How to Give a Recommendation
How to Give a Recommendation
I wouldn't trade him for 10 just like him.
See also:
Start Here
Be as specific as possible. Give examples of the great work they’ve done.
Use these helpful performance reviews for inspiration.
Try to connect their experience to the opportunity and how they will be a good fit.
Talking Points
A Strong Opening - State Your Goal:
“This letter is meant to bolster the application of <name>.”
'“This letter recommends <name> for the <title> with your organization. <List reasons you’re recommending them>.”
“I’m appealing to you directly to recommend in emphatic terms, <Name>.”
“I write in support of my friend/colleague.”
“I’m writing on behalf of my colleague, <name>…”
“This letter aims to provide the usual gratuitous language to recommend a well-respected colleague, <name>.”
“This letter endorses the application of <name>.”
“This letter very warmly recommends…”
“<Name> is applying for <award, job, etc.,>; happily, I can recommend her/him/them without reservation and with a clear conscience.”
Highlight Specific Achievements:
"<Name> has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in project management, leading a team to complete a complex, multi-million dollar project three months ahead of schedule."
"During their tenure at <Previous Company>, <Name> developed a new marketing strategy that increased client engagement by 40%, a testament to their innovative thinking and dedication."
Connect Experience to the New Role:
"<Name>'s extensive experience in digital marketing makes them an ideal candidate for your organization’s Head of Digital Strategy position. Their proven track record of increasing online engagement will be invaluable."
"With a background in AI technology and a passion for data-driven decision-making, <Name> is uniquely suited to excel in your company’s AI Development Lead role."
Emphasize Relevant Skills and Qualities:
"Known for their exceptional leadership and communication skills, <Name> has a unique ability to inspire and motivate teams, making them a perfect fit for the managerial role at your firm."
"<Name>'s analytical prowess and attention to detail have consistently resulted in streamlined processes and cost savings, qualities that will undoubtedly benefit your operations."
Personal Endorsement and Confidence:
"Having worked closely with <Name> for over five years, I can confidently attest to their integrity, work ethic, and commitment to excellence."
"I wholeheartedly recommend <Name> for the role at your esteemed organization, knowing they will bring both passion and expertise to the position."
Examples of Professional Growth:
"Over the years, <Name> has shown remarkable growth, transitioning from a junior analyst to a senior executive, all while maintaining a focus on continuous learning and professional development."
"Their journey from a technical specialist to a strategic advisor showcases <Name>'s adaptability and vision, traits that will greatly benefit your team."
Impact on Previous Teams and Projects:
"<Name> has a proven ability to turn around underperforming teams, as seen when they increased team productivity by 50% within six months at <Previous Company>."
"Their innovative approach to problem-solving has consistently resulted in successful project completions, even under tight deadlines and challenging circumstances."
Endorsements from Performance Reviews:
"Performance reviews consistently highlight <Name>'s dedication, with comments such as, 'A true leader who goes above and beyond to ensure team success,' and 'An invaluable asset to our department.'"
"Colleagues have praised <Name> for their collaborative spirit and strategic thinking, often stating, 'Their input is crucial to our success,' and 'They bring a unique perspective that drives our projects forward.'"
Example Recommendations
Not only is <Name> an expert in her field, but she's also an amazing communicator, creative and problem solver. She excels at managing stakeholders, hard-to-navigate situations, and driving difficult projects to completion. <Name> is also well versed in leading D&I initiatives and building amazing relationships with diverse groups of people. Once she puts her mind to it, there's no stopping her; she's a proven asset to any team.
<Name> is the triple threat. She’s a talented storyteller, dedicated project manager and absolute joy to work with. In our time working together our programs partnered to create a world class digital experience that drove corporate communications across the firm. It was easily some of the best work we’ve ever done, and undoubtedly because of her.
