problem solving skills reference letter

Work in Production Blog

How to write about “problem solving” in your cover letter.

“Problem solving” comes up a lot in job listings. When it does, it is useful to give some examples of your ability in your cover letter. Indeed, recently I’ve seen this come up as a requirement in job listings.

Like every other qualification, it is useless to simply assert that you have an ability or experience. You have to prove it through referencing your work experience. Here is a template for writing the story about “problem solving.”

• Outline a problem that came up at work
• Explain what disaster could have happened, or was happening, if it were not resolved
• Elucidate what you did to solve the problem
• Describe the good result that happened
• Express the excellent wider consequences

“ I’m good at solving problems [an adverb or descriptor from the listing like “quickly” or “innovatively” or “on the fly”], like the time when [something went wrong] at [your recent job]. This meant that [some horrible thing could happen or had happened] which we wanted to avoid. I realized that I should [do this, then that]. That meant that [immediate positive outcome going forward], and [excellent wider consequence such as work continued safely, money or time was saved, the client was very pleased and came back with repeat business.]”

One of the tricks here is to not say “the problem was avoided” as the good result or positive consequence. Just saying something like that doesn’t give as good an impression. It could show you as someone who is problem-focused and stuck in negative language and thinking. It may take a few minutes to find a way to express what did happen , rather than what did not , but it will strengthen you cover letter enormously.

The template also works when the problem you solved was some kind of chronic or ongoing issue, rather than an emergency.

“ At [my old job] we had an ongoing issue with [describe the problem]. This meant that every time [something happened] we had [this next thing happen.] This was costly [in some specific way – time, expenses, customer satisfaction, high churn]. I proposed that we [implement or institute this new procedure]. We were able to save [this is a good place to insert a metric – hours, dollars, %’age increase in sales]. It meant that the staff were much happier and able to focus on [some good thing instead of the problem, like delivering client services.]”

This step-by-step method is also a great way to approach this kind of question in an interview, especially if the interviewer asks you to describe your strengths. Have a couple of these stories, that reference the kind of problem that can come up at the prospective job, that you have practiced saying aloud.

The flip side of this skill is planning abilities. Remember the adage, “ If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. ” I like to start any problem-solving description with the phrase, “ I find that attention to planning helps avoid many problems, but they still can happen. I’m good at solving problems “…..and so on.

You can learn more about writing cover letters and expressing your skills in terms of a narrative in my book, “ Work In Production Part Two: How to write a killer cover letter the UPM will actually want to read. “

Share this:

26 Expert-Backed Problem Solving Examples – Interview Answers

Published: February 13, 2023

Interview Questions and Answers

Actionable advice from real experts:

Biron Clark

Former Recruiter

Contributor

Dr. Kyle Elliott

Career Coach

Hayley Jukes

Editor-in-Chief

Biron Clark , Former Recruiter

Kyle Elliott , Career Coach

Hayley Jukes , Editor

As a recruiter , I know employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure.

 A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers are more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical.

But how do they measure this?

Hiring managers will ask you interview questions about your problem-solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem-solving on your resume and cover letter. 

In this article, I’m going to share a list of problem-solving examples and sample interview answers to questions like, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?” and “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem without managerial input. How did you handle it, and what was the result?”

• Problem-solving involves identifying, prioritizing, analyzing, and solving problems using a variety of skills like critical thinking, creativity, decision making, and communication.
• Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result ( STAR method ) when discussing your problem-solving experiences.
• Tailor your interview answer with the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
• Provide numerical data or metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your problem-solving efforts.

What are Problem Solving Skills? 

Problem-solving is the ability to identify a problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving encompasses other skills that can be showcased in an interview response and your resume. Problem-solving skills examples include:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Decision making
• Research skills
• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Why is Problem Solving Important in the Workplace?

Problem-solving is essential in the workplace because it directly impacts productivity and efficiency. Whenever you encounter a problem, tackling it head-on prevents minor issues from escalating into bigger ones that could disrupt the entire workflow. 

Beyond maintaining smooth operations, your ability to solve problems fosters innovation. It encourages you to think creatively, finding better ways to achieve goals, which keeps the business competitive and pushes the boundaries of what you can achieve. 

Effective problem-solving also contributes to a healthier work environment; it reduces stress by providing clear strategies for overcoming obstacles and builds confidence within teams. 

Examples of Problem-Solving in the Workplace

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem-Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry-Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

How To Answer “Tell Us About a Problem You Solved”

When you answer interview questions about problem-solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mentions problem-solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. 

Start by briefly describing the general situation and the task at hand. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact. Finally, describe the positive result you achieved.

Note: Our sample answers below are structured following the STAR formula. Be sure to check them out!

EXPERT ADVICE

Dr. Kyle Elliott , MPA, CHES Tech & Interview Career Coach caffeinatedkyle.com

How can I communicate complex problem-solving experiences clearly and succinctly?

Before answering any interview question, it’s important to understand why the interviewer is asking the question in the first place.

When it comes to questions about your complex problem-solving experiences, for example, the interviewer likely wants to know about your leadership acumen, collaboration abilities, and communication skills, not the problem itself.

Therefore, your answer should be focused on highlighting how you excelled in each of these areas, not diving into the weeds of the problem itself, which is a common mistake less-experienced interviewees often make.

