14 Best Letter of Recommendation Email Templates [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 19th, 2023

14 Best Letter of Recommendation Email Templates [2024]

A letter of recommendation is a formal communication that is written by someone who has knowledge of your academic or professional qualifications and experience and offers comments on those qualifications.

When you are applying for a job, the employer may ask you to provide letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your work. These letters can describe your skills, abilities, and character. They can also give an idea of how well you would fit in at the company.

In some cases, such as when applying to graduate school or seeking funding for research, the applicant will provide their own letter of recommendation. This is known as self-recommendation or self-reference or self-referencing.

In this article, we provide you with 14 free email templates, both for asking for a letter of recommendation and sending a letter of recommendation.

What To Include In Your Letter of Recommendation Email

When it comes down to crafting your email, there are a few key elements to include:

Detailed information about yourself
Your relationship with the person
Qualifications
Letter summary
Recommendations

Asking For A Letter Of Recommendation: Email Templates

Below, we've compiled a list of email templates you can send when asking for a letter of rec from your employer, supervisor, or colleague.

Basic Letter of Recommendation Request

title=How Are You Sir/Ma'am Dear Ms./Mr. [Recommender Name],

I hope you’re well. I’m in the process of applying to [school or company name] and want to ask if you feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as [your relationship to the recommender]. As my [teacher/counselor/manager], I believe you could honestly and effectively vouch for my [list of skills or qualifications] I’ve demonstrated during our time together.

I appreciate you considering my request. The deadline for submitting the letter is [date]. I’ve attached an updated version of my [resume/brag sheet], as well as the [job posting/admission requirements] and details on how to submit the letter. If you need any additional information, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your phone number]

[Your email address]

Source

Letter of Recommendation From Your Mentor

title=Haven't Heard From You Sir/Ma'am Hello [Name]!

I hope this letter finds you well. It’s tough to believe that it’s already been four years since we worked together at [company name]. How have you been?

I really appreciate all I learned during that time and the guidance you provided. It has been so helpful with my client projects here at [company name]. I have been networking as you suggested and recently became aware of an interesting opportunity to become a Marketing Manager. Given my work on client projects over the past few years, I feel it would be a perfect fit and great next step. Would you be willing to provide a positive recommendation for me? I’ll be happy to provide you with my resume, full details of the job and any other info you would find helpful.

Thank you for considering this. I hope we can catch up properly soon.

Warm regards,

[Your name]

Source

Letter of Recommendation For University Job

title=Request for Letter of Recommendation Dear [Title + Name of Person You’re Asking]

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this email and I hope that this request does not cause you any inconvenience.

I am applying for [university program/job position] at [target school/company] and was wondering if it would be possible for you to write a letter of recommendation for me.

As my [relation with requestee], I sincerely feel that no one else is better suited to writing a recommendation and I would truly appreciate any kind words you might be willing to write on my behalf.

That being said, I know that you are extremely busy and if you are unable to find the time to write a letter, I would completely understand.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Source

Letter of Recommendation From Your Former Collaborator

title=An Important Message Dear X,

I hope you’re well. I’ve been following your career via LinkedIn for the last several years and see that you’ve moved up to [new role] — congratulations! In the last few years, I have also moved up and am currently doing [current role]. I’m looking to transition to an even more senior role and am conducting both an internal and an external search regarding future opportunities. In doing so, I was reflecting on who would be a really good reference for me, and felt that you would be one.

I recall our time working on [particular project] and I thought that given what I’m looking for in that next role, you would be a great person to speak to the skills I bring to the table as well as the kind of hard worker that I am, and would really appreciate if you could serve as a reference for me.

Of course, I am more than happy to do the same for you at any point in time. Please do let me know. Additionally, if you would be so kind as to put the recommendation on my LinkedIn profile, I would greatly appreciate that. Again, I would be more than happy to do the same for you.

I wish you continued success in your career and look forward to being in touch. Please do reach out with any questions!

All the best,

[Your name]

Source

Recommendation Letter From Your Immediate Supervisor

title=A Humble Request for Recommendation Dear X,

I hope all is well with you. I heard you were promoted to [new position] at [former company]. Nice!

