Crafting a Compelling Recommendation Letter Email: Sample and Guide
A recommendation letter is a valuable document that can help you secure a job, get into a school, or obtain a promotion. It is a written statement from someone who knows you well and can attest to your skills, abilities, and character. A well-written recommendation letter can make a big difference in your application, so it’s important to take the time to write a good one. Here is a sample recommendation letter that you can use as a template:
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The Best Structure for a Recommendation Letter Email
A well-written recommendation letter can make a big difference in a job seeker’s candidacy. But what’s the best way to structure one? Here’s a simple and effective format to follow:
- Start with a strong opening paragraph. Introduce yourself and your relationship to the candidate. Briefly state your purpose for writing the letter and how long you’ve known the candidate.
- Highlight the candidate’s skills and experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate the candidate’s strengths and abilities. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific job the candidate is applying for.
- Describe the candidate’s character and work ethic. Go beyond skills and experience to describe the candidate’s personality, values, and work style. How do they interact with others? How do they handle challenges? What makes them a valuable asset to any team?
- Offer a closing endorsement. Summarize your overall impression of the candidate and why you believe they would be a great fit for the job. You can also include a call to action, such as encouraging the recipient to contact you for more information.
Here’s a sample recommendation letter email that follows this format:
Dear [Recipient Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am the [Your Title] at [Your Company]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years in my capacity as their [Your Relationship to Candidate].
I am writing to highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of working closely with [Candidate Name] on several projects and have been consistently impressed with their skills, experience, and work ethic.
In particular, I have been impressed with [Candidate Name]’s:
| Skills: |
|
| Experience: | [Relevant Experience 1] |
| Work Ethic: | [Work Ethic 1] |
Sample Recommendation Letter Emails
For a Job Application
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Job Title] position at your esteemed organization. I have had the pleasure of working closely with [Candidate Name] for the past [Number] years as their [Your Role] at [Organization Name].
During their tenure, [Candidate Name] consistently exceeded expectations. Their key accomplishments include:
- [Accomplishment 1]
- [Accomplishment 2]
- [Accomplishment 3]
Beyond their technical skills, [Candidate Name] is an exceptional team player and has a positive attitude. They are highly motivated, detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
I am confident that [Candidate Name] has the skills and experience to make a valuable contribution to your team. I highly recommend them for this role and believe they would be an asset to your organization.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For a Promotion
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate Name] for the promotion to [New Position]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for the past [Number] years in their current role as [Current Position] at [Organization Name].
During their tenure, [Candidate Name] has consistently demonstrated their exceptional abilities. They have exceeded expectations in every aspect of their role and are ready for the additional responsibilities of [New Position].
- Led the implementation of [New Program], resulting in a [Percentage]% increase in [Metric].
- Developed a new [Process] that streamlined operations, saving the company [Amount] annually.
- Mentored and trained junior staff, fostering their professional growth and development.
[Candidate Name]’s strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to our organization make them an ideal candidate for promotion. I believe they have the skills, experience, and potential to excel in this new role.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for this promotion and believe they would be a valuable asset to your team in this expanded capacity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For a Scholarship
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically endorse [Candidate Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As their [Your Role] at [Organization Name], I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional academic achievements and personal qualities.
Throughout their studies, [Candidate Name] has maintained an impressive GPA of [GPA]. They are particularly strong in [Subject Area], as evidenced by their outstanding performance in our [Course Name] course.
- Received a perfect score on the midterm exam.
- Presented a groundbreaking research paper at the [Conference Name] conference.
- Served as a teaching assistant for the [Course Name] course.
Beyond their academic pursuits, [Candidate Name] is a highly motivated and passionate individual. They are actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the [Club Name] and the [Volunteer Organization Name], where they demonstrate their leadership and commitment to making a difference.
I am convinced that [Candidate Name] has the potential to achieve great things in the field of [Scholarship Major]. They are a bright, ambitious, and compassionate individual who deserves this scholarship.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship and believe they would be a worthy recipient of your support.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For a Volunteer Opportunity
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Candidate Name] for the past [Number] years in their role as [Your Role] at [Organization Name].
[Candidate Name] has a deep passion for [Cause] and a strong desire to make a difference. They are a dedicated and reliable volunteer who is always willing to go the extra mile.
