Letter of Recommendation for Employment

A strong letter of recommendation can significantly boost a candidate's job prospects. This template offers a framework for writing a compelling and effective letter.

Key Components

1. Salutation

Address the recipient by name if known (e.g., "Dear [Hiring Manager Name],"). If the name is unknown, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Committee,".

2. Introduction

State your name, title, and relationship to the candidate. Clearly indicate that you are writing a letter of recommendation. Mention the candidate's name and the position they are applying for, if known. Briefly state your overall impression of the candidate (e.g., "It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Relationship to Candidate], and I have consistently been impressed by their...").

3. Body Paragraphs (Skills and Experience)

This is the core of the letter. Focus on 2-3 key skills or qualities that are relevant to the job description. Provide specific examples of how the candidate demonstrated these skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate accomplishments. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%," "Successfully managed a team of 10"). Tailor this section to align with the requirements outlined in the job description. Discuss the candidate's work ethic, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and teamwork abilities.

4. Body Paragraph (Personal Qualities)

Briefly highlight the candidate's personality traits that make them a good fit for the role and the company culture. Examples include being reliable, dedicated, enthusiastic, a quick learner, or a team player. Again, provide specific examples to support your claims.

5. Conclusion

Reiterate your strong recommendation for the candidate. Offer to provide further information if needed. Include your contact information (phone number and email address). End with a professional closing (e.g., "Sincerely," "Best regards,").

6. Signature

Leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name and title.

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter

• Tailor the letter: Avoid using a generic template. Customize the letter to fit the specific job and the candidate's qualifications.
• Be specific: Provide concrete examples to support your claims.
• Be honest: Only recommend the candidate if you genuinely believe they are qualified for the position.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure the letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Focus on relevant skills: Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description.

Example Snippets

Example - Problem Solving: "In their role as [Previous Role], [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated strong problem-solving skills. For example, when we faced a critical software bug that threatened to delay a project launch, [Candidate Name] took the initiative to..."

Example - Teamwork: "[Candidate Name] is an excellent team player who is always willing to help others. During the [Project Name] project, they went above and beyond to..."

By following this template and tailoring it to the specific situation, you can write a powerful letter of recommendation that helps the candidate achieve their career goals.