I’m reaching out today because I’m looking to make my next career move, and I’m in need of references for the positions I’m applying for. Given our extensive working history together, I thought that you would be able to speak to my ability as a manager, and I was wondering if you would be willing to serve as a reference. If asked, I think that the example of [X project] we worked on together would be particularly salient.

Of course I would be more than willing to act as a reference for you or provide you with any sort of recommendation. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Kindly,

[Your name]

Source

Requesting For A Recommendation From Your Professor/Teacher

title=Just A Little Request... Dear Professor,

My name is [Your Name] . I took your course . You may remember me was a very challenging subject for me and I was proud of the I received in your class.

I know you are busy so I'll get to the point. I am currently in the process of applying to and I am trying to gather a few letters of recommendation. Because I enjoyed , I decided to start by asking you. Would you be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation for my application?

I would be more than happy to meet with you at your convenience if that would be helpful. Of course I would also provide my personal statement, CV, and any other material that you would like.

If you don't feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation, please don't feel obligated to say yes. I completely understand.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.

Source

Letter of Recommendation From a Client

title=Requesting Something Important... Dear X,

I just heard news that your company recently [accomplishment]. Congratulations! I’m always heartened and delighted to see what your company is doing in the world.

I’m writing today because I’m looking to transition into a new role doing [new job], and I’m looking for a few people who can serve as references for me and speak to my skills as a [your profession]. I thought that the project we worked on last year was a great example of how I can [list skills]. I would be very grateful if you were able to serve as a reference for me.

Please let me know if you have any questions — and I’m also happy to refresh your memory on the details of the project and the role I played if you want me to send anything over.

All the best,

[Your name]

Source

Letter of Recommendation Request From Your Former Manager

title=A Simple Request Boss Hi [Name],

I hope you have been doing well. It’s hard to believe it has been three years since we worked together. I learned so much while we were working on the XYZ project and have fond memories of working at [company name].

Things have been good here. I have enjoyed working at [company name] for the past two years and getting to explore the city of Denver. After much contemplation, I’ve decided it’s time for new challenges, so I’m beginning to search for Marketing Director roles and hope to relocate to San Diego later this year.

Would you be available to serve as a reference and provide a positive recommendation for me? If you are, I would be happy to send you my resume and a sample job description so you have an updated view of my experience and what I’m seeking.

Thank you for considering this. I look forward to connecting with you again and hearing your updates.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Source

Sending A Letter Of Recommendation: Email Templates

Below, we've compiled a list of templates you can use when sending a letter of recommendation.

Employee Letter of Recommendation

title=Seeking For Recommendations Dear [insert name],

I am writing to recommend [employeename]. [He/She/They] worked with us at [companyname] as a [employeejobtitle] and [reported to me/ worked with me] in my position as [insert your job title].

As an employee, [employee_name] was always [insert quality]. During [his/her/their] time in my team, [he/she/they] managed to [insert example].

I’ve always put a premium on [insert quality] among my team members and [employee_name] never failed to deliver. An example was when [insert example].

[Employee_name] is a delight to work with and I wouldn’t hesitate to hire [him/her/them] again.

Should you have any further questions about [him/her/them], feel free to reach me at [phone number].

Thanks,

[Your name and signature]

Source

Job Application Letter of Recommendation

title=A Little Favor Dear [First and Last Name],

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend [Name] for [position] with [Company]. [Name] and I [relationship] at [Company] for [length of time].

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with [Name], and came to know [him/her/them] as a truly valuable asset to our team. [He is/She is/They are] honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, [he is/she is/they are] an impressive [soft skill] who is able to [result].

[His/her/their] knowledge of [specific subject] and expertise in [specific subject] was a huge advantage to our entire office. [He/she/they] put this skill set to work in order to [specific achievement].

Along with [his/her/their] undeniable talent, [Name] has always been an absolute joy to work with. [He is/she is/they are] a true team player, and always foster[s] positive discussions and bring[s] the best out of other employees.

