letter Sample: Office Position

I am pleased to recommend [name] for the position of [position title] at [company name]. [Name] has been a valuable asset to our team since [start date], particularly in [area of excellence].

[Name]'s contributions include [highlight 1-2 key achievements]. These skills would be beneficial to your company. Please contact me at [email] or [phone] for more information.

Letter #3: General Recommendation Letter Template

It is my pleasure to recommend [name] for employment at [company name]. I supervised [name] for [duration] and observed [him/her] to be [positive qualities].

[Highlight accomplishment/responsibility demonstrating their value]. I am sorry to see [name] leave, but confident [he/she] will excel in a new role with greater [flexibility/growth].

Letter #4: Recommendation Letter Sample: Supervisor

I recommend [name] who served as [position title] under my supervision for [duration]. [He/she] consistently demonstrated [positive qualities] and thrived under pressure.

One example was when [name] successfully [accomplishment]. This ability to [transferable skill] would be valuable to your company. I'm available to provide more detail at [email] or [phone].

Letter #5: Recommendation Letter Sample for Graduate School

I am honored to recommend [name] for the graduate program at the Institute of Design. During our time working together,[name]'s [positive qualities] impressed me.

[Example of how these qualities manifest in their work]. This demonstrates the [desirable traits] integral for success in your program. For more information, contact me at [email] or [phone].

Letter #6: Recommendation Letter for Director Position

I've had the pleasure of working with [name] since [start date] as our Director of Operations. [He/she]'s strong background in [area of expertise] led to impressive results at [company name].

Specifically, [name] [list of achievements]. This drive for improvement makes [him/her] a standout candidate. For more information, contact me at [email] or [phone].

Letter #7: Recommendation for a Leadership Position

I endorse [name] for a management or director position. As [his/her] supervisor at [company], I observed [list of qualities] essential for leadership.

[Name]'s accomplishments include [achievements]. These demonstrate their ability to [transferable skills]. I'm available to elaborate further at [email] or [phone].

Letter #8: General Recommendation Letter for Employment

I recommend [name] for employment at [company name]. [His/her] [positive qualities] make [him/her] a valuable asset to any team.

I've observed [name]'s ability to [key skills]. This drive is essential in a fast-paced environment. Feel free to contact me with questions at [email] or [phone].

Letter #9: Grant/Scholarship/Residency Recommendation

I strongly support [name]'s application for [grant/scholarship/residency]. As a practitioner in [field], I believe [name]'s project would foster valuable contributions.

I expect [brief outline of project's potential]. Therefore, I highly recommend [name] as a worthy recipient.

How to Write this Recommendation Letter: Expert Tips and Guidelines

Keep it concise: Focus each letter on the candidate's key strengths and relevant achievements.
Use strong action verbs: Describe accomplishments in a way that highlights impact and effectiveness.
Quantify achievements: Provide specific examples (increased revenue by X%, streamlined process by Y%) whenever possible.
Showcase personality: Briefly highlight the candidate's positive qualities and work style.
Proofread carefully: Ensure the language is polished and error-free.

Steps

If you do not know who will receive your letter of recommendation, another salutation such as "To whom it may concern" is acceptable. You may include in the subject heading the fact that you are writing in confidence.
Express your positive feelings about writing the letter. Then explain how long you have known the person and what your professional relationship has been (supervisor, teacher, co-worker).
Discuss the person's qualifications for the position. Statements of past performance, accomplishments, and contributions are helpful. Also mention any honors or awards the person has received during your professional relationship. In order to communicate your positive recommendation, the statements that you offer should be detailed and also be relevant to the desired position. The greater the detail, the better your letter will communicate your positive recommendation. General comments provide a neutral recommendation or suggest that you do not really recommend the person highly, perhaps because you have reservations about his/her prospects or performance.
If appropriate, give reasons for the termination of the individual's employment.
Close with a clear statement of your recommendation and a willingness to cooperate further.

Write Your recommendation in Minutes: Easy Step-by-Step Guide with Sample Sentences and Phrases

1 If you do not know who will receive your letter of recommendation, another salutation such as "To whom it may concern" is acceptable. You may include in the subject heading the fact that you are writing in confidence.