Tailoring Your Answer Based on the Skills Mentioned in the Job Description

As a recruiter, one of the top tips I can give you when responding to the prompt “Tell us about a problem you solved,” is to tailor your answer to the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description. 

Once you’ve pinpointed the skills and key competencies the employer is seeking, craft your response to highlight experiences where you successfully utilized or developed those particular abilities. 

For instance, if the job requires strong leadership skills, focus on a problem-solving scenario where you took charge and effectively guided a team toward resolution. 

By aligning your answer with the desired skills outlined in the job description, you demonstrate your suitability for the role and show the employer that you understand their needs.

Amanda Augustine expands on this by saying:

“Showcase the specific skills you used to solve the problem. Did it require critical thinking, analytical abilities, or strong collaboration? Highlight the relevant skills the employer is seeking.”  

Interview Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Solved a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem,” since you’re likely to hear different versions of this interview question in all sorts of industries.

The example interview responses are structured using the STAR method and are categorized into the top 5 key problem-solving skills recruiters look for in a candidate.

1. Analytical Thinking

Situation: In my previous role as a data analyst , our team encountered a significant drop in website traffic.

Task: I was tasked with identifying the root cause of the decrease.

Action: I conducted a thorough analysis of website metrics, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Through my analysis, I discovered a technical issue with our website’s loading speed, causing users to bounce. 

Result: By optimizing server response time, compressing images, and minimizing redirects, we saw a 20% increase in traffic within two weeks.

2. Critical Thinking

Situation: During a project deadline crunch, our team encountered a major technical issue that threatened to derail our progress.

Task: My task was to assess the situation and devise a solution quickly.

Action: I immediately convened a meeting with the team to brainstorm potential solutions. Instead of panicking, I encouraged everyone to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches. We analyzed the problem from different angles and weighed the pros and cons of each solution.

Result: By devising a workaround solution, we were able to meet the project deadline, avoiding potential delays that could have cost the company $100,000 in penalties for missing contractual obligations.

3. Decision Making

Situation: As a project manager , I was faced with a dilemma when two key team members had conflicting opinions on the project direction.

Task: My task was to make a decisive choice that would align with the project goals and maintain team cohesion.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives in detail. I listened actively, asked probing questions, and encouraged open dialogue. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each approach, I made a decision that incorporated elements from both viewpoints.

Result: The decision I made not only resolved the immediate conflict but also led to a stronger sense of collaboration within the team. By valuing input from all team members and making a well-informed decision, we were able to achieve our project objectives efficiently.

4. Communication (Teamwork)

Situation: During a cross-functional project, miscommunication between departments was causing delays and misunderstandings.

Task: My task was to improve communication channels and foster better teamwork among team members.

Action: I initiated regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure that everyone was on the same page regarding project goals and timelines. I also implemented a centralized communication platform where team members could share updates, ask questions, and collaborate more effectively.

Result: Streamlining workflows and improving communication channels led to a 30% reduction in project completion time, saving the company $25,000 in operational costs.

5. Persistence 

Situation: During a challenging sales quarter, I encountered numerous rejections and setbacks while trying to close a major client deal.

Task: My task was to persistently pursue the client and overcome obstacles to secure the deal.

Action: I maintained regular communication with the client, addressing their concerns and demonstrating the value proposition of our product. Despite facing multiple rejections, I remained persistent and resilient, adjusting my approach based on feedback and market dynamics.

Result: After months of perseverance, I successfully closed the deal with the client. By closing the major client deal, I exceeded quarterly sales targets by 25%, resulting in a revenue increase of $250,000 for the company.

Tips to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Throughout your career, being able to showcase and effectively communicate your problem-solving skills gives you more leverage in achieving better jobs and earning more money .

So to improve your problem-solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting.

 When discussing problem-solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Don’t just say you’re good at solving problems. Show it with specifics. How much did you boost efficiency? Did you save the company money? Adding numbers can really make your achievements stand out.

To get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Think about how you can improve researching and analyzing a situation, how you can get better at communicating, and deciding on the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem-solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem-solving ability.

More Interview Resources

• 3 Answers to “How Do You Handle Stress?”
• How to Answer “How Do You Handle Conflict?” (Interview Question)
• Sample Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

About the Author

Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions. Follow on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Read more articles by Biron Clark

About the Contributor

Kyle Elliott , career coach and mental health advocate, transforms his side hustle into a notable practice, aiding Silicon Valley professionals in maximizing potential. Follow Kyle on LinkedIn .

About the Editor

Hayley Jukes is the Editor-in-Chief at CareerSidekick with five years of experience creating engaging articles, books, and transcripts for diverse platforms and audiences.

Continue Reading

12 Expert-Approved Responses to ‘What Makes You Unique?’ in Job Interviews

15 most common pharmacist interview questions and answers, 15 most common paralegal interview questions and answers, top 30+ funny interview questions and answers, 60 hardest interview questions and answers, 100+ best ice breaker questions to ask candidates, top 20 situational interview questions (& sample answers), 15 most common physical therapist interview questions and answers.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

How to write a letter of recommendation (with examples)

Jump to section

What’s a letter of recommendation?

Format of a letter of recommendation, tips for writing a letter of recommendation, letter of recommendation examples, how to write a letter of recommendation for a friend, start writing.

