Have you ever been asked to write a letter of recommendation but struggled with where to start? Or maybe you don’t have the time to create a professional-looking letter that reflects the skills and attributes of the individual you’re recommending. Say goodbye to those woes because we’ve got your back! Our general letter of recommendation template is here to help you save time and effort. With our template, you’ll find examples that you can easily edit to suit your needs. Whether it’s for a job application, further studies, or any other purpose, our template will provide you with a polished letter that experts would be proud of. So don’t fret about writing the perfect letter and download our general letter of recommendation template today!
The Best Structure for a General Letter of Recommendation Template
If you’ve been asked to write a general letter of recommendation for someone, you may be wondering what the best structure for such a letter is. The truth is that there’s no one “right” way to structure such a letter, but there are a few basic elements that you should include to ensure that your letter is effective and helpful to the person you’re recommending.
First, you should start with a brief introduction in which you explain how you know the person you’re recommending and what your relationship is to them. For example, you might say something like, “I’ve known Jane for five years, since we worked together at XYZ Company, and I’m happy to recommend her for any position she may be applying for.”
Next, you should discuss the person’s qualifications, skills, and experience. Be specific, and provide examples wherever possible. For example, you might say something like, “Jane was always one of the top performers on our team at XYZ Company. She consistently exceeded her sales targets, worked well with customers, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues.”
After discussing the person’s qualifications, you should spend some time talking about their character and personal qualities. This can include things like their work ethic, their reliability, their communication skills, and their ability to work well with others. Be sure to provide examples to support your claims. For example, you might say something like, “Jane is one of the most responsible and dependable people I know. She always shows up on time, meets her deadlines, and is willing to go the extra mile to help out her colleagues.”
Finally, you should wrap up your letter with a strong endorsement of the person you’re recommending. You might say something like, “In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Jane for any position she may be applying for. She is a talented, hardworking, and reliable individual who would be an asset to any organization.”
In conclusion, the best structure for a general letter of recommendation template should include an introduction, a discussion of the person’s qualifications, a discussion of their personal qualities, and a strong endorsement of their candidacy. By following these basic guidelines, you can help ensure that your letter is as effective as possible in helping the person you’re recommending to achieve their goals.
General Letter of Recommendation Template
Letter of Recommendation for College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [student name] for admission to [college/university]. I have known [student name] for [length of time] and have had the privilege of [teaching/working with] [him/her] during [specific class/program/project].
During [his/her] time in my class/program/project, [student name] consistently demonstrated [positive quality], which translated into [specific accomplishment]. [He/She] also showed a strong commitment to [specific interest/passion] and developed [specific skill set] through [specific experience]. Additionally, [he/she] served as a [specific leadership/mentor role] within [specific group/club/organization].
Overall, I am confident that [student name] will contribute positively to the [college/university] community and thrive academically, socially, and personally. I give [him/her] my enthusiastic endorsement and wholeheartedly recommend [his/her] admission to [college/university].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Employment
Dear [hiring manager],
I am writing to recommend [employee name] for [position title] at [company name]. As [employee name]’s [manager/supervisor/colleague] at [previous company], I had the pleasure of working closely with [him/her] for [length of time].
During [his/her] time at [previous company], [employee name] consistently [positive quality], which resulted in [specific accomplishment/revenue increase/sales growth]. [He/She] also demonstrated [specific skill set] and [specific experience] that would be directly applicable to the [position title] role at [company name].
Furthermore, [employee name] always exhibited [specific trait], which made [him/her] a valuable team member and contributed to [positive team dynamic/outstanding project result]. [He/She] also received [specific award/recognition] for [specific achievement].
In short, [employee name] is an exceptional candidate for the [position title] role at [company name]. [He/She] is an asset to any team, and I highly recommend [him/her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend [student name] for admission to [graduate program]. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/thesis advisor] at [university name], I have had the privilege of working with [him/her] for [length of time].
During [his/her] undergraduate studies, [student name] demonstrated [positive quality] and [specific accomplishment/research result]. [He/She] also showed a strong interest in [specific field] and pursued [specific experience/project] that showcased [specific skill set]. Moreover, [he/she] contributed significantly to [specific university/community/student organization] in [specific role].
I have found [student name] to be intelligent, diligent, and intellectually curious. [He/She] possesses excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, which were evident in [specific project/paper/research]. [He/She] also consistently demonstrated excellent communication and collaboration skills, which are crucial in the graduate school environment.
In summary, I strongly recommend [student name] for admission to [graduate program]. [He/She] is a talented and motivated individual who has great potential for success in the program and beyond.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend [student name] for the [scholarship name] scholarship. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/mentor] at [school name], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time].
During [his/her] time in my class/program, [student name] consistently demonstrated [positive quality], which translated into [specific accomplishment]. [He/She] also showed a strong passion for [specific field/interest] and pursued [specific experience/project/initiative] that showcased [specific skill set]. Additionally, [he/she] contributed significantly to [specific organization or community service] in [specific role].
[Student name] has demonstrated financial need and has a strong record of academic achievement. [He/She] needs the [scholarship name] scholarship to continue [his/her] education and fulfill [his/her] potential. With this scholarship, [he/she] would be able to [specific plan or goal] and ultimately, contribute to society in a positive way.
I give [student name] my highest recommendation for the [scholarship name] scholarship. [He/She] is a deserving and talented individual who will put the funds to excellent use.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Opportunity
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend [volunteer name] for the [specific volunteer opportunity] at [organization name]. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/mentor] at [school name] or [previous organization name], I have had the privilege of working with [him/her] for [length of time].
