Letters of recommendation are essential to the application process for many academic, professional, and personal opportunities. These letters provide valuable insight into the candidate’s abilities, achievements, and character from the perspective of individuals with personal or professional experience with them. They help differentiate a candidate from others with similar qualifications and provide a more holistic view of the candidate’s strengths and potential. Moreover, they are vital for building professional or personal networks and securing opportunities. In short, letters of recommendation can play a critical role in helping candidates to achieve their goals by providing a third-party endorsement of their abilities and potential. By using our professionally designed Letter of Recommendation Templates, you can help ensure the candidate has a higher chance of success.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A recommendation letter is written by someone who can vouch for your abilities, character, and achievements. A letter of recommendation provides a third-party perspective on your skills and qualifications, especially in situations like applying for a job, college or graduate school, or a scholarship. It includes examples of your strengths, achievements, work or academic history, personal characteristics, or anecdotes that illustrate your abilities or accomplishments.
The letter is typically written by someone in a position of authority or someone who has worked closely with you, such as a former boss, supervisor, professor, or mentor. In some cases, a letter of recommendation may also be written by a colleague or peer. A strong letter of recommendation can provide valuable insight into a person’s qualifications and character. It can help differentiate them from other applicants in a competitive selection process.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation Template?
A letter of recommendation template is a premade format that helps the writer ensure that they create a high-quality letter. These professionally designed templates have space for all the correct information and often provide tips and tricks for ensuring that the letter you write will help the subject achieve their goal.
Importance of a Well-Crafted Letter of Recommendation
A well-crafted letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in helping candidates achieve their goals. A carefully written, thoughtful, and specific letter can provide valuable insights into the candidate’s strengths, abilities, and potential. It also helps them stand out and provides a more holistic view of their character and accomplishments. Additionally, the letter should demonstrate the writer’s expertise, credibility, and investment in the candidate’s success.
Fun Fact:
Letters of recommendation date back to ancient Rome. The poet Ovid wrote one of the earliest known examples of a letter of recommendation in his collection of letters called the “Heroides.” He wrote a letter of recommendation for a friend seeking employment, stating that he was “diligent, loyal, and skilled in his craft.” Even in ancient times, letters of recommendation were considered valuable for helping individuals secure opportunities and advance their careers.
Key Components of a Letter of Recommendation Template
A letter of recommendation template typically includes the following key components:
- Introduction: The letter should begin with an opening statement introducing the writer and their relationship to the candidate. Include the writer’s name, job title or position, and how they know the candidate.
- Body: The body of the letter should provide specific examples and details that support the writer’s evaluation of the candidate’s strengths, abilities, and potential.
- Conclusion: The letter should conclude with a summary of the writer’s assessment of the candidate and a statement of their overall recommendation.
- Contact information: The letter should include the writer’s contact information, including their name, job title or position, and email or phone number, in case the recipient has any follow-up questions.
- Signature: The letter should be signed by the writer and include their handwritten or typed name and title.
How to Write a Recommendation Letter
Writing a recommendation letter can seem daunting, but by following a clear process, you can create an effective and thoughtful letter that helps the candidate stand out. Hereโs a step-by-step guide to writing a recommendation letter:
1. Start with a Strong Introduction
Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the candidate. Mention your position or role and how long youโve known the candidate, along with the capacity in which youโve worked with them.
Example:
I am writing to recommend Emely Clark for the Project Manager position at TechWave Solutions. I have had the pleasure of working with Emely for three years as her supervisor, and I have seen firsthand her dedication and growth.“
2. State the Purpose Clearly
Next, mention the purpose of your letter. Explain why you are recommending the candidate and how you believe they are well-suited for the opportunity they are pursuing.
Example:
“I strongly recommend Emely Clark for this role because she has consistently demonstrated excellent leadership and problem-solving skills throughout her time at TechWave Solutions.”
3. Highlight Key Strengths with Examples
This is where you should focus on the candidateโs skills, strengths, and achievements. Use specific examples to support your statements. Whether it’s their teamwork, creativity, or leadership abilities, be sure to provide concrete details that illustrate why they stand out.
Example:
“During our recent project at TechWave Solutions, Emely took the lead in organizing the team, ensuring that deadlines were met while also encouraging collaboration. Her ability to motivate the team resulted in a successful outcome, and her initiative saved the company two weeks of development time.”