Without a doubt, I confidently recommend [Name] to join your team at [Company]. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that [he/she/they] will be a beneficial addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at [Contact - Number] if you want to discuss [Name]’s qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

[Title]

[Company Name]

Source

Recommending A Former Employee for New Job Position

title={Name}'s a superstar! She deserves a letter of recommendation. Dear [Name],

I’m writing to recommend [Name of Person You are Recommending] for the position of administrative assistant at Acme Corp. I’ve had the opportunity to work with {name} for the past few years at CBI Industries, and have been consistently impressed with her diligence, efficiency, and ability to get things done.

Most recently, {name} has worked for me directly as a receptionist in our main office. In this role, she performed many administrative tasks in addition to greeting customers and other visitors and organizing team events. For example, she currently manages our executive team’s schedules and organizes their appointments, as well as coordinates travel and expense reporting.

I believe that {name} would be an excellent addition to your administrative staff. I’ve been consistently impressed with her organizational skills and grace under pressure. In our industry, as you know, every position is a customer service position. {name} constantly seeks to learn more about our products and programs so that she can help serve our clients and mitigate issues as they come up. She’s also a quick learner who picks up new technology with great speed.

I strongly recommend {name} for the position of administrative assistant at your company. She’s organized, detail-oriented, effective, and committed to getting the job done. She’d make an excellent addition to your team.

Please feel free to contact me at [Your-Contact-No.] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

[[Your Name]]

Source

Letter of recommendation for a former student

title=I don't just like {name}. I love her. Dear [insert name],

I am writing to recommend [studentname]. I am [jobtitle] at [institution] and [student_name] was my [student/ PhD candidate/ lab assistant/ etc.] for [X months/ years].

As a student, [student_name] was always [insert quality]. During [his/her/their] time in my class, [he/she/they] worked on [insert projects] and managed to [insert example].

I’ve always put a premium on [insert quality] among my students and [student_name] never failed to deliver. An example was when [insert example].

[Student_name] is [insert personality attribute] and I wouldn’t hesitate to collaborate with [him/her/them] again.

Should you have any further questions about [him/her/them], feel free to reach me at [phone number].

Thanks,

[Your name and signature]

Source

Letter of Recommendation for a Student from a Professor

title=Recommendation letter for [name] To the admissions office of [Organization/University Name],

I am writing to recommend [Insert Name] for your Ph.D. program in chemical engineering. I am a professor of chemical engineering at Acme University for over 15 years and I specialize in nanotechnology. [Name] was my student for two years before he got his Bachelor’s degree from Acme.

As a student, [Name] always possessed a curious mind and was eager to learn. During his time in my class, he worked on various projects where he conducted research on nanotechnology and biotechnology. His grades on all these projects were outstanding, as his papers were well-researched, well-structured, and offered brilliant insights. One example is his project about nanosensors and their impact on the field of biomedicine. We submitted this paper to a conference held in Berlin and got immediately accepted.

I’ve always put a premium on initiative and hard work among my students and [Name] never failed to deliver. An example was when he and a couple of other students organized learning sessions with different professors. In these open sessions, any student could ask questions about each professor’s field of expertise. [Name] was the one who suggested that these sessions could work as informal career orientation for younger college or high school students, too.

[Name] is intelligent, hard-working, and has a great passion for the field of chemistry and chemical engineering. I wouldn’t hesitate to collaborate with him in an academic capacity.

Should you have any further questions about him, feel free to reach me at +1000000.

Thanks,

Professor [Your Name]

Source

Recommending an Ex-employee

title=Reference for XXX I would like to recommend XXX as a candidate for a position with your company. In his position as a staff assistant, XXX was employed in our organization for the period from 2005 to 2012. XXX did an excellent job during this period in the said position. He was an asset to our organization owing to his excellent written and verbal communication skills. He is also very well organized and can work independently. XXX is able to follow directions accurately to ensure getting the job done right and on time.

