10 Free Letter of Recommendation Templates

Your coworker, a friend, or someone who works under you might ask for your help in writing a letter of recommendation. While this might seem like a daunting task, it's actually quite manageable if you're familiar with the basics of recommendation letters. If not, using a template can simplify the process.

A letter of recommendation is a formal piece that discusses an individual's skills, character traits, qualifications, and overall suitability for a specific role. A recommendation letter template is essentially a pre-structured sample with some placeholders that guide you on what to include.

Whether you're looking to improve your letter-writing skills or need guidance from a template, you've come to the right place! This article offers both advice and templates to help you write an effective letter of recommendation. So keep reading to find out more!

Advantages of Utilizing a Letter of Recommendation Template

Here are the main perks of using a letter of recommendation template:

• By using a template, you won't need to put in as much effort compared to starting from zero, making it easier to craft an effective letter.
• Having the template readily available saves you time and allows you to complete the task more quickly.
• Employing a professional letter of recommendation template can enhance your appearance as a professional, ensuring that your final output is polished and high-quality.

Examples of Letter of Recommendation Templates

Here are some different types of letter of recommendation templates that could be useful for references.

1. Student Letter of Recommendation Template

April 25, 2024

To whom it may concern,

I am pleased to write this letter recommending [name], who is aiming to join the Economics undergraduate program at your prestigious institution [institution name].

Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of having [name] in my Economics classes and witnessing her lead within both the Maths and Statistics departments at [school name]. He/she is a focused and intelligent young person with all the qualities needed to excel academically over time. I am confident he/she has a bright future ahead.

[Name]'s attributes include politeness, diligence, honesty, and dependability. He/she possesses excellent social skills and actively engages in extracurricular activities. With such commendable academic performance combined with her intellectual abilities and creativity, [name] stands out as an exceptional applicant for an undergraduate course in Economics at [institution name]. For any further questions or additional information about [name]'s capabilities, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Warm regards,
[Recommender name],
[Department]
[School name]
[Street address]
[ZIP code]
[City, state, country]
[Phone number]
[Email]

2. Letter of Recommendation Template for Graduate School

To whom it may concern,

I am delighted to write this letter recommending [name] for your Ph.D. program in History at [university name]. As an associate professor at [your institution name], I wholeheartedly endorse her application.

[Name] first came to my attention as a student and has made significant contributions to our program by leading various research projects. She demonstrates an excellent grasp of key issues and possesses strong problem-solving abilities.

Despite being actively involved in extracurricular activities, [name] has maintained an impressive GPA and consistently submits her assignments on time. On numerous occasions, she even stayed after hours to assist peers with other administrative tasks. Her passion for the field, dedication, and eagerness to learn make her a valuable candidate for any program. I sincerely hope you will consider accepting her into yours.

If additional information about my experience working with [name] is needed, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
[Recommender name],
[Department]
[School name]
[Street address]
[ZIP code]
[City, state, country]
[Phone number]
[Email]

3. Letter of Recommendation Template for College

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am pleased to write this letter in support of [student's name] application for admission to the class of 2024 at XYZ University. I've had the wonderful experience of teaching [name] during her senior years and have found his/her to be an outstanding student and a delightful individual.

[Name] displays remarkable maturity and is driven by a determination to achieve great things through his/her talent and hard work. He/she excels in interpersonal skills, making everyone around him/her feel comfortable while finding joy in helping others. Academically, he/she has consistently excelled across all subjects while actively participating in various extracurricular activities. His/her ability to manage multiple responsibilities proficiently stands out; besides being an honor student, he/she also volunteered at XYZ Elementary School where he/she engaged with kids and tutored them in several subjects.

I am thrilled that [name] asked me to write this recommendation because I firmly believe in his/her potential for success at greater levels. If admitted into your program, I'm confident he/she will excel tremendously within it. The confidence and personality he's/she's cultivated throughout high school are truly exceptional, promising continued growth during college years as well.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further information about [name]'s candidacy.

Sincerely,
[Recommender name],
[Department]
[School name]
[Street address]
[ZIP code]
[City, state, country]
[Phone number]
[Email]

4. Letter of Recommendation Template for Scholarship

To the XYZ Scholarship Committee,

I'm pleased to write this letter supporting [student's name] application for the XYZ Scholarship. [Name] is a remarkable student who has shown tremendous effort and growth throughout the year I've had him in class. His focused energy combined with his positive outlook on self-improvement are qualities that are essential yet rare among high school students.

I've closely followed [name]'s academic journey and feel he truly deserves this scholarship. He stands out as an exceptional young writer; his recent history paper on the American Civil War was particularly outstanding.

