How to Recommend an Employee: A Comprehensive Guide with 11 Actionable Templates

Employee recommendations can make a significant difference. They not only highlight an employee’s skills and experience but also offer a genuine, insightful perspective on their work ethics and team dynamics. A compelling reference can affirm a candidate’s qualifications and demonstrate their potential. They play an important role in employee’s professional development. Moreover, these recommendations paint a clear picture of the candidate’s strengths and areas of improvement, providing a comprehensive understanding beyond what a resume and an interview could provide.

Table of Contents

• 7 tips to remember when writing an employee recommendation letter
• Template 1: Basic Employee Recommendation
• Template 2: Detailed Employee Recommendation
• Template 3: Recommendation for a Specific Position
• Template 4: Recommendation for a Leadership Role
• Template 5: Recommendation for Teamwork Skills
• Template 6: Recommendation for Technical Skills
• Template 7: Recommendation for Performance Under Pressure
• Template 8: Recommendation for Adaptability
• Template 9: Recommendation for Initiative
• Template 10: Recommendation for Creativity
• Template 11: Recommendation for Problem-Solving Skills
• Be specific and authentic

7 tips to remember when writing an employee recommendation letter

Before you start drafting your recommendation email, there are several things you should consider to ensure your message is as effective and helpful as possible. Here are some key factors:

1. Your Relationship with the Employee: Consider the nature of your relationship with the employee. Were you their supervisor, a coworker, or a subordinate? Your perspective will change based on your relationship, and it’s important to clarify this in the recommendation.
   
2. The Employee’s Role and Responsibilities: Reflect on the employee’s role and responsibilities. What were their primary duties? Did they excel in any particular areas? Tailoring your recommendation to the specifics of their role will make it more relevant and compelling.
   
3. Examples of Their Accomplishments: Include specific examples of their accomplishments, as they help to illustrate and support your claims. Its always beneficial if you have measurable performance evaluations handy. It’s one thing to say that an employee is “good at sales”, but stating metrics like, they “increased sales by 20% over six months” is far more impactful.
   
4. The Position They’re Applying For: If you know the position the employee is applying for, you can tailor your recommendation to highlight the skills and qualities most relevant to that role. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to ask the employee for a job description or posting.
   
5. Maintaining Professional Tone and Language: A recommendation letter should be professional in tone, focusing on the employee’s work performance and skills. Keep your language clear, concise, and positive.
   
6. Confidentiality: It’s important to respect the confidentiality of any sensitive company information or any personal information about the employee that isn’t directly relevant to their job performance or qualifications.
   
7. Honesty: Finally, make sure your recommendation is honest and sincere. Exaggerating or misrepresenting the employee’s abilities may harm their chances if they are hired and then unable to meet the expectations you’ve set.

With that covered, let’s dive into these 11 employee recommendation templates we created for different use-cases:

Template 1: Basic Employee Recommendation

This template is suitable for entry-level employees/ new employees who have demonstrated potential.

Subject: Recommendation for [Employee’s Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [position] position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s Name] for the past [number] years at [Your Company], where I served as their [Your Position].

During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s Name] consistently demonstrated [specific skills] and [another specific skill]. They are a highly motivated and results-oriented individual who is always willing to go the extra mile. They are also a team player who is always willing to help out their colleagues.

In addition to their strong technical skills, [Employee’s Name] has excellent communication with relavant stakeholders, and interpersonal skills. They are able to clearly and concisely communicate their ideas and action items, both verbally and in writing. They are also able to build rapport with people from all walks of life.

I have no doubt that [Employee’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. They are a hard worker with a strong work ethic, and they are always willing to learn new things. I highly recommend them for the [position] position.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 2: Detailed Employee Recommendation

This template delves deeper into the employee performance, their accomplishments and qualities.

Subject: Recommendation for [Employee’s Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [position] position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with [Employee’s Name] for the past [number] years at [Your Company name], where I served as their [Your Position].