Sometimes, a former colleague pops up in your inbox to ask you for a favor. This time, it’s a letter of recommendation. If you loved working with this coworker, you’d jump at the opportunity to help them out.

There’s only one problem: you’ve never written a letter like that before. You don’t even know where to begin — it’s time to learn how to write a letter of recommendation.

Writing an effective letter of recommendation takes time, thoughtfulness, and insight into the person’s background and character. 

If you’re willing to write a letter for this person, you’re likely overflowing with praise for them. But how do you balance your high regard with professionalism? This article discusses what a letter of recommendation is and how to write an effective one. It also includes valuable examples to get you started.

A letter of recommendation highlights a person’s skills, knowledge, and experience to bolster an application. Someone who knows a candidate writes one of these letters to vouch for them, expressing why they’re the best person for the opportunity.

A professional letter of recommendation is usually addressed to a hiring manager, admissions committee, or potential employer. You might also need to write one for someone applying for any of the following:

A new home or apartment 

Scholarships, grants, or awards

A new job 

Fellowship programs 

Graduate or professional school programs

As the letter writer, your communication skills are tested since you’re responsible for painting a positive picture of this person. Someone you once managed might be changing careers ; they need you to highlight their transferable skills .

Your letter could include positive comments about how they have strong public speaking skills and experience juggling multiple deadlines simultaneously.

Research has shown that people referred for a job are 4x more likely to be offered it than those without a referral. While a recommendation isn’t necessarily an internal referral, these letters show that someone credible vouches for the letter’s subject to have this position. A good letter of recommendation can make or break an application.

Letter of recommendation versus letter of reference

Let’s not confuse a letter of recommendation for a reference letter. While a letter of recommendation focuses on skills, knowledge, and experience, a reference letter describes a person’s character. It’s when you describe their work ethic and personal qualities. Both letters require specific examples and details, but they address different aspects of a person.

A reference letter:

Used for generic reasons 

Doesn’t have to be for professional reasons

Provides an overview of a person’s character and qualities

A letter of recommendation:

Used for specific positions or opportunities

Includes details and examples

Written by someone in an authoritative position, like a former manager or professor

You could be a little rusty when it comes to formatting a letter — or maybe this is completely new to you. One CBS poll found that 37% of Americans said it's been over five years since they've written a personal letter , and 15% had never done it at all. Don't fret if you relate. It’s never too late to learn a new skill.

Writing a letter of recommendation requires you to flex your organizational skills . If that’s something you struggle with, you might benefit from a letter of recommendation template. We've got you covered. 

Here are five sections you should include in your letter:

Greetings: Keep this section short and sweet. This is where you address the recipient of the letter. Make sure you know how to spell their name and title properly, or write a general greeting like "To whom it may concern" or “Dear [University Name] admission committee.”

Introduction: In your introduction, explain who you are, your relationship to the candidate, and why you recommend them for the opportunity. Consider briefly explaining why you're writing this letter and hint at what you'll discuss further down.

Body of the letter: This section contains the most important information. It'll include an overview of the person's past experiences, skills, and industry knowledge. Make sure to share short personal anecdotes with details that illustrate their abilities. For instance, you might describe the person's communication skills by using an example of when they were part of a large research project you worked on together and had to communicate effectively with team members. 

Closing statement: A good letter needs a solid closing statement. It's your chance to summarize your points and highlight why you're giving this person a strong recommendation. Be succinct and thorough, but avoid repeating details.

Your signature: It's time to finish your letter. Add your signature and contact information at the very end to signal it's over.

Understanding how to structure your letter will help organize the writing process. Make sure you’re thoughtful with your words and pay attention to the details .

Here are five tips to consider when writing a letter of recommendation:

Collect all the necessary information before you begin writing

Keep a positive voice, but avoid clichés 

Tailor your tone to the situation 

Focus on highlighting the most important details

Proofread your letter several times

The things you include in a letter for someone hoping to gain admission into graduate school differ from someone trying to secure a job offer. Each letter follows the same format, but the details are different.

You may find that getting the first few words down is the hardest, and that's understandable. But once you start your introduction, the rest of the letter will follow suit.

Here are three examples of how to start letters of recommendation for different scenarios, plus a few things to keep in mind for the rest of the letter:

1. Recommendation letter for a job

It's my pleasure to recommend [Person's name] for the Data Scientist role at X Company. I was [Person's name] supervisor from 2011-2021 and valued their deep knowledge of software programs, time management skills, and prior experience.

Above all, their innovative problem-solving techniques helped our team excel on projects. I've watched their skills grow immensely and think they'd be an ideal candidate for the job.

Next, share detailed examples of the person's problem-solving techniques and expand on how much they've grown throughout the years. Finish the letter by telling this employer how lucky their company would be to have this candidate based on your examples and their skills. 

2. Recommendation letter for graduate school

I highly recommend [Person's name] for admission to the [program] at X University. I am a psychology professor at Y University and had the pleasure of teaching [Person's name] in [course code] during their bachelor's degree in nutrition.

[Person's name] stood out from the other students because of their ability to research topics with exceptional depth and use feedback to strengthen their knowledge on how best to present nutritional studies. They thrive in collaborative environments because of their superb teamwork skills and communicate effectively with peers and colleagues.