Given his educational aspirations, I believe no one is more deserving of this scholarship which would significantly ease his path towards funding college tuition costs. If further information is required, to support [name]'s candidacy, you can reach me via [email address] or [phone number].

Sincerely,
[Your name]

[Department]
[School name]
[Street address]
[ZIP code]
[City, state, country]
[Phone number]
[Email]

5. Letter of Recommendation Template for Internship

Dear Ms. Thorton,

I'm excited that Mary Palmer is applying for the summer internship position at XYZ Company. I've known Mary through my undergraduate economics seminar courses at XYZ College, and I've been impressed with both creativity and diligence as a student. She has shown excellent skills legal research obtaining highest grades course.

During challenging assignments covering unique business topics, Mary exhibited expertise teamwork that's uncommon among undergraduates. Hence, I strongly vouch for her to be suitable for summer intership role that will surely enhance her skills.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any other details that I can provide.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

6. Letter of Recommendation Template for a Coworker

Dear Ms. Cooper,

I'm thrilled to recommend Mark Bennett! He's an exceptional team player who has significantly contributed to our projects with his innovative problem-solving abilities, meticulous work habits, and dedication to bringing customer ideas to life.

Mar played a key role in boosting client retention and attracting big new clients thanks to his charming personality and commitment. If you've seen the recent billboards that everyone is talking about—that was all him!

Not only does he bring his outstanding management skills but also expert-level knowledge in [second expertise]. I believe he's the best candidate for your needs. I'd love the opportunity to work with him again if given the chance.

Feel free to contact me if you need more information.

Sincerely,
Rachel Green

[Title]
[Company]
[Street address]
[City]

7. Letter of Recommendation Template for a Professor

Dear Mr. Harrison,

I am delighted to recommend Mr. Martin King, a cherished member of our teaching staff for the past 5 years. When he joined us as an English literature teacher at The XYZ University, Brian proved to be both dependable and well-organized from the start.

Martin is an exceptionally talented educator who diligently crafted his syllabus to suit each class’s needs from day one. His teaching techniques were captivating and enjoyable, leading to noticeable improvements in students’ performance after he began teaching them. For instance, Martin once organized an event where student teams wrote and performed dialogues between notable literary figures—an activity that was very well-received and helped deepen their understanding of various historical periods.

As part of our faculty team, Mr. King was always amiable and cooperative with a charming sense of humor. He made significant contributions both professionally through his work with colleagues and socially within our community.

Working with Mr. King has been truly rewarding over these years; I wholeheartedly endorse him for any role that demands commitment, hard work, creativity​ initiative loyalty,and dedication.Feel free ​to contact me if you need any more information.

Sincerely,
Mathew Darren

[Department]
[University name]
[Street address]
[ZIP code]
[City, state, country]
[Phone number]
[Email]

8. Letter of Recommendation Template for Job

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Kelvin Ryan for the position of Backend Developer at your esteemed organization. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Kelvin for the past six years at [Your Company], where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical skills, professionalism, and dedication to his craft.

Kelvin's expertise in .NET development has been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous high-profile projects. His deep understanding of backend technologies, coupled with his ability to troubleshoot complex issues, has made him an invaluable asset to our team. Kelvin consistently delivers high-quality code, adheres to best practices, and ensures that our systems are robust and scalable.

One of Kelvin's standout qualities is his commitment to continuous learning and improvement. He stays abreast of the latest industry trends and integrates new technologies and methodologies into our projects, which has significantly enhanced our development processes. His proactive approach and innovative mindset have often led to the implementation of more efficient and effective solutions.

Beyond his technical acumen, Kelvin is a team player who fosters a collaborative work environment. He willingly shares his knowledge with colleagues, mentors junior developers, and contributes to a positive and productive team culture. His excellent communication skills enable him to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned and informed.

In summary, Kelvin Ryan is a highly skilled and experienced backend developer who would be an asset to any organization. His technical expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit make him an outstanding candidate for the position. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel and contribute significantly to your team.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or would like to discuss Kelvin's qualifications in more detail.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Company]

9. Letter of Recommendation Template for a Friend

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am delighted to provide this recommendation for Kira Hardin, who is applying for the role of professional receptionist at your reputable company. Two years ago, Isabella joined our book store as my stand-in part-timer.

Right from the start, it was clear that she was an invaluable addition to our team and we quickly formed a strong friendship. On one special occasion when I had the chance to work closely with her, I saw firsthand her cheerful disposition along with her open-minded and caring nature. She gets along brilliantly with everyone–adults and young patrons alike–and always goes above and beyond to assist customers in finding what they need.