Sample Sentences for Step 1

TO: University Admissions Committee
FROM: Doe Corporation
DATE: September 1, 2019
RE: John Doe, Applicant for Admission (Confidential)
Recommendation for John Doe
Letter of Recommendation for John Doe
Introducing John Doe
to the University Admissions Committee
To Prospective Employers

Key Phrases for Step 1

To whom it may concern
reference: John Doe
with regard to
re: John Doe
recommendation for
letter of recommendation for
to the prospective employer

2 Express your positive feelings about writing the letter. Then explain how long you have known the person and what your professional relationship has been (supervisor, teacher, co-worker).

Sample Sentences for Step 2

I am delighted to be asked to provide a reference for John Doe. I first became acquainted with Mr. Doe in 2018 when he joined the development group that I supervised.
It is a pleasure to recommend John Doe as a sales supervisor. Mr. Doe has worked directly under my supervision for the past eight years.
I am pleased to comment on Ms. Doe's performance as a secretary. I have known Ms. Doe since our graduation from State University in 2018, when we both started work at the Doe Corporation.
I have been Mr. Doe's employer for more than two years, and I can recommend him for your consideration, confident that his character and scholarship will measure up to your university's high standards.
As a former employee of your firm who has some understanding of your needs, I am pleased to offer my personal assessment of Ms. Doe's qualifications.
It has been a pleasure to be Mr. Doe's supervisor since 2018.
I have no hesitancy in writing a letter of recommendation for Mr. Doe, a superb mechanic.
It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Ms. Doe.
Mr. Doe has asked me to write a letter of recommendation to accompany his application for employment. I am very pleased to do so.
I have known Ms. Doe since 2018, when she enrolled in my accounting class.
I was Mr. Doe's teacher in two advanced therapy classes during winter semester, 2018.
Mr. Doe, about whom you inquired in your letter of December 19, was a district manager with us from March 2010 to July 2018. Subsequently; he left to pursue other entrepreneurial ventures.

Key Phrases for Step 2

I am honored to support John/Jane Doe as a candidate for the position of
I am pleased to provide a reference for
I am pleased to write a character reference for
I am delighted to be asked to provide a reference for
I am happy to recommend
I am pleased to comment on
I can offer the highest recommendation for
I first became acquainted with
first came to my attention when
has worked under my supervision for
has worked directly under my supervision
It has been a pleasure to supervise
I have known Mr./Ms. Doe for
I have no hesitation in recommending
I have been his/her supervisor since
his/her performance as a
his/her qualifications and performance
I have had the opportunity to
in response to your enquiry,
in the past two years,
it is a pleasure to recommend
was a student in two of my classes
was employed by us from

3 Discuss the person's qualifications for the position. Statements of past performance, accomplishments, and contributions are helpful. Also mention any honors or awards the person has received during your professional relationship. In order to communicate your positive recommendation, the statements that you offer should be detailed and also be relevant to the desired position. The greater the detail, the better your letter will communicate your positive recommendation. General comments provide a neutral recommendation or suggest that you do not really recommend the person highly, perhaps because you have reservations about his/her prospects or performance.

Sample Sentences for Step 3

While she was with us, Jane supervised the maintenance of all computer networks. This responsibility involved working with 42 separate offices.
His extraordinary ability to analyze problems and outline necessary courses of action always kept us on schedule.
She was always punctual and willing to accept new assignments.
Her ability to interact with customers and resolve their complaints in a pleasant manner gave us a significant advantage over our competitors.
In the past 10 years, he has submitted 23 suggestions that the Doe Corporation has implemented, saving the company thousands of dollars.
In a class of 30, he completed the course with the second highest grade.
In the first six months of her employment with us, her innovations saved the company over $12,000.
By restructuring the packaging process, he was able to reduce delivery time by 20%.
Her keen sense of organization and unlimited energy led to her promotion a year earlier than usual.
He has remarkable ability to motivate co-workers and to build a spirit of camaraderie.
Her greatest talent is in developing innovations for new products.
I cannot overemphasize his track record in writing successful proposals.
When our production date was moved up, he willingly worked overtime every day for eight weeks to help us catch up.
She is an active and articulate participant in staff meetings and policy discussions. She volunteers useful comments without being prodded and, when called upon unexpectedly to answer a question, she can always frame an intelligent response.
He grasps new concepts quickly and accepts constructive criticism and instruction concerning his work.
She finishes her work on schedule. When she has a concern or question about an assignment, she speaks her mind clearly and directly, giving voice to what others may feel but cannot or will not say.