Consider finishing the letter by expanding on the candidate's research topics and explaining some of the reasons why they have good teamwork and communication skills. It will help to know more about the program they’re applying to and which strengths to emphasize.

Each admissions committee will have different criteria, so tailor your examples to reflect the skills they’ll need to succeed. 

3. Recommendation letter for a scholarship

I highly recommend choosing [Person's name] for your annual marketing scholarship. I'm a former coworker of [Person's name] from 2015-2022 and saw firsthand how skilled they execute marketing strategies and intuitively understand data to predict future trends.

[Person's name] started as an intern and has since secured a full-time paid position. In their time at X Company, they demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a high level of professionalism, which is why they'd be an ideal candidate for your scholarship. They would represent your scholarship and their school with dignity and integrity. 

The body of your letter should include references to specific projects the person worked on and how they’ve become a great leader in the workplace to show the selection committee why they best meet the scholarship’s criteria.

If a friend has asked you to write them a personal letter of recommendation, it won’t be as professional in tone as a letter a former employee or manager requests. It will act more like a reference letter by leaning on their character while highlighting strengths and accomplishments.

Here are a few things to consider when writing a letter of recommendation for a friend:

Ask for details: It would be tough to provide specific examples without details about what you’re recommending them for. Asking your friend for details on where they’re applying will help you structure your letter and pack it with the most valuable information.

Explain your relationship: This doesn’t have to be long but describe how you know the person. Explain if you have a professional working relationship or if you’ve known each other since childhood. This gives you credibility as a letter writer. 

Share your contact information: Include ways for people to contact you for a potential follow-up. Consider using your work email address or LinkedIn profile.

You could encounter a situation where you don’t want to write a letter of recommendation for a friend. Whatever your reason is, don’t feel pressured to write a letter. Learning how to say “no” helps you solidify your boundaries and honor your values.

Learning how to write a letter of recommendation tests your organizational and communication skills. You need to be precise and articulate with your praise — and that’s not easy, especially if you’ve never written a letter of recommendation before.

These letters are for various purposes, like landing a job, getting into a school, or signing a lease agreement. No matter the purpose, these letters should meet the same guidelines. You’ll always benefit from being detailed, asking the person questions for greater clarity about the application, and including all necessary sections. 

Remember that writing a letter of recommendation requires your authentic self . You have to be honest with your recommendation and reasons for offering it. After you’ve written it, be proud of yourself. You’ve taken the time to do something kind for someone else, and kindness never goes out of style.

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Maggie Wooll, MBA

Maggie Wooll is a researcher, author, and speaker focused on the evolving future of work. Formerly the lead researcher at the Deloitte Center for the Edge, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Maggie is passionate about creating better work and greater opportunities for all.

Writing a resignation letter that’s effective and professional

How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure, 3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, spread the gratitude: how to thank your team with a letter, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, how to quit a part-time job: 5 tips to leave on good terms, similar articles, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, marriage wishes: how to write words that are meaningful, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, beyond happiness: learn how to be content with life, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume or Cover Letter

You hear it all the time, how highlighting problem-solving skills on a resume or cover letter is more important than throwing together a shopping list of the tasks you performed at your previous job(s). But you may be wondering which way is best when it comes to highlighting these problem-solving skills.

Examples of Problem-Solving Skills

First and foremost, in order to be able to highlight problem-solving skills on your resume or cover letter, you have to be able to identify them. In fact, you may have more problem-solving skills than you give yourself credit for. Here are some examples of some of the more common problem-solving skills that candidates tend to list in their resumes and cover letters:

• Research Skills – In order to fix a problem, you have to be able to understand it. And sometimes understanding a problem requires you to go deeper, to research and discover its root cause, before you can figure out how to fix it.
• Communication Skills – Communication is important at every level, from informing others that a problem exists in the first place to brainstorming ways to resolve it.
• Analytical Skills – Sharpened analytical skills can help you discover and understand a problem, as well as come up with ways to research and, ultimately, solve the problem.
• Dependability – It may not seem like a problem-solving skill, but dependability is crucial in that employers can depend on you to solve problems in a timely fashion. This is an invaluable skill in that it can save your employer time, money, and other finite resources.

Customization is Key

It’s a lot of work, yes, but it’s important. You should tailor your resume and cover letter to each individual job you apply to. In other words, you should consider the job you’re applying to, and compare the skills they’re asking for with the skills highlighted on your resume and cover letter . Do they match?

If there are skills that you have and that the job requires, but you have not listed them on your resume, then now’s the time to do so. You want to show the company that you are the best candidate for the job because you have performed and accomplished everything they’re looking for in an employee. If this causes your resume to be longer than it should be, then you should weigh which skills you could do without in favor of highlighting the more important ones.

Be Short and Sweet

In most situations, hiring managers don’t have the time, nor the desire, to sit and read a lengthy cover letter. If you ramble on for too long, you practically guarantee your application will end up in the “outbox” (garbage can). You want to strike that delicate balance between telling the hiring manager enough about yourself to strike up interest, and keeping your cover letter short and sweet so as not to drone on and lose the person.

The best way to sum up your problem-solving skills in a cover letter is to, in one paragraph:

• Briefly explain a work problem that either happened or could have happened, and whether it was resolved.
• Elaborate, briefly, on your role in the situation and what you did to solve the problem.
• Describe the positive result of your actions, and whether there were any positive, long-term effects.