During [his/her] time in my class/program or at our organization, [volunteer name] consistently demonstrated [positive quality], which translated into [specific accomplishment/research impact/community outreach success]. [He/She] also showed a strong passion for [specific interest/cause] and pursued [specific experience/initiative/project] that addressed [specific problem/challenge].
[Volunteer name] has a strong record of community service and volunteering experience. [He/She] is reliable, diligent, and exhibits excellent leadership and teamwork skills. [He/She] has also received [specific recognition/award] for [specific contribution].
In short, [volunteer name] is a valuable addition to any volunteer team and I highly recommend [him/her] for the [specific volunteer opportunity] at [organization name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Promotion
Dear [promotions committee/manager],
I am writing to recommend [employee name] for promotion to [specific position title]. As [his/her] [manager/supervisor], I have had the privilege of working with [him/her] for [length of time].
During [employee name]’s time at [company name], [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [positive quality], which resulted in [specific achievement/revenue increase] and contributed to [specific team/project] success. [He/She] also adapted to [specific challenge/change/new responsibility] with [specific positive outcome].
[Employee name] exhibited [specific skill set] and [specific experience] that are valuable for the [specific position title] role. [He/She] also contributed positively to [specific team/project/department] and, as a result, received [specific recognition/award] for [specific contribution/achievement].
In conclusion, [employee name] is a hardworking, dedicated, and valuable asset to [company name]. I highly recommend [him/her] for promotion to [specific position title] and believe that [he/she] will thrive in the new role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Business Partnership
Dear [potential business partner],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [company name] for a business partnership with [your company name]. As [your] [position title] at [company name], I have had the privilege of working with [company name] for [length of time].
[Company name] possesses [specific characteristic/strength], which sets [it/them] apart in [specific industry/market]. [It/They] also has a proven track record of [specific accomplishment/achievement/research result]. Furthermore, [company name] has [specific quality] that contributed to [specific project/success].
[Company name] also exhibited excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills, which are crucial for a successful business partnership. [It/They] are reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated to [specific goal/mission/vision].
In short, [company name] is an ideal business partner for [our company name]. I highly recommend [it/them] and believe that our partnership will be mutually beneficial and successful.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Great Letter of Recommendation Template
Writing a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re helping a friend, colleague, or student, here are some tips to make your letter stand out.
- Highlight the person’s strengths: The main purpose of a letter of recommendation is to communicate why someone would be a good fit for a job, program, or opportunity. Be sure to include specific examples of the person’s strengths, skills, and accomplishments that make them a standout candidate.
- Be honest, but positive: While it’s important to be honest in your assessment of the person, it’s also important to stay upbeat and positive. Focus on their accomplishments and areas of expertise, rather than any weaknesses they may have.
- Use the appropriate format: Depending on the purpose of the letter (e.g. job application, graduate school, etc.), there may be specific guidelines or formats you need to follow. Make sure you read through any instructions carefully and tailor your letter accordingly.
- Mention relevant experiences: If you have personal experience working with the person (e.g. as a colleague or supervisor), be sure to mention it. This can add credibility to your recommendation and help the reader see why you’re uniquely qualified to speak to the person’s abilities.
- Include contact information: Make sure you provide your contact information (e.g. email, phone number) so that the reader can reach out to you if they have any questions or need further clarification.
Remember, a letter of recommendation can make a big difference in someone’s career or educational prospects. Take the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written letter that accurately reflects the person’s abilities and potential.
General Letter of Recommendation Template – FAQs
What is a General Letter of Recommendation?
A General Letter of Recommendation is a letter that is drafted by an individual who is endorsing another person’s skill or qualifications. These letters are often requested during job applications or academic applications and provide support for the applicant’s claims.
What should be included in a General Letter of Recommendation?
A General Letter of Recommendation should highlight the applicant’s skills, work ethics, and qualifications that make them an exceptional candidate. It should also mention their achievements, specific job roles, and how they performed in those roles. The letter should be signed and dated by the recommender.
Can the General Letter of Recommendation be written by anyone?
Yes, the General Letter of Recommendation can be written by anyone who has worked with the applicant, including co-workers, supervisors, professors, or mentors. However, it is recommended that the person writing the letter has significant knowledge about the candidate’s performance and qualifications.
Is it necessary to mention the applicant’s weaknesses?
No, it is not necessary to mention the applicant’s weaknesses in the General Letter of Recommendation. However, if there are weaknesses that might be important for the employer or academic institution to know, they should be mentioned carefully to avoid negative impact.
How should the General Letter of Recommendation be formatted?
The General Letter of Recommendation should follow a formal structure, which includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The letterhead should include the date, the recommender’s name, designation, and contact information. The letter should be addressed to the hiring manager or academic institution and signed off politely.
What is the recommended length for a General Letter of Recommendation?
A General Letter of Recommendation can range from one to two pages, depending on the details and supporting information that the recommender wants to mention. It is recommended to keep the letter concise, to the point, and informative.
Can the General Letter of Recommendation be used for multiple job applications?
Yes, the General Letter of Recommendation can be used for multiple job applications, provided that the job description fits the applicant’s qualifications and skills. However, it is better to customize the letter and include some specific details about the job role and the employer.
Thanks for Sticking with Me!
Well, that’s all the information I have to offer about creating a generic letter of recommendation template. I hope you found this article useful and that it will serve you well in your future endeavors. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, be sure to come back and visit us anytime. Cheers to a successful professional journey!