During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s Name] consistently demonstrated a high level of proficiency in [specific skills], such as [list of specific skills]. They are also a highly motivated and results-oriented individual who is always willing to go the extra mile to achieve the deliverables. For example, [Employee’s Name] was instrumental in leading the team that developed the new [product or service], which was a major success for the company.

In addition to their strong technical skills, [Employee’s Name] has excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They are able to clearly and concisely communicate their ideas, both verbally and in writing. They are also able to build rapport with people from all walks of life. For example, [Employee’s Name] was able to successfully negotiate a complex contract with a major client.

I have no doubt that [Employee’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. They are a hard worker with a strong work ethic, and they are always willing to learn new things. I highly recommend them for the new role as [position] .

Here are some specific actions/examples of [Employee’s Name]’s accomplishments and qualities:

– Led the team that developed the new [product or service], which was a major success for the company.
– Successfully negotiated a complex contract with a major client.
– Consistently met or exceeded all performance goals with proper action plans.
– Received numerous awards for outstanding performance and competency.
– Is highly respected by colleagues and clients.

I am confident that [Employee’s Name] would be a great addition to your team. They are a talented, smart and dedicated individual who is always willing to go the extra mile. I highly recommend them for the [position] position.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Recommendation for a Specific Position

This employee reference template allows you to customize the recommendation for a specific role.

Subject: Endorsement of [Employee’s Name] for the Role of [Job Title]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my enthusiastic endorsement of [Employee’s Name] for the role of [Job Title] within your esteemed organization. In my capacity as [Your Position] at [Your Company], I had the pleasure of observing their impressive skill set and unyielding dedication to their work.

During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s Name] consistently showcased exceptional proficiency in their role, exhibiting attributes that I believe would make them an outstanding [Job Title]. Notably, their involvement in [mention specific project or achievement] stands as a testament to their capabilities.

This particular project required [briefly describe the skills, qualities, or requirements of the project], all of which [Employee’s Name] managed with extraordinary proficiency and grace. They smoothly carried out regular check-ins and followups with other teammates as well for a seamless completion. heir contribution significantly [explain the impact of their work on the project], paving the way for [mention the project’s success or the success of the team or company].

Based on my experience working with [Employee’s Name] and witnessing their professional growth and commitment firsthand and in-person, I am confident they would be an invaluable addition to your team in the [Job Title] role.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. If you require any further information or insights, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

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Template 4: Recommendation for a Leadership Role

This template is perfect when recommending someone for a leadership role.

Subject: Recommendation for [Employee’s Name] for Leadership Role

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to provide my heartfelt endorsement for [Employee’s Name] for the leadership position within your esteemed organization. As [Your Position] at [Your Company], I had the distinct privilege of witnessing [Employee’s Name] display not only outstanding leadership skills but also a deep and genuine commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment.

In their role at [Your Company], [Employee’s Name] consistently showcased remarkable leadership abilities. They effectively balanced a vision for the team, short-term and long term goals with the operational aspects of management. Their prowess in [mention specific skills] significantly elevated our team’s performance and morale. Moreover, their exceptional ability to [mention specific achievements or skills] was instrumental in driving our team to new heights of success.

One notable instance that stands out is when [Employee’s Name] [describe a specific situation or project where they demonstrated their decision making and leadership skills]. This experience highlighted their talent for leadership and left a lasting impact on our team.

They exhibit strong mentoring skills that help subordinates in their career development and also to achieve professional and personal goals with ease.

It’s rare to encounter someone with the leadership acumen of [Employee’s Name]. I am confident that they would bring the same passion, dedication, and innovative thinking to a leadership role within your organization.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. If you need any further information or insights, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Template 5: Recommendation for Teamwork Skills

Use this template when you want to emphasize an employee’s teamwork skills.

Subject: High Praise for [Employee’s Name] and Their Teamwork Skills

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to strongly recommend [Employee’s Name], whose exceptional teamwork skills and collaborative spirit have left a lasting impact on our organization and team.

During their time at [Your Company], [Employee’s Name] consistently demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from various departments and of all levels. Their knack for open communication, proactive problem-solving, and mutual respect helped our team achieve new milestones and fostered a positive, inclusive work environment.