You should be able to cover all these points in one paragraph. You should be able to flesh out the first bullet point in one or two sentences, and the remainder in a sentence each.

Cater to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

In today’s world, the odds of an actual human being reading your job application are less than they were ten years ago. This is largely due to the introduction of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan a candidate’s application, looking for certain keywords . If those keywords aren’t there, then the system rejects the application.

Therefore, the best way to ensure that your application receives a phone call back is to try as best you can to match the problem-solving skills in your resume and cover letter to the exact qualifications listed within the job posting. The more your skills match what the company is looking for, the more likely you are to receive a phone call for an interview, rather than a bot-issued rejection.

If, for example, you’re looking for a secretarial job , you may see “time management” listed among a job posting’s required skills. You should therefore include the keyword “time management” in your resume and briefly describe your experience with that skill.

Share This Post :

Kailyn Champlin

Employer quick links.

Stay Connected

• SimplyHired Blog
• Salary Estimator
• Post Jobs Free
• Resume Builder
• All Salaries
• All Companies
• Cover Letters

Take your job search where you go

copyright SimplyHired ©2020 Privacy Policy | Privacy Center | Terms | Do Not Sell My Personal Information

How to List Problem-Solving Skills on a Resume [List Included]

Problem-solving skills are more in-demand than ever. 

Employers love candidates with problem-solving skills because, in 99% of cases, they guarantee you're also logical, creative, clear-headed, and a great decision-maker. 

But claiming you have organizational skills on your resume is not enough. 

To impress recruiters, you've got to prove that you possess them. 

This includes understanding which problem-solving skills you possess and adding them to your resume (the right way), among other things.

This is where this article comes in! We put together everything you need to know about problem-solving skills, including: 

• 8 Essential Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume

How to Add Problem-Solving Skills to Your Resume

• Why Are Problem-Solving Skills Important
• 6 Problem-Solving Steps

Let's dive right in! 

8 Problem-Solving Skills for Your Resume

Research shows that problem-solving skills consist of several facets : 

• Identifying and analyzing a problem
• Taking effective actions
• Understanding the effect of the decisions
• Coming up with creative and novel solutions
• Transferring knowledge from one situation to another
• Thinking abstractly about problems

As such, there is no single problem-solving skill. Problem-solving includes a set of skills, all of which are equally important in helping your personal and professional life. 

Below, we’ll cover the eight most important problem-solving skills that you can also list on your resume to impress recruiters: 

#1. Research skills

To properly identify and understand a problem, you need excellent research skills. 

Research skills involve being able to gather information from the right sources, reviewing that information in detail to extract the data you need, analyzing the data according to the context, and being able to apply the data to your situation. 

#2. Analytical skills

Analytical skills are required throughout the entire process of solving a problem. 

In a nutshell, analytical skills refer to being able to analyze a situation in depth and from different perspectives . Specifically, you need analytical skills to achieve all of the following while solving a problem:

• Detect patterns
• Interpret data
• Analyze new information
• Reach conclusions based on several factors

#3. Creativity

Being creative means being able to think outside of the box and look at situations and problems inventively. 

For most people, creativity is mainly associated with creative industries such as arts and crafts, architecture, design, etc. 

In reality, however, creativity is an essential success factor for every job and the data is here to support that. According to this Adobe study , problem-solving (51%) and creativity (47%) have gained the most value in driving salary increases in the last five years. 

When it comes to the process of solving a problem, creativity can help you consider more perspectives, think abstractly about problems, and come up with novel solutions that others haven’t thought of before.

#4. Critical thinking skills

Being able to think critically means that you’re good at rationalizing, understanding the connections between ideas or situations, and logically analyzing any given situation. 

As such, strong critical thinking skills can help you see beyond what’s at face value, make more informed decisions, and anticipate the outcomes of said decisions. 

People who have critical thinking skills share traits such as open-mindedness , cognitive flexibility , skepticism , clarity , and precision . 

#5. Decision-making skills

Before coming up with a single action plan to solve a problem, you’ll need to first brainstorm several possible solutions. 

After that, you need good decision-making skills to choose the best possible solution. Without decision-making skills, you risk prolonging finding a proper solution or aggravating a problem even more. 

#6. Communication skills

With strong communication skills , you’re able to successfully explain the problem to others and propose your solutions. In turn, you can be sure that everyone’s on the same page and that you’re carrying out the action plan accordingly. 

Some communication skills required for problem-solving include: 

• Active listening
• Written and verbal communication
• Giving and receiving feedback

#7. Collaboration

Problem-solving is rarely a process you carry out alone. More often than not, you need to consult relevant stakeholders, give and receive feedback, and work with a team towards a common goal (i.e. solving the problem).

Well, collaboration entails exactly that - working well with others, cooperatively addressing problems, and putting a group’s goal ahead of personal goals. 

Some important collaboration skills that help with problem-solving include: 

• Conflict resolution
• Emotional intelligence 

#8. Attention to Detail 

Have you ever heard of the expression “the devil’s in the details?”

It means that something may seem simple on the surface, but in fact, the details make it complicated and are likely to cause problems.

Well, if you’re someone who shows great attention to detail, you’re not likely to let details keep you from solving a problem effectively. 