Also during his tenure with ABCD Company, XXX was responsible for supervising his department’s assistants. Under his management, these assistants were responsible for various administrative and clerical tasks. XXX efficiently managed several assistants and effectively scheduled their tasks to maintain seamless and smooth-running operations.

Due to his inherent caring nature, XXX was always willing to offer his assistance to colleagues. He enjoyed an excellent rapport with not just the other members of the staff, but also with clients and other professional organizations that we were required to interact with. I believe XXX will be a valuable asset to any organization and recommend him to any position he wishes to pursue in your company.

Sincerely,

First name, last name

Source

25 Letter of Recommendation Email Subject Lines You Can Use

Here's a list of 25 popular email subject lines you can use for your recommendation letter

Buddy of mine wanted me to tell you
I would like to recommend you for a promotion
I have always loved you and your work, until I read...
What are you doing for your hosts this weekend?
I highly recommend [Name] for the position you are hiring for.
Introducing March's Employee of the Month
A letter of recommendation from a founder
We consider you an essential part of the team.
We Love What You Do
Recommendations for your next move
Your next letter of recommendation is 3 clicks away...
Here's what your references say about you
Please accept my recommendation of
Here's a few reasons why Mr. Jones should be your teacher
My letter of recommendation to Harvard will make you swoon!
I think you'll make a great addition to the team
Thought you might find this helpful!
Let me tell you why you should join this club
Welcome to The Factory, friend - we're happy to have you with us
Dean's recommendation letter is great, but it's not enough.
A Letter of Recommendation from Captain Obvious
Let me start by saying: WOW!
You're not just getting a letter of recommendation, you're getting free tickets
I'm writing this as a recommendation, not one of many credentials.
My move to the Bay Area looks pretty good on paper.

Tips For Writing A Successful Email

A well-written email can be a powerful communication tool. If you want to get your point across and have it read, write an email that is clear, concise and compelling.

Here are 6 tips to help you write better emails:

1. Keep it short.

People are busy, and they aren't going to read anything more than a few paragraphs long in their inboxes. If you have something important to say, be concise.

2. Be friendly and personable. The best emails show that their sender cares about the recipient: address them by name, make jokes and be friendly, compliment them on something they've done recently—demonstrate that you know them well enough to give them a personal touch.

3. Use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate.

If you're making a list of suggestions or talking about multiple things, it's much easier on the reader if you use bullet points or numbers rather than listing every point out separately in paragraphs.

(Obviously this doesn't apply if you're using an email for something else entirely—such as a newsletter or informational message.)

4. Proofread your message carefully before sending it out.

Even though you may think you're a pro at typing emails, there are still some mistakes that you could be making. It's important to avoid these errors so that your message is clear and correct.

If you skimmed over the email, there is a good chance that you missed an error in the very sentence that you just changed.

Pro tip: Read your entire message out loud before hitting send. You are more likely to catch mistakes this way!

5. Be sure to include the recipient's name in the email.

This seems like an obvious tip, but it's easy to forget that we're not sending mass emails to a group of people but individual messages to each person on the list.

Your best bet is to craft your message carefully, and make it personal by using the recipient's name. It shows that you're paying attention and it also makes the email feel more personable.

6. Be clear about what you want

Be specific and don't beat around the bush. Think about what you're asking for clearly before you write anything down.

In the first line of your email, state clearly what you want and how the recipient can help.

FAQ

Below we detail the most common questions as it relates to letter of recommendation for email.

What are the qualities of a good recommendation letter?

Well-written
Dependable
Accurate
Concise
Motivational
Consistent

What to avoid in writing a letter of recommendation?

Too much emphasis of your relationship with the person
Using general language regarding the performance of the person

Can a letter of recommendation be used on various jobs?

Yes, you can use it for similar jobs but it is important to seek permission first from your reference before using the same recommendation letter.

Conclusion

Getting a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task. But with the help of the templates that we have discussed, things get easier for you. This is essential in building your career as you pursue your goal of getting better pay as you apply for a new job.

Recommendation letter templates are tweaked based on your specific purpose. Be sure to find the best one that suits your needs.

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meet the author

Pat Walls