One particularly noteworthy instance of [Employee’s Name]’s team-oriented approach was during [mention a specific instance]. Their role in this project was pivotal to its success. They showcased their ability to [describe what they did], which not only contributed to the project’s success but also elevated the overall performance and spirit of our team.

Based on my firsthand experience working with [Employee’s Name], I am confident that they will prove to be a valuable addition to any team they join. Their unique blend of skills, dedication, and team-first mentality set them apart.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Template 6: Recommendation for Technical Skills

Use this template when you want to emphasize an employee’s specific technical skills.

Subject: Endorsement for [Employee’s Name] and Their Expertise in <Technical Skills>

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Employee’s Name], whose expertise in [mention specific technical skills] significantly sets them apart from their peers.

In my capacity as [Your Position] at [Your Company], I’ve had the privilege to work directly with [Employee’s Name] and witness firsthand their exceptional grasp of [mention specific technical skills]. They not only possess an in-depth understanding of these areas but also the ability to apply this knowledge to achieve practical and impactful results.

One standout example of their technical prowess was during [mention a specific project]. [Employee’s Name] played a pivotal role in this project, utilizing their [mention specific technical skills] to [describe how they applied these skills]. Their contributions were not only integral to the project’s success but also demonstrated their ability to leverage their technical skills to solve complex problems and drive progress.

Based on my experience working with [Employee’s Name], I am confident that they would be a valuable addition to any team requiring advanced technical skills. Their combination of knowledge, practical application, and dedication to their craft make them an exceptional candidate for your consideration.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my recommendation. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

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Template 7: Recommendation for Performance Under Pressure

This template is perfect when recommending someone who performs well under pressure.

Subject: Strong Endorsement for [Employee’s Name] and Their Remarkable Resilience

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I trust this message finds you in good health. It is with great pleasure that I write to endorse [Employee’s Name], whose resilience, efficiency, and determination consistently shine through, even under the most challenging circumstances.

In my role as [Your Position] at [Your Company], I’ve had numerous opportunities to witness [Employee’s Name]’s ability to maintain composure, make sound decisions, and keep their focus on the tasks at hand, regardless of the pressures they faced. This resilience is a testament to their character and work ethic and has consistently proven to be an invaluable asset to our team.

A prime example of their ability to perform under pressure was during [describe a challenging situation]. In this situation, [Employee’s Name] not only managed to [describe what they accomplished], but they also helped to inspire and motivate their colleagues, demonstrating a level of leadership and commitment that went beyond their role’s expectations.

It’s for these reasons that I wholeheartedly recommend [Employee’s Name] for any role that demands resilience and efficiency. Their ability to navigate and thrive in challenging circumstances sets them apart and would undoubtedly prove beneficial to your organization.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. Should you need any further information, please feel free to reach out.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Template 8: Recommendation for Adaptability

If an employee excelled in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment, this template will suit your needs.

Subject: Enthusiastic Endorsement for [Employee’s Name] and Their Remarkable Adaptability

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I trust this email finds you well. I am reaching out to offer my robust recommendation for [Employee’s Name], who has consistently exhibited exceptional adaptability and agility during their tenure at [Your Company].

As [Your Position], I have had the unique opportunity to observe [Employee’s Name]’s professional growth and their extraordinary ability to adapt to new situations, processes, and challenges. Their aptitude for quickly understanding, prioritizing tasks and executing changes has consistently proved instrumental in our fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

A notable example of [Employee’s Name]’s adaptability was during [describe a specific situation]. In the face of these changes, [Employee’s Name] not only swiftly adapted but also took proactive steps to [describe what they did]. Their quick thinking and adaptability under these circumstances greatly contributed to the success of [describe the outcome or achievement].

I am confident that [Employee’s Name]’s strong adaptability skills, combined with their professionalism and dedication, make them a valuable asset for any team or role that requires flexibility and a swift adaptation to change.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my recommendation. Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Template 9: Recommendation for Initiative

This template is ideal for recommending an employee who has shown initiative and drive.