Not to mention, being able to spot and understand even the smallest details that make up a problem means you’ll be able to grasp the issue in its entire complexity and come up with even more inventive and workable solutions. 

Now that we covered the most important problem-solving skills, we’ll show you how to add them to your resume so that you can stand out from other candidates. 

Let us walk you through the process, step-by-step: 

#1. Mention Your Problem-Solving Skills on Your Resume Summary

The resume summary is a three or four-sentence paragraph positioned at the top of your resume that includes: 

• Your profession and years of experience 
• Your top skills (i.e. hard skills or soft skills)
• One or two noteworthy achievements 

The goal of the resume summary is to catch the hiring manager’s attention, show them you’re a relevant candidate and get them to go through the rest of your resume in detail. 

As such, it’s your first chance to highlight your problem-solving skills effectively. You can either do that by mentioning them among your top skills or by mentioning an achievement that proves you possess a given skill.

In the best-case scenario, you can even do both. 

Here is an example of how you can include problem-solving skills in your resume summary: 

• Behavioral psychologist with 7+ years of experience in the field. Great research, analytical, and communication skills. Over the last eight years, I’ve worked closely with more than 100 patients with different behavioral disorders, helping them improve their personal and professional lives through different treatment methods. 

#2. Add the RIGHT Problem-Solving Skills Under Your Soft Skills

Secondly, you should list your problem-solving skills under your resume’s soft skills section . 

The listing part is pretty easy - simply create a section titled Skills and write down your problem-solving skills.

There is, however, one caveat: 

You don’t want to overkill your skills section by listing every problem-solving skill we covered in this article.

Not only will the hiring manager have trouble believing you possess each and every skill, but there’s also a high chance you don’t even need all those skills to begin with. 

To make your skills section as relevant as possile, do the following: 

• Check the job description. The job description can show you exactly what skills you need for the job. If you’re applying for, say, a software engineering position, you’ll probably be required to have the following problem-solving skills: analytical skills, creativity, attention to detail, and cognitive flexibility. 
• Identify the skills you possess. Think about which skills you can back up with actual experience from your previous jobs. Only list problem-solving skills that you actually possess and that you can prove you possess on your resume. 
• Add those skills under your soft skills. Then, add the problem-solving skills that you have and that are required in the job under your resume’s “Soft Skills” section. 

#3. Prove Your Problem-Solving Skills In Your Work Experience Section

Finally, you should use the work experience section to prove that you’ve got the problem-solving skills you’ve mentioned throughout your resume. 

Anyone can just claim that they’ve got problem-solving skills on their resume - not everyone can back them up with experience.

Here’s what you can do to convey that you possess problem-solving skills and also make your work experience section as impactful as possible: 

• Tailor your work experience to the job. Only add past jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying for now. If you’re applying for, say, a software engineering position, the hiring manager will be interested in your previous jobs in the field, but probably not too interested in the time you worked as a server at a restaurant. 
• Focus on your achievements instead of your responsibilities. More often than not, hiring managers know exactly what your responsibilities consisted of in previous jobs. What they want to know is how you made a positive impact with your achievements. 
• Make your achievements quantifiable. Speaking of achievements, you want to make them as quantifiable as possible. After all “treated ten patients in the course of a year using positive reinforcement” sounds much better than “treated ten patients.”
• Use the Laszlo Bock formula . If you’re having trouble phrasing your achievements, the following formula will probably be of help: “Accomplished X as measured by Y doing X.” 
• Leverage action verbs and keywords. There are hundreds of words and verbs you can use instead of “did,” “accomplished,” etc. The more descriptive you are of your achievements, the more impressive they can sound.

And here’s an example of a project manager describing their problem-solving skills in their work experience section:

• Fixed company communication issues by implementing a new project management solution. 
• Improved team productivity by implementing time-tracking software and doing daily stand-up calls.
• Managed to meet all client deliverable deadlines in 2022.

Why Are Problem-Solving Skills Important?

Are you wondering what exactly is it that makes problem-solving skills so important? 

After all, there are hundreds of soft skills out there that you can master, improve, or learn how to add to your resume. So it’s normal to wonder “why should I focus on problem-solving?” 

Here is why problem-solving skills matter:

• They can improve your employability. Problem-solving skills are among the most important skills to employers across a range of occupations. In short, employers are always looking for proactive thinkers who can address professional challenges.
• They can help you grow in your career more easily. You’ll be more likely to get promoted if you can come up with creative solutions to the different problems that you’ll face throughout your career.
• They can become an essential part of your personal brand . Your current employer, coworkers, and future employers alike will see you as someone creative, reliable, and helpful.
• They are related to a range of other valuable skills. When you prove you’re a problem solver, you’re effectively saying you’re attentive to detail, logical, creative, analytical, curious, and other things employers are looking for in their employees.

10 Jobs That Require Problem-Solving Skills

As we’ve already mentioned, problem-solving skills come in handy for practically every job. 

Whether you’re a teacher who needs to solve a dispute between peers in your class or a customer representative who needs to help a client, knowing how to go about solving issues is definitely an asset. 

That said, some jobs are all about solving problems. In such cases, problem-solving skills are not just a nice addition to have on your resume - they’re crucial to getting hired. 