4. Address Their Potential
Mention the candidate’s potential for growth and success in the opportunity they are pursuing. If applicable, discuss how they will contribute to the new role based on their past performance.
Example:
“Emelyโs problem-solving skills and leadership make her an excellent fit for future managerial roles. I am confident that she will continue to excel in any challenge presented to her.”
5. Close with a Strong Recommendation
End the letter by summarizing your recommendation and reaffirming your confidence in the candidateโs abilities. Offer your contact information in case further details are needed.
Example:
“In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Emely Clark for the Project Manager position at TechWave Solutions. If you need further information, please feel free to contact me at (123) 456-7890 or [email protected]“
Tailoring Your Template to Specific Situations
Tailoring your letter of recommendation template to specific situations is essential to ensure that the letter is effective and impactful. Here are some tips for tailoring your template:
- Research the opportunity: Before you start writing, research the opportunity the candidate is applying for. Understand what qualities or experiences the selection committee seeks, and tailor your letter accordingly.
- Highlight relevant qualifications: Based on your research, identify the candidate’s most relevant qualifications or experiences and highlight them in your letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate how the candidate has demonstrated these qualities in the past.
- Address specific criteria: If the opportunity has particular criteria that must be addressed in the letter, make sure you address them clearly and explicitly.
- Compare to peers: When comparing candidates to their peers, consider their unique strengths and accomplishments and how they stand out from others with similar qualifications. Use specific examples to highlight their achievements and illustrate their potential. Be honest and realistic in your evaluation, and avoid exaggerating or embarrassing the candidate’s qualifications.
- Use appropriate tone and language: Depending on the opportunity, the tone and language of the letter may need to be adjusted. For example, if the candidate is applying for an academic program, the letter may need to be more formal and academic in tone.
- Customize the introduction and conclusion: While the body of the letter can be based on your template, it is vital to customize the introduction and conclusion to reflect the specific opportunity and candidate. Use these sections to establish your connection to the opportunity and to convey your enthusiasm for the candidate.
Types of Letters of Recommendation
Not all letters of recommendation are the same. It’s important to know why you’re writing and spend some time customizing your letter to its specific purpose. Let’s look at some of the most common types of letters of recommendation and what makes them distinct.
Academic Letters of Recommendation
Academic letters of recommendation are distinct in that they are written by an individual who has observed and interacted with the student in an educational setting. These letters focus on student’s academic achievements, abilities, and potential. They often discuss the student’s intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and capacity for independent research, as well as their work ethic and interpersonal skills in the academic environment. Additionally, academic letters of recommendation are typically written by well-respected individuals within academic fields and can provide valuable insight into the student’s potential success.
Professional Letters of Recommendation
Professional letters of recommendation are unique in that they are typically written by someone who has worked closely with the candidate in a professional setting, such as a supervisor or colleague. They are geared towards the candidate’s professional accomplishments and potential for success in their chosen career path. These letters often discuss the candidate’s job performance, skills, abilities, work ethic, dependability, and interpersonal skills in the workplace. Additionally, they should address the candidate’s suitability for a particular position or industry and provide specific examples of their accomplishments and contributions in previous roles.
Personal or Character Letters of Recommendation
Personal or character letters of recommendation differ from other letters of recommendation in that they are typically written by individuals with intimate knowledge of the candidate, such as a friend, family member, or community leader. These letters often focus on the candidate’s personal qualities, such as integrity, compassion, and leadership skills, rather than academic or professional achievements. This recommendation style provides insight into the candidate’s character, values, and motivation. It may offer examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities in their personal life or service to their community. Because personal letters of recommendation are often less formal than academic or professional letters, they may also include anecdotes or personal stories that provide a more nuanced portrait of the candidate.
Sample Letter of Recommendation Template for Student
EXAMPLE
Dear [Admissions Committee / Scholarship Committee],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student Name] for admission to [College/University] / [Scholarship Name]. As [Student Name]’s [teacher/professor/mentor], I have had the pleasure of working with them in [class/project/research] and have been consistently impressed by their exceptional qualities and abilities.
[Student Name] is an outstanding student with a genuine passion for learning. They consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of the material and are able to apply their knowledge in creative and innovative ways. They are also a skilled communicator, both in written and oral form, and can articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision.