Subject: Wholehearted Endorsement for [Employee’s Name] and Their Proven Initiative

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to offer my enthusiastic recommendation for [Employee’s Name], who has continually demonstrated exceptional initiative and drive during their tenure at [Your Company].

As [Your Position] at [Your Company], I had the privilege of observing [Employee’s Name]’s proactive approach and commitment firsthand. Their willingness to take the lead, anticipate challenges, and seek innovative solutions is unparalleled, making them a standout member of our team.

A notable instance of their initiative was during [describe a specific instance]. [Employee’s Name] was quick to [describe what they did], effectively addressing [describe the issue or challenge] and contributing to the [describe the successful outcome or impact]. They had been instrumental from the starting point – creating a development plan to executing and completing the project with greath enthusiasm. This is just one example among many that showcases [Employee’s Name]’s ability to take initiative and drive projects forward.

Based on my experience working with [Employee’s Name], I am confident they would be a significant asset to any team. Their proactive nature, combined with their ability to take initiative, ensures they continually exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. Should you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

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Template 10: Recommendation for Creativity

Use this template when an employee’s creativity has made a significant impact.

Subject: Enthusiastic Endorsement for [Employee’s Name] and Their Exceptional Creativity

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to express my full endorsement for [Employee’s Name], whose exceptional creativity has consistently added value to our projects and overall work environment at [Your Company].

In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of witnessing [Employee’s Name]’s innovative thinking and creative problem-solving firsthand. They have a unique ability to approach challenges from different perspectives and find original, effective solutions. This creative mindset, paired with their dedication and professionalism, makes them a truly standout team member.

One impressive demonstration of their creativity was during [mention a specific project]. [Employee’s Name] brought forward innovative ideas that [describe how they applied their creativity] leading to [describe the impact]. Their creative input was not only pivotal for the project’s success but also served as an inspiration for their colleagues, fostering a culture of innovation within our team.

I wholeheartedly recommend [Employee’s Name] for any role that can benefit from a creative mind. Their innovative thinking, coupled with their ability to put ideas into action, will undoubtedly make them a valuable addition to your team.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Template 11: Recommendation for Problem-Solving Skills

This template is perfect for recommending someone who has displayed excellent problem-solving skills.

Subject: Strong Endorsement for [Employee’s Name] and Their Outstanding Problem-Solving Skills

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to offer my unequivocal recommendation for [Employee’s Name], who has consistently demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills and a unique approach to tackling challenges during their tenure at [Your Company].

As [Your Position] at [Your Company], I had the privilege of witnessing [Employee’s Name]’s ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, and develop effective solutions. Their strategic thinking, combined with their diligence and persistence, often resulted in positive outcomes that surpassed our expectations.

A prime example of their problem-solving skills was during [describe a challenging situation]. Confronted with this challenge, [Employee’s Name] showcased their adept problem-solving skills by [describe what they did], which resulted in [describe the outcome]. This situation was just one among many that attest to [Employee’s Name]’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Based on my experience working with [Employee’s Name], I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to any team that values strategic and effective problem-solving. Their aptitude for quickly understanding problems, developing solutions, and leading their implementation sets them apart in their field.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. Should you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best Regards,
[Your Name]

Be specific and authentic

Recommendations are instrumental in showcasing an employee’s skills, work ethic, and overall character to prospective employers or institutions. Crafting an effective recommendation requires a deep understanding of the individual’s strengths and notable accomplishments, and the ability to articulate these in a compelling manner.

Remember, the value of a recommendation lies in its authenticity and specificity. Therefore, whether you’re recommending someone for their technical skills, leadership abilities, creativity, or problem-solving prowess, make sure your endorsement truly reflects their contributions and capabilities.

If you are an employer, a manager or even a fellow employee in a business, your employee/teammates might ask you for a recommendation. That’s where creating templates become handy. If you have these recommendation templates stored in your inbox, it becomes easy to customize accordingly. 

Hiver lets you create customized emails and save them as templates with just one click. You can organize different email templates into folders and easily use them. 

If this sounds interesting, sign up for a free trial.