- Regularly volunteers at our soup kitchen, serving food to those in need.
- Participated in a local cleanup campaign, removing litter from our community.
- Donated their time to mentor underprivileged youth at a local after-school program.
[Candidate Name]’s enthusiasm, positive attitude, and commitment to serving others make them an ideal candidate for this volunteer opportunity. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your organization and make a meaningful contribution to your mission.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for this volunteer position and believe they would be a great addition to your team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For a Business Partnership
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate Name], President and CEO of [Organization Name], as a potential business partner for your organization.
[Candidate Name] is an experienced business leader with a proven track record of success. Under their leadership, [Organization Name] has become a leading provider of [Products/Services] in our industry.
- Grew annual revenue by [Percentage]% over the past [Number] years.
- Expanded into new markets, increasing their customer base by [Number].
- Established strategic partnerships with key industry players.
[Candidate Name] is also a visionary leader with a clear understanding of the evolving market landscape. They are constantly exploring new opportunities and developing innovative strategies to drive growth.
I believe that [Candidate Name] and [Your Organization Name] share similar values and goals. A partnership between our two organizations could be mutually beneficial, allowing us to leverage our collective strengths to achieve even greater success.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] and [Organization Name] as a potential business partner. I am confident that they would be a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For a Reference
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Candidate Name], who worked as a [Candidate Position] at [Organization Name] for [Number] years.
I had the pleasure of working closely with [Candidate Name] during their tenure at [Organization Name]. They were a highly valued member of our team and consistently exceeded expectations in their role.
- Managed a team of [Number] employees, providing guidance and support.
- Developed and implemented new processes that improved efficiency and productivity.
- Provided excellent customer service, resolving complex issues and building strong relationships.
[Candidate Name] is a hard worker with a strong work ethic. They are also a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile. They are highly motivated and ambitious, and I have no doubt that they will continue to be successful in their career.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] and believe they would be a valuable asset to any organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For a Character Reference
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Candidate Name], whom I have known for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship with Candidate].
[Candidate Name] is a person of impeccable character. They are honest, trustworthy, and reliable. They have always been a role model for others and have consistently made positive contributions to our community.
- Volunteered countless hours at local organizations, including the homeless shelter and food bank.
- Mentored underprivileged youth, providing guidance and support.
- Served as a leader in their church and community groups.
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How to write a recommendation letter email request?
A recommendation letter email request is a formal email sent to an individual asking them to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. It is important to craft a polite and professional email that clearly outlines your request and provides all necessary information. The email should include the following essential elements:
- Subject line: The subject line should clearly state the purpose of the email, such as "Recommendation Letter Request for [Your Name]."
- Salutation: Address the recipient with a formal salutation, such as "Dear [Recipient Name]."
- Introduction: Introduce yourself and briefly explain the purpose of your email. State that you are writing to request a letter of recommendation for a specific job or academic program.
- Body: Provide specific details about the position or program you are applying for, highlighting the skills and qualifications that you believe the recipient could attest to.
- Request: Clearly ask the recipient if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Specify the format and deadline for the letter.
- Closing: Thank the recipient for their consideration and reiterate your appreciation for their time and support.
- Signature: Include your full name and contact information in the signature block.
Example email request:
Subject: Recommendation Letter Request for John Doe
Dear Dr. Smith,
I hope this email finds you well.
My name is John Doe, and I am a recent graduate of your [program name] program at [university name]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [job or program name] program at [organization name].
During my time as a student in your program, I consistently excelled in my coursework, earning a GPA of [GPA]. I was particularly interested in [area of study], and I completed several independent research projects in this field. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the [job or program name] program.
I believe that you would be able to provide a strong letter of recommendation that highlights my academic achievements, research experience, and professional skills. I would be grateful if you would consider writing a letter on my behalf.
The deadline for the application is [date]. I would need the letter to be submitted by [date] in [format].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Alright, dudes and dudettes, that’s a wrap for our crash course on writing rad recommendation letters. Hope you found it helpful! We’re always here to help you conquer your letter-writing woes, so don’t be a stranger. Swing by again anytime for more awesome tips and tricks. Until next time, keep rocking those recommendations!