In addition to their academic achievements, [Student Name] actively participates in [extracurricular activities/clubs/community service], demonstrating strong leadership skills and a commitment to positively impacting the world. They are an exceptional team player and collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] is an exceptional candidate for [College/University] / [Scholarship Name], and I wholeheartedly endorse their candidacy. They have my highest recommendation without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title / Affiliation]
Sample Letter of Recommendation for Coworker
EXAMPLE
Dear [Hiring Manager / HR Manager / Admissions Committee],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Coworker Name] for the [position/program] they are applying for. As a [your job title] at [company name], I have had the pleasure of working closely with [Coworker Name] for [length of time].
In the time I have known [Coworker Name], I have been consistently impressed by their exceptional qualities and abilities. They are a hardworking, dedicated, and reliable individual who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. They are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that projects are completed to the highest standard.
[Coworker Name] is an excellent communicator, able to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. They work effectively independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a willingness to collaborate to achieve common goals.
Their exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail have been particularly valuable in their role at [company name]. Additionally, they have been instrumental in ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the highest standard.
I firmly believe that [Coworker Name] would be an outstanding candidate for [position/program they are applying for]. They have my highest recommendation without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title / Affiliation]
Letter of Recommendation Templates
Here are some editable recommendation letter templates in Google Docs, Word, and PDF. These templates provide a structured way to create a letter while allowing you to easily adjust the details to match your needs. Whether for academic, professional, or personal use, these templates offer flexibility and help you write a personalized recommendation.
Letter of Recommendation for a Graduate Student
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Letter of Recommendation for Kindergarten Student
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Substitute Teacher Letter of Recommendation
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Letter of Recommendation for a Special Education Teacher
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Letter of Recommendation Request Email Template
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Letter of Recommendation for Medical Assistant
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Generic Letter of Recommendation for Employee
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Letter of Recommendation for Coworker
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Letter of Recommendation for Social Worker
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Parent Letter of Recommendation
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Letter of Recommendation for Coach
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More Templates
For more options, check out our main collection of recommendation letter templates. Youโll find a range of designs suitable for different purposes, all ready for you to edit and customize as needed.
Tips for Writing an Effective Letter of Recommendation
Here are some helpful tips for writing an effective letter of recommendation:
- Be specific: Use specific examples and details to illustrate the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments. Avoid generalizations and vague statements that don’t provide any insight into the candidate’s abilities.
- Use positive language: Use positive language throughout the letter to convey your enthusiasm and support for the candidate. Avoid using negative or critical language, undermining the letter’s effectiveness.
- Customize the letter: Tailor the letter to the specific opportunity and candidate, as discussed earlier. Use the introduction and conclusion to establish your connection to the opportunity and convey your enthusiasm for the candidate.
- Avoid cliches: Avoid using cliches or generic phrases that don’t provide any meaningful insight into the candidate’s abilities.
- Be honest: Be honest in your evaluation of the candidate, and avoid exaggerating or embellishing their qualifications. Sadly, this can ultimately hurt the candidate’s chances.
- Provide context: Provide context for the candidate’s achievements and experiences, especially if the selection committee may not be familiar with their background or field. Help the reader understand the significance of the candidate’s accomplishments.
- Proofread and edit: Finally, proofread and edit the letter carefully before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the letter is well-organized and easy to read. A well-crafted and error-free letter can help make a strong impression on the selection committee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Letters of Recommendation
Just as there are many best practices for composing letters of recommendation, there are also some common mistakes. Here are some things to avoid in letters of recommendation:
- Being too vague: Avoid using vague or generic language that provides no insight into the candidate’s abilities or accomplishments. Instead, use specific examples and details to demonstrate the candidate’s strengths.
- Being too negative: Avoid using negative or critical language that could undermine the letter’s effectiveness. Focus on highlighting the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments.
- Being too biased: Avoid being too biased or one-sided in your candidate evaluation. Provide a balanced and honest assessment of their qualifications and abilities.
- Being too impersonal: Avoid being too impersonal or detached in your writing. Use a friendly and engaging tone that conveys your enthusiasm and support for the candidate.
- Being too brief: Provide enough detail and context to help the reader understand the significance of the candidate’s achievements and experiences.
- Being too informal: Avoid using overly casual or informal language that could detract from the professional tone of the letter.
Dos
- Be specific early: Highlight key strengths from the start.
- Get candidate input: Ask what theyโd like emphasized.
- Align with the role/program: Reference the specific opportunity.
- Use varied examples: Cover multiple skills or achievements.