<Name> combines the strongest attributes of a free-willed creative with the single-mindedness of an experienced project manager and does so seamlessly. Additionally, her genuine approach to people provides her colleagues with a window into the life of a truly lovely person. A voracious reader, consumer of bad jokes, and office culture changer, Hailey should always be on your shortlist for a creative storyteller position.
<Name> has that rare combination of advanced technical skills, strong soft skills and personality that makes her an MVP on any team. I've had the privilege of working with <Name> for <time> as part of <Name> team. In that time, I've seen <Name> move mountains and hearts to affect great cultural change within the company, moving us towards a more customer-focused business. Her efforts have directly transformed our product notification process, transformed our ability to capture and analyze Voice of Customer (VOC), as well as rebuild a customer-first onboarding process. She has an incredible ability to take in loads of technical details and translate them to customers, peers, and executives in clear, succinct messages. I've seen her troubleshoot sticky issues with upset customers and colleagues with grace and patience for the benefit of both the customer and the business. If I were to start my own business, she would be the first person I'd ask to join me. She's a unicorn, and anyone would be lucky to call her a teammate.
<Name> is one of the most creative and intuitive professionals with whom I've had the pleasure to work. She has a wonderful combination of soft and technical skills that make her the ideal colleague. In the time that I worked with <Name>, I saw her transform email marketing at <company>, giving the company much more meaningful data and insights about what our clients want and need to know. I've been particularly impressed with her ability to tackle ambitious and, in some cases, daunting projects with grace under pressure and steely determination. Without her assistance, we would not have been able to launch our first all-company newsletter. Because of <name>’s technical abilities, we were able to have a seamless launch and collect meaningful metrics about our internal communications. <Name> is exactly the type of person you want on your team.
I had the great privilege to work with <Name< for a year. His endless enthusiasm, drive and creativity make him the perfect colleague. He has that rare combination of vision and flawless follow-through. This guy will bring your ideas to life. That's exactly what he did for me with our Collaborate Newsroom. After providing him with an ambitious "wish list" for the Newsroom, <Name> brought in a comment box, ratings, metrics, a whole new look, and more. I admire his ability to work with difficult personalities, build programs and systems out of nothing, and his relentlessly optimistic outlook. <Name> always delivers extraordinary results and is a pleasure to work with.
If <Name>’s four bestselling novels were not enough evidence of her creativity and talent, allow me to offer my personal recommendation of her as a professional and as a human being.
I had the privilege to work with <Name> for <time> at <Company>. Every day, I saw her tackle complicated rate structures and regulatory issues. Her ability to clearly and succinctly explain even the most technical issues earned her the respect and admiration of our entire department. It is not unusual for colleagues to seek <Name> out for her help putting a difficult subject into words.
She is also a very strategic thinker. Her communications plans and messaging were consistently thorough and thoughtful. She seems to have a particular talent for understanding her audiences and which messages will most appeal to them.
As a colleague, she is reliable, professional, and kind. Despite spending many long, arduous hours in our emergency operation center during wildfires, winter storms, and other crises, <Name> always had a smile and a “can-do” attitude that kept us all going.
There are not many “sure bets” in life, but <Name> is one of them. Regardless of the challenge, she will rise to meet it with enthusiasm and humor. She is a consummate professional who has the power to unite a team and bring out the best in her colleagues.
I wholeheartedly recommend <Name> as a communicator, writer, strategic thinker, project manager, and colleague. She would be an invaluable asset to any team.
<Name> is an excellent an effective strategist and big-thinker. I had the privilege of working directly with <Name> on <team name> team. He consistently went above and beyond for the team and our overall mission of <mission of company>. Here's what you can expect from <Name>: Superior writing skills; the ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure; candid and sharp insight; big-picture strategy development; attention to detail; the ability to speak confidently and credibly to media; and the necessary skills to break down an incredibly complex topic into messages that are simple and easy to understand. If you're looking for a top-notch communicator and strategist, then you will struggle to find a more qualified candidate than <Full Name>.