Kira's excellent judgment and determination shine through whenever she's faced with challenging tasks. She's resilient, capable, and would be a fantastic asset to any organization she's part of. Given my experience working alongside Kira, I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]

10. Letter of Recommendation for an Employee

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Jessica Hudson for the position of Social Media Marketing Specialist at your esteemed organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica for the past [number of years/months] at [Your Company], where she has proven herself to be an exceptionally talented and dedicated professional.

Jessica's expertise in social media marketing is truly impressive. She has a keen understanding of various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. Her ability to craft engaging content, develop effective social media strategies, and analyze performance metrics has significantly contributed to the growth and success of our online presence. Under her guidance, our social media accounts have seen substantial increases in engagement, follower growth, and overall brand awareness.

One of Jessica's standout qualities is her creativity. She consistently generates innovative ideas for campaigns and content that resonate with our target audience. Her eye for design and attention to detail ensure that all our social media posts are visually appealing and on-brand. Additionally, Jessica is an excellent communicator who collaborates seamlessly with our marketing team, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and effective campaigns.

Jessica is also highly proficient in using various social media management and analytics tools, such as Hootsuite, Buffer, and Google Analytics. Her ability to interpret data and adjust strategies accordingly has been instrumental in optimizing our social media efforts. She is always eager to learn and stays current with the latest trends and best practices in social media marketing, which has kept our strategies fresh and relevant.

Beyond her technical skills, Jessica is a team player who brings positive energy and a can-do attitude to the workplace. She is dependable, hardworking, and consistently goes above and beyond to achieve our marketing goals. Her professionalism and dedication have made her an invaluable asset to our team.

In summary, Jessica Hudson is a highly skilled and experienced social media marketing specialist who would be an excellent addition to any organization. Her creativity, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit make her an outstanding candidate for the position. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel and contribute significantly to your team.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or would like to discuss Jessica's qualifications in more detail.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Company]

Steps Involved in Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Here are some steps to help you craft a professional, personalized, and relevant letter of recommendation:

1. Follow the Standard Format: Begin with your professional details in the top left corner, then add "To whom it may concern" or the appropriate salutation like Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

2. Start on a Positive Note: Kick-off your letter with enthusiasm to capture the hiring manager’s interest and explain why you're excited to recommend this candidate.

3. Structure Your Letter Well:

   • First Paragraph: State your purpose for writing.
   • Next Paragraphs: Describe your relationship with the candidate and how long you've known them.

4. Detail Achievements & Qualities: Offer detailed descriptions of their accomplishments and attributes, focusing on how they can benefit the company.

5. Address Career Changes Positively: If applicable, explain why they're making a good transition into a new career path.

6. Add Specifics & Anecdotes: Provide examples of their contributions at work or anecdotes that demonstrate their skills effectively.

7. Offer Further Information in Conclusion: Mention that you’re available for questions by providing contact info like an email address or phone number in your signature if needed.

8. Professional Closing Phrase & Proofreading:

   • Close professionally using phrases like 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards.'
   • For hard copies, sign beneath your typed name.
   • Always proofread for grammatical errors and formatting issues—consider using AI tools for flawless results!

Additional Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation

1. Keep It Simple:
   Ensure your letter of recommendation follows a straightforward structure, as this helps the reader easily navigate through it, especially since they might be reading many such letters. If the applicant prefers an email recommendation instead of a hard copy or different format, consider using an email template to maintain professionalism and clarity.

2. Highlight Key Qualities:
   Focus on one or two standout qualities that make the candidate suitable for the role, supporting these with specific examples where they demonstrated these traits.

3. Quantify Achievements:
   Where possible, use quantifiable evidence to highlight the candidate's strengths. For instance, phrases like "She has the highest sales record in our department over the last five years" can significantly bolster your endorsement.

4. Review Their Resume:
   Before starting your letter, take time to review the candidate's resume thoroughly. This will help you identify their key strengths and achievements to feature prominently in your recommendation.

5. Use Active Voice:
   Writing in an active voice can make your letter sound more professional and compelling, allowing you to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely.

Conclusion

Drafting a recommendation letter is straightforward if you're well-acquainted with the person, whether they are an employee or a student. If you're not familiar enough, you can always look at their resume to get insights into their strengths, achievements, and standout qualities to mention in the letter.

That said, writing a recommendation letter can still be daunting because it plays a crucial role in influencing an employer's hiring decision. If you feel unsure about how to proceed, consider using a suitable recommendation letter template for guidance. Another efficient way to create a professional and thorough recommendation letter is by utilizing an advanced AI chatbot like Yazo Chat. Its sophisticated features can simplify your task—sign up and start writing effortlessly!