Are you tasked with writing a recommendation letter for a colleague or friend? In today’s digital age, it’s becoming more common to send recommendation letters via email. This article will provide you with helpful tips and seven examples of recommendation letter email templates that you can customize to fit your needs.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter Via Email
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a recommendation letter via email:
1. Use a Clear and Specific Subject Line
Your subject line should clearly indicate what the email is about, and it should include the name of the person you are recommending. For example, “Recommendation for John Smith” or “Reference for Jane Doe.”
2. Address the Recipient Appropriately
Begin your email with a professional greeting that includes the recipient’s name. If you don’t know the person’s name, use a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
3. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship to the Person You’re Recommending
In the first paragraph of your email, briefly introduce yourself and explain how you know the person you’re recommending. This can help establish your credibility and give context for your recommendation.
4. Describe the Person’s Qualifications and Accomplishments
In the body of your email, provide specific examples of the person’s qualifications, skills, and accomplishments. Use concrete details and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
5. Emphasize the Person’s Character and Work Ethic
In addition to describing the person’s technical skills and achievements, try to highlight their personal qualities and work ethic. This can include things like their reliability, teamwork skills, and ability to handle pressure.
6. Close with a Strong Endorsement
In your closing paragraph, reiterate your recommendation and encourage the recipient to contact you if they have any questions or need further information.
7. Use a Professional and Polite Tone
Throughout your email, maintain a tone that is professional, polite, and respectful. Avoid using slang or informal language, and proofread your email carefully before sending it.
Examples of Recommendation Letter Via Email
Template 1: Recommendation for a Former Employee
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any position they may be applying for. As [Employee Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name], I had the pleasure of working with them for [length of time]. During that time, [Employee Name] consistently demonstrated excellent skills in [skill or quality], [skill or quality], and [skill or quality].
[Employee Name] is a hardworking and dedicated individual who always goes above and beyond in their work. They are an excellent team player and would be an asset to any organization. I highly recommend [Employee Name] without reservation.
Thank you for your time, and please let me know if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Recommendation for a Colleague
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Colleague Name] for any professional opportunity that may arise. [Colleague Name] has been my colleague for [length of time] at [Company Name], and during that time, they have proven to be an exceptional [position or job title].
[Colleague Name] is an excellent communicator, problem-solver, and team player. They are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that all projects are completed to the highest standard. In addition to their technical skills, [Colleague Name] is also a pleasure to work with and has a positive attitude that is infectious to others.
I strongly recommend [Colleague Name] without any hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Recommendation for a Graduate School Applicant
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Graduate School Name]. I had the pleasure of teaching [Applicant Name] in [Course Name] during their undergraduate studies at [University Name].
[Applicant Name] was an outstanding student and consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the course material. They were always eager to participate in class discussions and were able to provide insightful and thoughtful contributions.
In addition to their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is a person of high character and integrity. They possess strong analytical skills, creativity, and an ability to work independently and collaboratively. I have no doubt that [Applicant Name] will excel in the graduate program at [Graduate School Name] and beyond.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 4: Recommendation for a Volunteer
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Volunteer Name] for any volunteer opportunity that may arise. [Volunteer Name] has been a dedicated volunteer at [Organization Name] for [length of time].
[Volunteer Name] has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to go above and beyond in their duties. They have been an integral part of our team and have contributed greatly to our organization’s mission.
I highly recommend [Volunteer Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 5: Recommendation for a Contractor
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Contractor Name] for any construction project that may arise. [Contractor Name] has worked on several projects for us at [Company Name], and we have been consistently impressed with their work.
[Contractor Name] has a keen eye for detail and is always willing to offer suggestions and solutions to any issues that may arise. They are knowledgeable, reliable, and always work within budget and deadlines.
I highly recommend [Contractor Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 6: Recommendation for a Service Provider
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Service Provider Name] for any service that they may offer. [Service Provider Name] has provided us with excellent service at [Company Name] for [length of time].
[Service Provider Name] is highly skilled and knowledgeable in their field and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our needs are met. They are professional, reliable, and always deliver on their promises.
I highly recommend [Service Provider Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 7: Recommendation for a Personal Reference
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any personal reference that they may require. [Name] is a trusted friend and colleague who I have known for [length of time].
[Name] is highly regarded in their community and possesses outstanding personal qualities such as honesty, integrity, and kindness. They are an excellent listener, problem-solver, and have a unique ability to make those around them feel valued and heard.
I highly recommend [Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions About Recommendation Letters Via Email
What should I include in a recommendation letter via email?
A recommendation letter via email should include an introduction, an explanation of your relationship to the person you’re recommending, specific examples of their qualifications and accomplishments, a description of their character and work ethic, and a strong endorsement. Be sure to use a professional and polite tone throughout your email.
How do I address the recipient of the email?
You should address the recipient of the email by name in the greeting. If you don’t know the person’s name, you can use a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I use as the subject line of the email?
Your subject line should clearly indicate what the email is about and should include the name of the person you’re recommending. For example, “Recommendation for John Smith” or “Reference for Jane Doe.”
How long should a recommendation letter via email be?
A recommendation letter via email should generally be between 50 and 80 sentences long. Be sure to include enough detail to provide a clear picture of the person you’re recommending, but avoid including unnecessary information.
How do I close the email?
You should close the email with a complimentary close, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and any relevant contact information. Be sure to thank the recipient for their time and encourage them to contact you if they have any questions or require further information.
What tone should I use in a recommendation letter via email?
You should use a tone that is professional, polite, and respectful throughout your email. Avoid using slang or informal language, and proofread your email carefully before sending it.
How can I customize the recommendation letter email templates provided?
You can customize the recommendation letter email templates by replacing the names and other specific details with those relevant to your situation. Be sure to proofread your email carefully before sending it, and make any necessary edits to ensure that it accurately reflects your relationship with the person you’re recommending.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter via email can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and examples, you can create a compelling and effective letter that will help your colleague or friend achieve their goals. By following the tips provided in this article and customizing the templates to fit your needs, you can create recommendation letters that will help your recipients stand out from the crowd.