How to Write an Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template for Your Colleague

Have you ever been asked to provide a recommendation letter for a colleague or a former employee but didn’t know how to word it? Writing a letter of recommendation can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to be diplomatic. That’s where an indirect letter of recommendation template can come in handy!

An indirect letter of recommendation allows the writer to praise the individual without making direct statements like “I recommend” or “I believe they’re qualified for.” Instead, the writer can include examples and anecdotes that highlight the candidate’s skills and experience, while leaving the decision-making to the reader.

If you’re unsure where to start, there are plenty of examples of indirect letter of recommendation templates available online. These templates can be edited as needed, so you can tailor the letter to fit the individual you’re recommending.

Using an indirect letter of recommendation template can save you time and help you craft a thoughtful, well-written letter that will impress the reader. So why not give it a try? You may find that it makes the process much easier and less stressful.

Best Structure for an Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template

When writing an indirect letter of recommendation, it is important to structure it in a way that effectively conveys the information about the person you are recommending. The structure should be clear, concise and organized, with a focus on highlighting the strengths and qualities of the person you know.

The first paragraph of your letter should introduce yourself and state your relationship to the person you are recommending. This should include how you know the person and what kind of interaction you have had with them. You can also include any relevant background information about the person that might be helpful for the reader to know.

In the next paragraph, you should highlight the strengths and qualities of the person you are recommending, using specific examples where possible. This could include their work ethic, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, or any other relevant qualities that you think would be valuable to the reader. Be sure to explain why you believe these qualities are important and how they have been demonstrated by the person you are recommending.

The third paragraph should focus on the person’s accomplishments and achievements. This is a chance to showcase their skills and talents and explain how they have made a positive impact in their field or community. Be specific and provide concrete examples of the person’s contributions, awards, or recognition they have received.

In the final paragraph, you should summarize your recommendation and reiterate your support for the person you are recommending. You can also provide your contact information if the reader has any further questions or needs more information.

Overall, the best structure for an indirect letter of recommendation template is to start with an introduction, highlight the person’s strengths and qualities, mention their accomplishments and achievements, and end with a strong summary and endorsement. Remember to be specific and provide examples whenever possible, and keep the focus on the person you are recommending.

Indirect Letter of Recommendation Templates

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for a Former Coworker

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to recommend my former coworker, [Name]. During the time we worked together at [Company], [Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills. [Name] has a keen attention to detail and is often relied upon to ensure project deadlines are met with utmost quality. Their exceptional communication skills, ability to lead others, and outstanding work ethic make them the ideal candidate for a management position.

Throughout our time working together, I constantly observed [Name] ability to manage projects, communicate with the team, and resolve conflicts effectively. I strongly recommend [Name] for any management position, and I am confident they will thrive and make significant contributions to any team they work with.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for a Student Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Student Name]’s professor, I have observed their exceptional academic skills and unwavering passion for their field of study firsthand. Their dedication to their academic pursuits is exceptional, and I am confident they will significantly benefit from the scholarship and continue making a positive impact in their community.

Additionally, [Student Name] is actively involved in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and internships. They possess excellent leadership, communication, and organization skills. I am confident [Student Name] would greatly benefit from this scholarship and would be able to contribute positively to any institution where they study.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for a Former Employee’s Job Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Former Employee’s Name] for the position of [Position Name] at your organization. As [Former Employee’s Name]’s former manager at [Company Name], I had the chance to work closely with them and can attest to their exceptional work quality, commitment to meet deadlines, and outstanding communication skills. During their tenure with us, [Former Employee’s Name] demonstrated excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, which were instrumental in completion of projects and exceeding expectations of our clients.

[Former Employee’s Name] is an outstanding professional, and I am confident they will excel in any position that matches their expertise. Their exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a team environment make them the perfect candidate for the role of [Position Name].

Thank you for taking the time to read my recommendation. I wholeheartedly endorse [Former Employee’s Name], and I am confident they will make significant contributions to your organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for a Business Partnership

Dear [Partner’s Name],

I am writing to highly recommend [Name] of [Company Name] as an outstanding partner to your business. I have been familiar with [Name]’s exceptional professional work for several years. Their work is always delivered on time, with high-quality results, and excellent customer satisfaction.

[Name] is committed to developing long-lasting relationships with their clients and producing exemplary work for each project they engage in. They have exceptional communication skills, which make it easy to collaborate and work effectively with a team. [Name] is a professional who goes above and beyond to meet any project’s requirements and exceed expectations.

Partnering with them would be an excellent step for both your company and [Name], and I highly recommend considering this opportunity.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for a Home Rental Application

Dear Landlord,

I am writing to recommend [Tenant Name] for their rental application at your property. [Tenant Name] was previously a tenant of mine, and throughout their time living in my property, they were an exceptional tenant. They always paid their rent on time and kept the apartment meticulously clean and in excellent condition. The property was always left clean and tidy when their tenancy ended.