Here are the top 10 jobs requiring problem-solving skills in 2024: 

• Software engineer
• Air-traffic controller
• Police officer
• Social worker
• Psychologist
• UX designer

35 Action Verbs You Can Use to Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills

The language you use to describe your problem-solving skills matters.  

Sure, you can use “ solved” to describe how you dealt with a problem throughout your entire resume and risk coming off as repetitive and unimaginative. 

Or , you can use any of the following action verbs and keywords and make your problem-solving skills pop out in the eyes of recruiters: 

• Calculate  
• Critically think 
• Draw conclusions
• Experiment 
• Listen/Listen actively 

The Problem-Solving Process in 6 Steps

Problem-solving is a methodical process. It consists of certain steps that you always need to take if you want to find a good solution. 

The more you understand and practice this process, the better you can get at solving problems. 

Below, we cover the six main steps of problem-solving in detail:

#1. Identify the problem 

The first step to solving a problem is identifying exactly what’s causing it. 

After all, if you’re not focusing on the real underlying issue, you might come up with solutions that don’t fit the problem itself. 

Say, for example, that you’re a teacher that’s facing poor class performance. Identifying whether the problem comes from the students’ not studying enough or from your own teaching methods can make a big difference in the solutions you come up with. 

It typically happens that the faster you find the root cause of the problem, the easier it is to find a proper solution. 

#2. Understand the problem

Once you identify the problem, you’ve got to understand it completely. Here are some questions you can ask to make sure you properly understand a problem: 

• What is the scale of the problem? 
• What are its short and long-term effects? 
• Have you faced something like this before?
• Can the problem be solved by dividing it into smaller parts?

The better you understand the problem in its complexity, the more likely you are to come up with effective solutions. 

#3. Research the systems that make up the problem 

In many cases, solving a problem will be a complex undertaking. See, complex problems are often the result of several different underlying systems that you need to understand to find a dynamic solution. 

Let’s take the teacher example from above. 

If a certain student is not doing too well and keeps getting poor grades, you might be tempted to go the easy route and simply chastise them and tell them to study more.

This, in a lot of cases, might simply not work because you’re not addressing the root cause of the problem.

The student might, for example, be burned out , unmotivated by the curriculum, or simply struggling with specific topics.

A problem-solving solution that’s more likely to work would be to talk to the student (or their parents), try to understand the reason for their poor grades, and address the root cause behind the problem itself.

#4. Visualize the problem 

This may not apply to all situations, but it can definitely come in handy for most. 

Drawing a diagram to visualize the situation or your solution to the problem can help you grasp its complexity better - especially if the problem is multi-faceted. Anything from PowerPoint to a piece of white paper can be a good tool to visualize your problem, highlight the problem area, and tackle it more effectively.

#5. Brainstorm solutions 

After you’ve done all the above, it’s time to start thinking about solutions. 

This is another step of the problem-solving process that’s based on collaboration and effective communication. In the brainstorming phase, you should sit with team members or relevant stakeholders and come up with as many creative ideas and solutions as possible. 

This is not where you come up with your most refined, well-thought-out ideas. Instead, it’s where you discuss freely and combine diverse knowledge and analysis of the problem to come up with diverse solutions. 

Brainstorming is an essential part of problem-solving that can help you break out of boring or predictable ideas and thinking patterns. 

#6. Choose the best answer(s)

This is where decision-making skills come in. With a list of different potential solutions, you can narrow down your options to finally choose the best one. 

To reach a solution more easily, take the following into consideration:

• Your company’s/organization’s objectives
• The budget and the timeframe at your disposal
• The success outcomes
• Potential risks linked to the solution 

Finally, discuss your solutions with relevant stakeholders and team members to gather all the possible feedback that can help you make the best possible decision. 

And remember - once you’ve chosen the best possible solution to a problem, your work is far from over. Being a problem solver also includes the following: 

• Develop and implement an action plan
• Monitor the progress of your plan 
• Make necessary adjustments during the process
• Evaluate the outcomes of your solution 

Problem-Solving Skills Resume Example

Want a resume that makes your problem-solving skills pop like the above example? 

Use one of our tried-and-tested resume templates . 

They’re free, modern, and created in collaboration with some of the best HR professionals from around the globe!

Key Takeaways 

And that's a wrap on problem-solving skills. By now, you should know everything there is to know on the topic. 

Before you go, here are the main points we covered in this article: 

• Problem-solving skills are a set of soft skills that help you solve problems effectively. They involve critical thinking, analytical skills, creativity, communication skills, and attention to detail. 
• Problem-solving skills can improve your employability, work performance, and personal brand. 
• Add your problem-solving skills to your resume summary, under the soft skills section, and in your work history section. 
• When you’re creating your work history section, make sure to tailor it to the job, focus on your achievements and make them quantifiable, and use action verbs and keywords from the job description. 
• To get better at solving problems, follow these steps: identify and understand the problem, research the systems that make up the problem, visualize the problem, brainstorm, and choose the best possible solution. 
• Once that’s done, create an action plan and make sure to monitor its progress as you’re implementing it. 