Key Phrases for Step 3

a creative problem-solver
always cheerful and dependable
always met his deadlines
always behaves professionally
among her significant contributions to the company are
broad range of skills
I can attest to his integrity
careful attention to detail
comments are well thought out and clearly articulated
communicates her ideas clearly
communicates effectively in writing
completely loyal and trustworthy
deals sensitively with customers and co-workers
demonstrated particular strengths in
discharged her duties satisfactorily
follows tasks through to completion
fulfilled the job requirements admirably
gets along well with others
handles administrative tasks efficiently
handles responsibility well
has a take-charge personality
has a flair for organization
her sensitivity and concern for others
innovative and creative
a tireless worker
mature beyond her years
intelligent and ambitious
personable and easy to work with
keeps calm under pressure
meticulous attention to detail
one of our finest, most well-rounded undergraduates
outstanding leadership abilities
oversees a meeting tactfully and effectively
punctual and hard-working
self-motivated individual
demonstrated a wide-range knowledge of
willing to go beyond what is required
willing to take on new responsibilities
works efficiently and effectively
works independently and effectively
works well with little supervision

4 If appropriate, give reasons for the termination of the individual's employment.

Sample Sentences for Step 4

I believe he left us to pursue a more challenging job opportunity.
He left the company when we were downsizing our Boston operation. He was the most recently hired.
We are sad to see him leave our firm, but we understand that he needs to relocate for family considerations.
The loss of government contracts has caused us to curtail operations in our Springfield plant where she was employed. If circumstances were to change, we would not hesitate to rehire her.
We are reluctant to let him go, but recognize that this position would be an excellent professional opportunity for him.
Although we wish she would stay with us, we don't want to stand in the way of her professional advancement.
We are sorry to learn that she is leaving; our loss is clearly someone else's gain.

Key Phrases for Step 4

a more challenging job opportunity
I am sorry to see him go
I am reluctant to let him go
I am sorry she is leaving
we are sorry to lose her
we are sad to see him leave
as a result of a layoff
contributions will be missed
gave no reason for his resignation
good career move for her
have curtailed operations in
in line with the company's policy
it is with regret that we
left us to pursue
most recently hired
needs to relocate because
our loss will be someone else's gain
understand that he needs to
when we were downsizing
we will certainly miss
wish that she could stay
wish we were in a position to
would not hesitate to rehire

5 Close with a clear statement of your recommendation and a willingness to cooperate further.

Sample Sentences for Step 5

Mr. Doe will be a great addition to your staff. If I can assist you further, please call.
I am pleased to give my unqualified recommendation for John Doe to be your personnel director.
Because she has been so innovative and conscientious, I do not hesitate to recommend her very highly to your company.
I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Doe to you as a highly effective manager; I believe he will exceed your expectations.
Jane Doe has my strong recommendation. She will be a credit to your firm.
I am confident that Mr. Doe will continue to be very productive. He has my highest recommendation.
If I could, I would rehire her because I am sorry to see her go. Nevertheless, I know that this move is important to her family.
I give her my highest recommendation, without reservation. Please call me if you have further questions.
I have nothing but admiration and respect for John. He leaves my company with my highest recommendation.
It is satisfying to be able to give him my highest recommendation. I hope this information proves helpful.
Based on her performance with us, I am confident she will do very well in any sales context.
I know of no reason why you should hesitate to hire Mr. Doe.
I offer my highest recommendation for Ms. Doe as a prospective member of your task force.
I enthusiastically recommend Mr. Doe as a promising candidate.
Seldom have I been able to recommend someone without reservation. It is a pleasure to do so in the case of John Doe.
I will be pleased to answer any additional questions you may have.
I am very interested in Mr. Doe's application and will be happy to provide further information.

Key Phrases for Step 5

an asset to your organization
every confidence in his/her ability to
I give my unqualified recommendation
has always proved satisfactory
has my highest recommendation
I have admiration and respect for
I have no reservations in
I hope this information proves helpful
if I can further assist
if you have further questions
if you need additional information
if you would like more information
recommend without reservation
recommend him/her very highly
writing to request your favorable consideration of
should be given serious consideration
should you have any questions
under other conditions with another supervisor
under the right circumstances
I will be happy to speak with you
will be happy to speak with you
will meet your expectations
will be successful in any enterprise he undertakes
will be a credit to your
will measure up to your high standards
will be a great addition to
would be an asset to any company
would be a valuable addition to