[Tenant Name] is exceptionally responsible and reliable, with excellent problem-solving skills, and always ensured to keep me informed if any maintenance issues occurred. They always sought my counsel before making any significant changes to the unit and were respectful of the property and my preferences. Based on my experience, I highly recommend considering [Tenant Name]’s application for tenancy.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for a Volunteer Position

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing to recommend [Volunteer’s Name] for your volunteer program. [Volunteer’s Name] has volunteered extensively in their community and has gained experience leading teams and developing outstanding communication skills in these roles. They possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable them to connect with individuals from all walks of life, and they consistently go above and beyond to support their community.

[Volunteer’s Name] is an diligent worker and is committed to providing support in any capacity. They possess a fantastic work ethic and a positive attitude that make them a pleasure to work alongside. As a volunteer in your organization, I am confident [Volunteer’s Name] will make a significant contribution to your programs and the community as a whole.

Thank you for considering this recommendation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for an Ex-Employee’s Business Loan Application

Dear Loan Officer,

I am writing to recommend [Ex-Employee’s Name] for a business loan application. As [Ex-Employee’s Name]’s former manager at [Company Name], I had the pleasure of working closely with them and can attest to their exceptional work quality, exceptional communication skills, and commitment to their work. As an entrepreneur, [Ex-Employee’s Name] brought valuable skills to the table, which were instrumental in propelling growth for our organization.

[Ex-Employee’s Name] is a highly motivated, diligent individual who is exceptionally skilled in [field]. Their excellent problem-solving skills, ability to work with a team, and exceptional work ethic make them an outstanding candidate for a business loan. Their experience and dedication to their work will make their startup a tremendous success.

Thank you for considering this recommendation. I highly recommend [Ex-Employee’s Name] for a business loan, and I am confident that they will excel and make a positive impact with any venture they undertake.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing an Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template

Indirect letters of recommendation are growing in popularity. As compared to traditional letters, they provide a more in-depth view of the candidate’s character and qualifications. However, writing an indirect letter may be daunting. Hence, we have gathered some tips to help you write a trustworthy, informative, and convincing indirect recommendation letter.

Firstly, the letter should provide relevant information about the candidate’s academic history, work experience, and personal life. You should mention their strengths, skills, and achievements as well, highlighting their role in teams and important projects they have contributed to. A good way to go about it is by reflecting on specific examples or instances where the candidate has excelled.

Secondly, maintain a positive tone throughout the letter and steer clear from negative feedback. If there are any weaknesses or areas that require improvement, mention them tactfully and speak on how the candidate is working on those areas. You may want to avoid mentioning weaknesses in a situation where the letter will be read by numerous people.

Thirdly, the recommendation should come from a credible source. Ensure that you have witnessed the candidate’s skills, abilities, and potential firsthand before recommending them. You do not want to appear as if you are recommending someone you are not familiar with, as this may reflect poorly on you and the candidate.

Fourthly, make sure your letter is clear, concise, and well-structured. Use simple language and avoid ambiguity. Start with an introduction, explain briefly how you met the candidate, why you are writing the letter, and how you can vouch for them. Follow that with a body that explains the candidate’s qualifications and competence. End with a conclusion, reiterating your support and providing your contact information, and make sure to sign off courteously.

Lastly, you should ensure that the letter matches the format prescribed by the company, institution, or organization. Adhere to the guidelines provided closely and provide any additional supporting information that may be required, including your credentials and relevant experience.

Crafting an excellent letter of recommendation is an art that takes time and effort. By following these tips, you will create a trustworthy, convincing, and informative letter that will help the candidate succeed.

Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template FAQs

What is an indirect letter of recommendation?

An indirect letter of recommendation is a letter wherein the writer does not directly ask for the person’s recommendation but rather provides a good impression of the individual’s skills and expertise, which will indirectly endorse the person.

What information should be included in an indirect letter of recommendation?

An indirect letter of recommendation should contain information about the person’s skills, achievements, and abilities. It should also include a brief overview of the relationship between the writer and the person they are recommending.

Who can write an indirect letter of recommendation?

Anyone who has an established relationship with the person can write an indirect letter of recommendation. This could be a former colleague, supervisor, or professor.

What is the format of an indirect letter of recommendation?

The format of an indirect letter of recommendation is similar to that of a formal letter. It should include the date, the writer’s address, the recipient’s address, a salutation, the body of the letter, a closing, and the writer’s signature.

How long should an indirect letter of recommendation be?

An indirect letter of recommendation should be concise and to the point. It should ideally be one or two pages long, depending on the amount of content that needs to be covered.

What are the benefits of an indirect letter of recommendation?

An indirect letter of recommendation can help the person being recommended by providing them with a good impression of their skills and expertise. It can also help the writer by allowing them to promote the person’s abilities without directly asking for a recommendation.

How should I conclude an indirect letter of recommendation?

An indirect letter of recommendation should include a conclusion that summarizes the key points mentioned in the letter. It should also include a statement expressing confidence in the individual’s abilities and future success.

Wrap it up

So, now you know the magic of an indirect letter of recommendation template and how it can help you to represent your skills and experience in a more comprehensive way. Templates are a great way to make life easier. Don’t hesitate to use them! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to come back and explore our site for more tips and advice. Good luck with your next job application!