Letter Of Recommendation Templates: How To Write & Examples

Writing an impactful letter of recommendation is vital for helping candidates land jobs, gain admissions, receive awards, and more. But drafting personalized letters for each person takes time and effort.

This is where leveraging excellent letter of recommendation templates comes in handy. Recommendation letter templates simplify highlighting candidates’ strengths confidently while showcasing them in the best possible light.

This guide covers tips and examples for easily creating stellar recommendation letters through customizable templates.

Benefits of Using Recommendation Letter Templates

Here are some key advantages of using templates when drafting recommendation letters:

• Save time – Completed templates allow faster customization versus writing fully from scratch.
• Optimize messaging – Incorporate proven phrasing tailored to the opportunity that resonates with decision makers.
• Ensure thoroughness – Templates act as checklists so no key selling points are overlooked.
• Promote strengths – Highlight the most compelling qualifications persuasively.
• Maintain consistency – Keep structure, tone, voice aligned across all letters.
• Personalize efficiently – Easily adapt each template to the candidate’s background and opportunity.
• Reduce mistakes – Pre-written text limits errors caused by improvising content.
• Speed execution – Quickly customize at each request versus extensive drafting.

Tips for Writing Recommendation Letters

When creating and using recommendation letter templates, keep these best practices in mind:

• Open strongly – Start with an impressive accomplishment or compelling commendation.
• Focus on relevant qualifications – Tailor to 2-3 key strengths needed for the role/program.
• Provide vivid examples – Illustrate claims through short anecdotes and metrics.
• Align to core values – Character, work ethic, leadership, aptitude, growth potential, etc.
• Use active voice and strong verbs – “Led initiative delivering...” vs “Initiative was led...”
• Edit concisely – Aim for 1-2 pages max in most cases.
• Close with a clear recommendation – Summarize top reasons they deserve the opportunity.

Recommendation Letter Template Examples

Here are sample recommendation letter templates showcasing different approaches:

Standard Business Letter Template

Dear [Selection Committee/Employer/Admissions Officer/Recruiter]:

I am very pleased to recommend [candidate name] for [position or program name]. As their [your relationship - manager, professor, mentor, etc], I have known [candidate] for [duration] and have been consistently impressed by their [1-2 standout qualities - intelligence, work ethic, leadership potential, etc].

[Candidate] excels at [area of strength #1], as evidenced by [1-2 examples demonstrating this skill]. Additionally, they have grown tremendously in [area of strength #2], improving their [specific metric or accomplishment] by [percentage] over the past year through their relentless efforts.

[Candidate] also stands out in terms of their [soft skill strength - communication, teamwork, initiative etc]. For instance, they took on a leadership role with [group or project], coordinating the efforts of [number] team members. The resulting project delivered outstanding results that exceeded expectations and provided value to stakeholders.

In closing, I enthusiastically recommend [candidate] for [this opportunity]. I am confident they have the [qualities like intelligence, determination, and insight] needed to thrive in your program and positively impact your community. Please contact me with any other questions as you evaluate their application.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your title]

[Contact info]

Lists-Focused Template

To Whom It May Concern:

I am delighted to recommend [candidate name] for [position/opportunity]. As their [your relationship], I am very familiar with their background and capabilities:

Key strengths:

• [Bulleted list highlighting 3-4 top strengths & skills aligned to role]
• Developed core competency through [examples demonstrating growth]

Additional assets:

• [Bulleted list of secondary strengths or qualifications]
• Secured [certification/qualification] giving expertise in [field]

Notable achievements:

• [Bulleted accomplishments with quantified results]
• Exceeded goals by [percentage] and delivered [X value]

I am confident [candidate] has precisely the right blend of skills, mindset, and expertise to excel in your [program/opportunity] and am happy to furnish any other details to aid your decision process. Please contact me at the information below with any other questions.

Sincerely,

[Your name and details]

Story-Focused Template

Dear [Recipient],

I am delighted to strongly recommend [candidate name] for [position/program name] based on their exceptional skills and work ethic demonstrated in my [class/team/lab, etc].

Allow me to illustrate through an example. Early last semester, [candidate] took on an optional advanced project analyzing [topic requiring complex skills or knowledge]. Despite minimal guidance and navigating unforeseen challenges, [candidate] produced remarkable work well beyond expectations.

Specifically, [he/she] independently [summarize what the candidate did using strong action verbs]. Even more impressive was their resourcefulness when they encountered [obstacle requiring creative problem solving]. By [candidate’s approach and solution], they demonstrated quick thinking under pressure and deep expertise.

The resulting [paper/report/project] provided unique insights that are now incorporated into our core curriculum, enriching learning for all students. This example encapsulates [candidate’s] intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and commitment to excellence that I believe will enable [him/her] to thrive in your prestigious [program name].

Please contact me with any other questions as you evaluate [candidate’s] promising application. I wholeheartedly recommend them for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Contact information]

How to Use Just Think AI for Recommendation Letters

Just Think AI makes generating stellar recommendation letters incredibly fast and easy. Key benefits include:

• Access a library of pre-written recommendation letter templates for any scenario.
• Input details on the candidate and desired opportunity to customize templates.
• Get AI-optimized drafts tailored to highlight the candidate’s most compelling qualifications.
• Maintain polished, consistent tone and formatting suited to each situation.
• Easily collaborate on drafts by exporting to share with co-authors.
• Save time spent crafting personalized letters from scratch.
• Review and refine AI-generated templates prior to sending.

Now you can produce standout recommendation letters tailored distinctly for each candidate with ease!

Just Think AI Prompts for Recommendation Letters

Here are some sample prompts for using Just Think AI to generate stellar recommendation letters:

• "Please write a recommendation letter for my student John who is applying for a merit scholarship."
• "Draft a reference letter for my employee Jane focused on highlighting her project management and analytical thinking skills for a job application."
• "Create a strong letter of recommendation for my mentee David who is hoping to attend graduate school for engineering."
• "Generate a recommendation letter for Alicia based on her outstanding performance and leadership potential."
• "Improve this draft recommendation letter for Sarah to provide more vivid examples of her abilities and achievements."

The key is providing personalized context so Just Think AI can craft tailored, compelling letters that resonate for each candidate.

FAQs

What is the ideal length for a recommendation letter?

1 page single spaced or 2 pages double spaced is recommended in most cases. Enough detail but remain concise.

What tone is most effective for recommendation letters?

Aim for a warm yet professional tone. Avoid being too formal or overly casual. Let the candidate’s relationship with you guide appropriate tone.

Should you include any weaknesses or areas for growth?

Unless specifically requested, focus exclusively on highlighting the candidate’s most positive qualifications and accomplishments.

Can you repurpose one strong recommendation letter for multiple applications?

The core content emphasizing abilities can be reused. But customize specifics to align with each unique new opportunity.

Should you use a template if you don’t know the candidate well?

It’s best to politely decline the request for a recommendation unless you feel able to authentically vouch for the candidate.

Just Think AI makes it easy to produce polished, compelling recommendation letters showcasing candidates in the best possible light. Let's connect to discuss highlighting your candidates powerfully!