- Stay professional yet warm: Maintain a balanced tone.
Don’ts
- Donโt copy-paste: Ensure each letter is unique.
- Avoid generic phrases: Use examples, not vague terms.
- Donโt dwell on minor flaws: If needed, frame them constructively.
- Stay relevant: Focus only on applicable experiences.
- End strong: Conclude with a clear endorsement.
Final Checklist and Review Process
Before you give the candidate their letter, doing a final checklist and review of your work is essential. Ensuring you’ve cut out any non-relevant information and provided the best possible letter can significantly impact someone’s life. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Review the request: Read the request for the letter carefully and make sure you understand the purpose, audience, and timeline.
- Gather information: Gather information about the candidate’s qualifications, achievements, and experiences. Ask the candidate for a resume or other relevant materials to help write the letter.
- Plan the letter: Plan the structure and content of the letter, and consider how you will tailor it to the specific opportunity and candidate.
- Write the letter: Write the letter’s first draft, focusing on specific examples and details that illustrate the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments.
- Edit and revise: Edit and revise the letter carefully, checking for spelling and grammar errors and making sure the letter is well-organized and easy to read.
- Get feedback: Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review the letter and provide feedback. Consider their suggestions and incorporate them into the final draft.
- Proofread the final draft: Carefully proofread the final draft of the letter, checking for any last-minute errors or inconsistencies.
- Timeliness: Submit the letter by the requested deadline, following any specific submission instructions or guidelines.
By following this checklist and review process, you can ensure that your letter of recommendation is well-crafted, effective, and impactful.
FAQs
To ensure that your letter of recommendation template remains flexible enough for different scenarios while still providing a strong structure, you can follow these steps:
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Begin with a strong opening: Start the letter with a brief introduction of yourself and your relationship with the person you recommend. This opening paragraph should set the tone for the entire letter and provide context for the reader.
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Use specific examples: When providing evidence to support your recommendation, use specific examples highlighting the person’s skills, abilities, and achievements. Doing this will help to make your letter more persuasive and credible.
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Keep it concise: A letter of recommendation should be no more than one page. To keep the letter concise, focus on the most critical information and avoid unnecessary details.
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Be positive and enthusiastic: Use positive language throughout the letter and express enthusiasm for the person. This helps to convey your confidence in their abilities and potential.
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Customize for the situation: While you want a strong structure in your letter of recommendation template, you should customize the content to fit the specific situation. For example, if the person is applying for a job, you should emphasize their work-related skills and experience.
To make your letter of recommendation template more visually appealing and reader-friendly while maintaining a professional look, you can consider the following tips:
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Use a clean and professional font: Choose a clean, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Avoid using decorative fonts or handwriting-style fonts that may be difficult to read.
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Use bullet points and headings: Organize your content into sections and use headings and bullet points to make the letter easier to scan. Break up large blocks of text.
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Use white space effectively: Leave adequate white space between paragraphs and sections to make the letter easier on the eyes. Highlight important information.
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Use a consistent layout: Use a consistent format throughout the letter, including margins, spacing, and alignment. Create a professional and polished look.
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Add a logo or letterhead: If appropriate, add a logo or letterhead to the letter to give it a more polished and professional appearance.
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Keep it simple: Avoid using too many graphics, images, or other design elements that may detract from the letter’s content. Keep it simple and focused on the content.
When writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker who is applying for a promotion within the company, it is essential to include the following key elements:
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Introduction: Start the letter briefly introducing yourself and your relationship with the coworker. Mention the position they are applying for and state your recommendation.
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Skills and qualifications: Highlight the coworker’s relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements that make them a strong candidate for the position. Provide specific examples that illustrate their abilities and potential.
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Work ethic: Discuss the coworker’s work ethic and ability to work independently and as part of a team. Highlight their reliability, punctuality, and dedication to their work.
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Leadership potential: If the position requires leadership skills, provide examples of the coworker’s leadership potential, such as their ability to motivate and mentor others and their willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
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Communication skills: Emphasize the coworker’s communication skills, including their ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and management.
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Personal qualities: Mention any unique personal attributes that make the coworker stand out, such as their upbeat attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
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Conclusion: End the letter by summarizing your recommendation and expressing your confidence in the coworker’s ability to excel in the new position. Offer to provide additional information if needed.
