Crafting Stellar Recommendations: Free Letter Templates

Time-Saving Solutions for Writing Effective Letters of Recommendation

Looking for a professional letter of recommendation? Check out our free templates! Whether you need to write a recommendation for a former employee, student, colleague, graduate school applicant, or business partner, we’ve got you covered with detailed templates that you can use as a starting point. Save time and ensure that your letter is well-written and effective with our free templates.

Template 1: Letter of Recommendation for a Former Employee

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Organization]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Date]



[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Recipient’s Organization]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Former Employee’s Name] for [position/program]. I had the pleasure of working with [him/her] at [Your Organization] for [length of time].

During [his/her] tenure at our organization, [Former Employee’s Name] consistently demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism. [He/She] was an integral part of our team and played a key role in [specific project/achievement]. 

[He/She] always exhibited a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent communication skills. [He/She] was able to effectively manage [his/her] workload and prioritize tasks to ensure that all deadlines were met.

[Former Employee’s Name] has a unique combination of skills and qualities that make [him/her] an excellent candidate for [position/program]. 

[He/She] has a strong ability to [specific skill], which was particularly valuable in [specific task/project]. [He/She] is also a great team player and was always willing to lend a hand to colleagues.

I strongly recommend [Former Employee’s Name] for [position/program] and I am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to your organization. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 2: Letter of Recommendation for a Student

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Organization]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Recipient’s Organization]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Student’s Name] for [program/scholarship]. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time] as [position/role].

During [his/her] time at [Your Organization/School], [Student’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a high level of academic excellence and dedication. 

[He/She] has a strong work ethic, is an excellent communicator, and always strives for excellence. [Student’s Name] is also an exceptional leader, having demonstrated [specific leadership qualities/achievements].

[Student’s Name]’s passion for [field/subject] is evident in [his/her] work and [he/she] has shown great promise in [specific area/task]. [He/She] is able to think critically, analyze information, and develop creative solutions. 

[He/She] is also an active participant in extracurricular activities and community service, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

I strongly recommend [Student’s Name] for [program/scholarship] and I am confident that [he/she] will continue to excel in [his/her] academic and personal pursuits. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 3: Letter of Recommendation for a Colleague

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Organization]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Recipient’s Organization]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Colleague’s Name] for [position/award]. I had the pleasure of working with [him/her] at [Your Organization] for [length of time] as [position/role].

[Colleague’s Name] is a highly skilled and dedicated professional who consistently strives for excellence in [his/her] work. 

[He/She] has a deep understanding of [specific area/field], and [his/her] knowledge and expertise have been invaluable to our team. 

[Colleague’s Name] is a natural leader, and [his/her] ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders is second to none.

[Colleague’s Name] has a strong work ethic and is committed to delivering high-quality work on time and within budget. [He/She] is proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues, and [his/her] attention to detail ensures that all projects are completed to the highest standard. 

[Colleague’s Name] is also a great mentor, and [he/she] is always willing to share [his/her] knowledge and experience with colleagues.

I have no doubt that [Colleague’s Name] would be an excellent fit for [position/award], and I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her] for this opportunity. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 4: Letter of Recommendation for a Graduate School Applicant

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Organization]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Recipient’s Organization]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time] as [position/role] at [Your Organization/School].

During [his/her] time with us, [Applicant’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a passion for [field/subject] and a dedication to excellence in [his/her] work. [He/She] possesses a unique combination of skills and qualities that make [him/her] an exceptional candidate for graduate school. 

[Applicant’s Name] is a critical thinker, a clear communicator, and possesses excellent analytical skills. [He/She] is also a team player who works well with others and is always willing to lend a hand.

[Applicant’s Name]’s achievements in [field/subject] are impressive, and [he/she] has demonstrated a strong commitment to pursuing [his/her] academic and professional goals. 

[He/She] has also actively engaged in research projects and participated in various extracurricular activities, demonstrating a well-rounded personality and a passion for learning.

I strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program, and I am confident that [he/she] will excel in [his/her] studies and make valuable contributions to your institution. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 5: Letter of Recommendation for a Business Partner

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Organization]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
[Your Email]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Recipient’s Organization]
[Recipient’s Address]
[City, State Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Business Partner’s Name] as a reliable and trustworthy partner for your business. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time] as [position/role] at [Your Organization/School].

[Business Partner’s Name] is a highly skilled professional who possesses excellent business acumen and a deep understanding of [industry/field]. 

[He/She] has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and exceeding expectations. [Business Partner’s Name] is also a great communicator who has the ability to build strong relationships with clients and partners.

I have had the opportunity to work with [Business Partner’s Name] on several projects, and [he/she] has always demonstrated a high level of commitment and dedication to our shared goals. 

[He/She] is a team player who is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of our joint ventures. [Business Partner’s Name] is also an excellent problem solver who is able to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.

I highly recommend [Business Partner’s Name] as a reliable and trustworthy partner for your business. [He/She] has the skills, experience, and dedication necessary to help you achieve your business objectives. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter of Recommendation Writing Tips

  1. Understand the purpose: Before you begin writing the letter, understand the purpose of the recommendation. Is it for a job, scholarship, or academic program? Knowing the purpose will help you focus your recommendation and tailor it to the recipient’s needs.

  2. Gather information: Gather as much information as possible about the individual you are recommending. Review their resume, CV, or other relevant documents to get a clear understanding of their skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Speak with the individual to get a sense of their career goals and aspirations.

  3. Be specific: Use specific examples to illustrate the individual’s skills and accomplishments. Provide details on how the individual contributed to specific projects, the results they achieved, and their impact on the team or organization.

  4. Highlight strengths: Emphasize the individual’s strengths and highlight those skills that make them unique and valuable. Focus on their positive traits, such as their work ethic, interpersonal skills, and ability to work collaboratively.

  5. Keep it professional: Use a professional tone throughout the letter, and avoid overly personal anecdotes or language. Stick to the facts and present the individual in the best possible light.

  6. Address weaknesses: If there are any weaknesses or areas for improvement, address them in a constructive and positive manner. Provide specific feedback and recommendations for improvement.

  7. Proofread: Before submitting the letter, proofread it carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and typos. Ask someone else to review it as well, as a fresh set of eyes can often catch mistakes that you might miss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is a professional letter of recommendation?

Answer: A professional letter of recommendation is a document that provides an endorsement of an individual’s skills, qualifications, and character. 

It is typically written by a former employer, colleague, or teacher and is used to support an individual’s application for a job, scholarship, academic program, or other opportunity.

Q. Who can write a professional letter of recommendation?

Answer: A professional letter of recommendation can be written by a former employer, colleague, teacher, mentor, or anyone who has worked closely with the individual and can speak to their skills, qualifications, and character.

Q. What should be included in a professional letter of recommendation?

Answer: A professional letter of recommendation should include the individual’s name, job title or role, and the relationship between the writer and the individual. It should also provide specific examples of the individual’s skills, accomplishments, and contributions, as well as their character and work ethic. The letter should be written in a professional tone and formatted in a clear and organized manner.

Q. How long should a professional letter of recommendation be?

Answer: A professional letter of recommendation should typically be one to two pages in length. It should provide enough detail to effectively convey the individual’s skills and qualifications, but should also be concise and to-the-point.

Q. How can I make my professional letter of recommendation stand out?

Answer: To make your professional letter of recommendation stand out, provide specific examples of the individual’s skills, accomplishments, and contributions. Use a professional tone and avoid overly personal anecdotes or language. 

Focus on the individual’s strengths and highlight those skills that make them unique and valuable. Finally, proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and typos.