Sample of a recommendation letter

Ever wanted to write a glowing letter of recommendation but weren't sure what it should look like? Here's a sample.

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

After you've been in the workforce for a few years, don't be surprised if a colleague asks you to write them a letter of recommendation. Not sure what to put in it? This recommendation letter sample can show you what to comment on, how to say it, and what not to say.

It's always a smart idea to offer to write a letter of recommendation for a colleague who you know is well qualified for the job in question. But you don't want to wing it. The process will be made easier if your colleague provides you with a job ad or position they're pursuing so you can customize your recommendation letter to the job itself.

Granted, that's not always the case. Sometimes colleagues just want to have a character reference letter on hand for the moment a job catches their eye and they want to apply. Keep this letter of recommendation template on hand so you're prepared in advance.

Recommendation letter sample

[Date]

Re: Recommendation for Sharon Westman

Dear Hiring Manager:

I was initially impressed with Sharon Westman's enthusiasm, communication skills, and professional demeanor when I hired her four years ago as a customer service rep within JRW Inc.'s call center, and I am delighted to be writing this letter of recommendation.

During the two years Sharon reported to me (I have since moved on to a different department), she consistently demonstrated all of these qualities and more, and I heartily endorse her for any customer service position.

Sharon is reliable, dedicated, and eternally upbeat. Her ability to calm angry or frustrated customers is unparalleled, and it is because of her excellence in this area that I repeatedly asked her to mentor new employees in the call center.

Sharon multitasks effectively and is able to handle a high-volume workload. She consistently met or surpassed all weekly call center metrics (including customer satisfaction, call volume, and response time), and her daily written reports were accurate and thorough.

Of particular value to me as a former call center manager was Sharon's team player mind-set, enthusiastic embrace of change, ability to work with minimal supervision, and unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations. I regularly received unsolicited praise from customers commending Sharon's outstanding level of service, professionalism, and follow-through.

Organized and diligent, Sharon quickly learned technology systems and software that were unfamiliar to her when she first started with JRW, and she also attended optional professional-development seminars offered through the company. She is pursuing an associate's degree in business through evening classes at ABC Community College.

Sharon is a hardworking, top-performing customer service professional. She has my highest recommendation, and I am happy to furnish more details if you would like additional information.

Sincerely,

Carla Pederson
Field Service Manager (former Call Center Manager)
JRW Inc.
(555) 555-5555

A recommendation for your career

This recommendation letter sample is one of those documents that you should hang on to throughout your career because it's pretty inevitable that you'll need to refer to it at least once or twice. Consider it good career karma; after all, you never know when you'll need a letter of recommendation for yourself, and your colleague may be happy to return the favor. Looking for more savvy career advice? Here's a tip: Join Monster for free today. As a member, you'll get useful tips sent directly to your inbox. From interview questions and answers to how to get a promotion, you'll be prepared for each step of your career.