Sample Letters of Recommendation
Sample 1: For Graduate Program
Sample 2: For a Teaching Position
Sample 3: For Undergraduate Program
Sample 1: For Graduate Program
Prof. John Smith
MS, PhD
Dept. of Computer Science.
It gives me immense pleasure in recommending Mr. Joe Doe for the graduate program in Computer Science at your University. I have known him for four years in my capacity as Professor, Department of Computer Science. I have also taught him two theory courses, 'Introduction to Computer Science' and 'System Programming' and I am teaching him Application Programming.
In this context, I wish to place on record the consistently brilliant academic performance of Mr. Doe during his four years of study.
As per his performance records, he can be placed in the top 10 percent of a class of 90 students in my subject and is placed on the overall in the top 20 percent. He is intelligent, inquisitive and yearns to gain an in-depth knowledge. With his determination and hard work I have no doubt that he will succeed in all his endeavors.
His project titled "ABC DEF GHI JKL" conducted at XXX was ranked among the best projects carried out in the department. He has shown the motivation, intelligence, preserving nature and analytical aptitude for graduate study and research. He is extremely co-operative and possesses the capacity to contribute positively while working as part of a team.
In my view Mr. Doe compares favorably with the best among my students. I am sure he will make an outstanding graduate student. I recommend him in the strongest terms for admission to the Graduate Program at your University preferably with financial aid.
Sincerely,
Prof. John Smith
Sample 2: For a Teaching Position
Prof. Bob Donald
MS, PhD,
Dept. of Education
I was John Smith's cooperating teacher during his student teaching assignment the Spring 2007 semester. John completed fifteen weeks of student teaching in seventh grade social studies under my supervision.
I am pleased to be able to write a letter of recommendation for John. During John's student teaching experience, he was highly motivated to learn as much as he could and perform to his best capacities. He frequently put in long hours to develop lesson plans and monitor student progress. He asked for feedback on a daily basis and accepted constructive criticism with maturity. He understood his limitations as an inexperienced teacher and observed experienced teachers closely in order to improve his own teaching abilities.
John has several strengths, but his main strength, from my observations, is his ability to motivate students. He always seemed sincerely interested in their progress and presented new material in a way that captured their attention. For example, he had a group of students map out "national parks" across the United States. The students had to include major cities, unique sites in the national parks, major highways. The students really dived into the project. John consistently displayed this type of creativity in planning lessons and motivating students. He soon learned that the best way to manage a classroom is to keep students on-task with projects that were both interesting and challenging. He also did a good job of recognizing when a student needed special assistance or attention.
In summary, John displayed the qualities that make a teacher successful.
He is dependable, motivated, and is in tune with the needs of his students.
He works well with colleagues and administration and is able to learn from
those around him. I highly recommend him for a teaching
position.
Sincerely,
Prof. Bob Donald
Sample 3: For Undergraduate Program
Prof. Sandra Rusyn
Dept. of English Literature
Tom Jones is an extraordinary young man. As his AP English Professor, I
have been impressed by his diligence, creativity and work ethic. I
understand that Tom is applying to the undergraduate business program at
your school. I would like to recommend him for admission.
Tom has outstanding organizational skills. He is able to successfully
complete multiple tasks with favorable results despite deadline pressure.
For example, as part of a semester project, he developed an innovative,
collaborative catalog with his classmates. Tom not only headed the project,
he ensured its success by demonstrating leadership abilities that his
classmates both admired and respected. Tom is a take-charge person who is
able to present creative ideas, implement them, successfully work in a team
and as a leader to see the project through completion.
I must also make note of Tom's exceptional academic performance. Out of a
class of 125 students, Tom graduated with honors in the top 10. His
above-average performance is a direct result of his hard work and strong
focus.
If your undergraduate business program is seeking superior candidates with a
record of achievement, Tom is an excellent choice. He has consistently
demonstrated an ability to rise to any challenge that he must face.
To conclude, I would like to restate my strong recommendation for Tom Jones.
If you have any further questions regarding Tom's ability or this
recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information
on this letterhead.
Sincerely,
Prof. Sandra Rusyn
Mike Krause
Senior Manager of Marketing
Honeywell Corporation
I would like to take an opportunity to offer a formal recommendation for
Debra Mills. As the Senior Marketing Manager for Honeywell Corporation, I
have known Debra for approximately three years and feel that she is a
deserving candidate for your business school program.
Debra joined our organization as an entry-level marketing representative.
Demonstrating an incredible initiative and a strong dedication, she moved up
the ranks quickly. After only six months, she was promoted to a senior
marketing analyst position. Debra has successfully developed several
marketing plans for our company that have resulted in increased revenue.
During her tenure, we saw an increase in profits that exceeded quarter
million dollars.
Debra leads by example and many people here find her enthusiasm and
dedication both inspiring and motivating. As part of the marketing team,
Debra has worked hard to build authentic relationships with our clientele.
Her efforts have created a happier and more productive team. Though she was
an asset to our marketing efforts, Debra was also extraordinarily helpful in
other areas of the company. In addition to writing marketing plans and
effective training modules for sales representatives, Debra assumed a
leadership role in sales meetings, inspiring and motivating other employees.
I believe Debra exhibits many of the qualities that are essential to
business managers and business students. An education at your esteemed
business school will help her hone these qualities, while enhancing her
career opportunities. I highly recommend Debra Mills for your program and
hope that you will carefully consider admission application.
Sincerely,
Mike Krause, Senior Marketing Manager, Honeywell Corporation
Resources: Here are specific samples of recommendation letters for scholarships and graduate study -
Writing the Mitchell Scholarship Recommendation
https://nifs.msu.edu/files_
University of Michigan Sample Letters of Recommendation
http://press.umich.edu/pdf/