There are some unique formatting and content requirements to consider when writing a letter of recommendation for someone pursuing a military career or applying to a military academy. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Address the letter correctly: Address the letter to the appropriate individual or board using the proper military rank and title.
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Use military terminology: Use military terminology and jargon where appropriate, demonstrating your familiarity with military culture and language.
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Highlight leadership potential: Emphasize the individual’s leadership potential and ability to work well with a team. This is especially important for military academies, where leadership skills are highly valued.
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Discuss character and integrity: Highlight the individual’s character and integrity, emphasizing their honesty, loyalty, and dedication to service.
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Include relevant experience: If the individual has any relevant military experience, highlight this in the letter, including any specialized training, certifications, or awards they have earned.
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Use the correct format: Follow the correct format for military letters of recommendation, typically including a header with your contact information, the date, the recipient’s name and address, and a salutation.
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When writing a letter of recommendation for a nursing student applying to a specialized nursing program, such as a pediatric or critical care track, there are several vital aspects to consider:
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Academic performance: Highlight the nursing student’s academic performance, including their grades, coursework, and academic achievements. Discuss any specialized coursework or clinical experiences related to the nursing program they are applying for.
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Clinical skills: Discuss the nursing student’s clinical skills, including their ability to provide patient care, manage medications, and follow medical protocols. Emphasize any experience the student has in the specialized area of nursing, such as pediatrics or critical care.
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Interpersonal skills: Highlight the nursing student’s interpersonal skills, including their ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers. Discuss their ability to provide compassionate care, handle difficult situations calmly, and maintain patient confidentiality.
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Leadership potential: Discuss the nursing student’s potential for leadership in the specialized nursing area they are applying for, such as their ability to mentor and supervise other nurses, develop and implement care plans, and manage complex patient cases.
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Professionalism: Highlight the nursing student’s professionalism, emphasizing their commitment to ethical conduct, patient safety, and quality care. Discuss their ability to maintain a positive attitude, handle stress effectively, and respond appropriately to feedback.
When writing a letter of recommendation for an MBA program, it’s important to emphasize the candidate’s leadership skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork abilities. Here are some tips for how to do that effectively:
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Provide specific examples: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s leadership skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork abilities. These examples should be related to their work experience or extracurricular activities.
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Discuss their impact: Highlight the candidate’s impact in their current role or previous experiences. Discuss how their leadership, strategic thinking, or teamwork abilities have positively affected their organization or team.
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Use metrics: Use metrics to demonstrate the candidate’s impact whenever possible. For example, you could discuss how the candidate’s leadership led to a specific increase in revenue or how their strategic thinking led to a successful product launch.
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Discuss their potential: Discuss the candidate’s potential for leadership and success in an MBA program. Emphasize how their leadership, strategic thinking, and teamwork abilities will contribute to their success.
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Use strong language: Use strong, positive language to describe the candidate’s leadership, strategic thinking, and teamwork abilities. Use words like “innovative,” “strategic,” and “collaborative” to emphasize their strengths.
When requesting a letter of recommendation, it’s important to be clear and respectful in your email. Here are some essential components to include in a letter of recommendation request email template:
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Introduction: Begin your email with a greeting, such as “Dear [Professor/Doctor/Mr./Ms. Last Name].” Introduce yourself and explain why you are reaching out. Be concise and direct.
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Explanation of the request: Clearly state that you are requesting a letter of recommendation from the recipient. Explain the purpose of the recommendation (e.g., graduate school application, job application) and the deadline for submission.
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Supporting materials: Include any materials the recipient may need to write the letter, such as your resume, transcripts, or personal statement. Make it easy for the recipient to access these materials by attaching them to the email or providing a link.
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Reminders of achievements and accomplishments: Include reminders of any achievements or accomplishments you would like the recipient to mention in the letter.
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Thank you: Express gratitude for the recipient’s time and effort in writing the letter of recommendation. Let them know that you appreciate their support and value their opinion.
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Closing: Close your email with a polite and respectful closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” Include your full name and contact information in your signature.
Key Points
A Letter of Recommendation template provides a clear structure to help individuals write an effective and thoughtful letter. A well-planned template includes essential elements like an introduction, body, and conclusion, along with specific details about the individualโs accomplishments and attributes. Adapting the template to fit the situation and avoiding typical errors is important for ensuring the letterโs impact. By using a template and including relevant and detailed information, individuals can create a letter that strongly supports the candidate’s goals.