When it comes to recommendation letters, including a personal message can make a big difference in the impact it has on the recipient. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of a personal message in a recommendation letter and provide examples that you can use or edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter Personal Message
Before we dive into examples, let’s review some tips for crafting a compelling personal message in a recommendation letter:
1. Keep it brief
While a personal message can add value to a recommendation letter, it shouldn’t distract from the main purpose of the letter. Keep your message brief and to the point, focusing on the recipient’s strengths and qualities that make them an exceptional candidate.
2. Be specific
General statements like “they’re a great worker” aren’t particularly helpful in a recommendation letter. Instead, provide specific examples of the recipient’s work, accomplishments, and character traits that make them stand out.
3. Highlight your relationship
Make it clear how you know the recipient and what your relationship is. This can help add credibility to your recommendation and give context to your personal message.
4. Use a positive tone
A recommendation letter is all about highlighting the recipient’s strengths and qualifications. Make sure your personal message conveys a positive tone and reinforces your endorsement of the recipient.
5. Proofread carefully
Just like the rest of the letter, your personal message should be error-free and well-written. Take the time to proofread carefully to ensure your message is clear, concise, and professional.
Examples of Recommendation Letter Personal Messages
For a Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the position of Marketing Manager. As her supervisor for the past three years, I have been consistently impressed by Jane’s creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to her work. She has a talent for devising innovative marketing strategies that achieve impressive results while staying within budget.
Furthermore, Jane is an excellent team player who is respected and admired by her colleagues. Her positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile make her a valuable asset to any organization. I am confident that she would excel in the role of Marketing Manager and strongly endorse her for the position.
Best regards,
John Smith
For a College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to XYZ University. As Sarah’s English teacher for the past two years, I have been continually impressed by her intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and dedication to her studies.
What sets Sarah apart from her peers is her passion for learning and her eagerness to take on new challenges. She is an outstanding critical thinker and writer who has consistently produced exceptional work in my class. I have no doubt that she will thrive in a university setting and make significant contributions to your academic community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
For a Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Tom Smith for the volunteer position at your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Tom for the past year as a fellow volunteer and have been continually impressed by his work ethic, dedication, and positive attitude.
Tom is a natural leader who excels at motivating and inspiring others. He is always willing to lend a hand and goes above and beyond in his volunteer work. His enthusiasm and commitment to your organization’s mission make him an exceptional candidate for the volunteer position.
Thank you for considering Tom for this opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Best regards,
Susan Johnson
For Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Joe Williams for admission to your graduate program in Computer Science. As Joe’s academic advisor for the past four years, I have had the pleasure of watching him grow into a talented and dedicated computer scientist.
What sets Joe apart from his peers is his exceptional problem-solving abilities and his ability to work independently. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex computer science topics and has produced innovative research projects that have been presented at prestigious conferences.
Joe’s passion for computer science and his drive to succeed make him an excellent candidate for your graduate program. I believe he has the potential to make significant contributions to the field and I enthusiastically endorse his application.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Johnson
For a Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Maria Rodriguez for your scholarship program. As Maria’s teacher for the past two years, I have been consistently impressed by her academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
Maria is a natural leader who has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities and community service projects. She is an exceptional student who has consistently achieved high grades while also being actively involved in her school and community.
I believe that Maria has a bright future ahead of her and that your scholarship program would help her achieve her academic and professional goals. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Best regards,
Julia Martinez
For a Professional Reference
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Thompson for the position of Sales Manager. As Michael’s colleague for the past five years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with him on a variety of projects, including several successful sales campaigns.
Michael is an outstanding sales professional who has consistently exceeded his targets and brought in significant revenue for our company. He is a natural leader who inspires his team to achieve their best and is respected by his colleagues and clients alike.
I have no doubt that Michael would excel in the role of Sales Manager and would be a valuable asset to your company. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Samantha Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should include a personal message in my recommendation letter?
If you have a personal relationship with the recipient and feel that a personal message would add value to the letter, then it’s a good idea to include one. However, if you don’t have a strong personal connection or can’t think of anything specific to say, it’s better to stick to the main purpose of the letter.
What should I include in my personal message?
Your personal message should focus on the recipient’s strengths and positive qualities, and highlight why you believe they are an exceptional candidate. Be specific and provide examples to back up your statements, and make sure your tone is positive and supportive.
How long should my personal message be?
Your personal message should be brief and to the point, ideally no longer than a paragraph or two. Remember, the main purpose of the letter is to provide a recommendation, so your personal message should complement this and not distract from it.
Should I personalize my greeting?
A personalized greeting can add a nice touch to your recommendation letter and help strengthen your relationship with the recipient. Use their name and title if appropriate, and consider using a warm and friendly tone to set the right tone for your letter.
Can I use the same personal message for multiple recommendation letters?
While you may be tempted to use the same personal message for multiple letters, it’s important to remember that each letter should be tailored to the specific recipient and context. Take the time to craft a unique message for each letter to ensure that it has the greatest impact.
Do I need to sign my recommendation letter?
Yes, it’s important to sign your recommendation letter to add credibility and authenticity to your endorsement. Include your full name, title, and contact information below your signature to make it easy for the recipient to follow up with you if needed.
Conclusion
A personal message in a recommendation letter can help strengthen your endorsement of the recipient and provide valuable context for the reader. By following these tips and examples, you can craft a compelling personal message that highlights the recipient’s strengths and sets them apart from other candidates.