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

A Perfect Letter of Recommendation [8 Templates]

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 5, 2023 — 10 minutes to read

• When to Write a Letter of Recommendation Part 1
• Letter of Recommendation Format Part 2
• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation Part 3
• Letter of Recommendation Templates and Examples Part 4

Part 1 When to Write a Letter of Recommendation

You should write a letter of recommendation when someone you know well asks you to support their application for a job, academic program, or other opportunity. It’s important to only agree to write the letter if you genuinely believe in the person’s abilities and can provide specific examples of their qualifications and experience. Related: The Full Guide to Reference Letters [Best Templates]

Part 2 Letter of Recommendation Format

Format considerations.

When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s essential to choose the right format:

• Start with your contact information, followed by the date, the recipient’s information, and a formal greeting.
• The body of the letter should highlight the person’s skills and achievements.
• Feel free to use examples from their resume or job description for relevance.
• To wrap up, add your signature, printed name, and title.

Make sure your letter of recommendation has a clean and professional look.

Consider formatting options like bullet points to make your point across more effectively. Bold text can be used to emphasize crucial information.

Here’s an example of how to format a letter of recommendation:

Part 3 How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Step 1: introduction and greeting.

Begin your letter with a polite and professional greeting, addressing the recipient by name if possible. If you’re unsure of the recipient’s name, consider using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Related: How to Start a Letter (and Mistakes to Avoid)

Step 2: Overview of Relationship and Qualifications

In the first paragraph, briefly explain your relationship with the person you’re recommending. Include information such as how long you’ve known them, in what capacity, and any relevant qualifications that make you an appropriate reference.

Step 3: Highlighting Skills and Accomplishments

Outline the person’s most relevant skills and accomplishments, demonstrating how they have excelled in their role or contributed to the success of your team. Be specific and provide examples, focusing on their most notable achievements within the context of the position they’re applying for.

Step 4: Personal Anecdote and Testimonial

Try to share a personal anecdote or testimonial that demonstrates the person’s character and emphasizes their professionalism. This personal touch can provide a more in-depth understanding of the applicant’s personality and work ethic.

Step 5: Closing Statement

Conclude your letter with a strong statement that clearly expresses your confidence in the person, your willingness to serve as a reference, and the fact that you believe they’re the right fit for the position or opportunity. Offer your contact information as well, in case the recipient has any further questions or needs clarification.

Part 4 Letter of Recommendation Templates and Examples

Professional letter of recommendation template 1.

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

It’s with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years] while we worked together at [Your Company/Previous Company], and I have always been impressed by [his/her/their] outstanding work ethics, dedication, and ability to contribute effectively to our team.

[Candidate’s Name] is skilled in [Relevant Skill 1], [Relevant Skill 2], and [Relevant Skill 3]. One example that stands out is when [Candidate’s Name] [Describe a specific achievement or project highlighting their abilities]. This accomplishment not only showcased [his/her/their] technical expertise but also [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving skills.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would make an excellent addition to any team. [His/Her/Their] dedication and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the success of [Recipient’s Company/Academic Institution]. I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position/Opportunity]. Please feel free to contact me if you need additional information or have any questions about [Candidate’s Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Contact Information]

Professional Letter of Recommendation Template 2

I am excited to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. As a [Your Relationship to Candidate], I have had the opportunity to observe [Candidate’s Name] firsthand and can attest to [his/her/their] outstanding performance, work ethic, and potential to excel in this role.

During our time together, [Candidate’s Name] displayed exceptional skills in [Relevant Skills 1], [Relevant Skills 2], and [Relevant Skills 3]. One notable example is when [Candidate’s Name] [Describe a situation demonstrating their skills]. This instance illustrates [his/her/their] ability to take initiative and deliver outstanding results in a challenging environment.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be an excellent fit for the [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. [He/She/They] are dedicated, talented, and ready to contribute in meaningful ways. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and encourage you to consider [him/her/them] for this opportunity.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification about [Candidate’s Name] and [his/her/their] qualifications.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Contact Information]

Professional Letter of Recommendation Template 3

I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position or Program] at [Company or Institution]. As [Your Relationship with the Candidate], I have had the pleasure of closely working with [Candidate’s Name] and can confidently vouch for their abilities and determination.

[Insert 1-2 paragraphs highlighting specific examples and achievements of the candidate. Focus on their skills, experience, and personality traits that make them a great fit for the opportunity.]

In these instances, [Candidate’s Name]’s skills and experiences have only continued to impress me, and I am certain that they would be an incredible addition to the [Company or Institution]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and would be happy to provide further information if needed.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company or Institution]

Letter of Recommendation Template 4

To Whom It May Concern,

I enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] as an ideal candidate for the [Position or Program] you are offering at [Company or Institution]. I have worked with [Candidate’s Name] for [Length of Time] in the capacity of [Your Relationship with the Candidate], and I can attest to their exceptional capabilities.

[Insert 1-2 paragraphs discussing the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments that set them apart from others. Highlight their dedication, creativity, and capacity to excel in the desired role or program.]

Based on my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I am confident that they possess the skills, determination, and commitment to excel in the [Position or Program] at [Company or Institution]. I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for this opportunity and feel free to reach out if you require any further information.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Company or Institution]

Letter of Recommendation Template 5

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [Role/Position] at your [Company/Organization]. During the [Number of Years] I have worked with [Candidate’s Name] at [Previous Company], I have witnessed their strong work ethic, dedication, and determination.

[Example of candidate’s achievements or specific skills]

[Example of candidate’s problem-solving, leadership, or teamwork]

I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be a great fit for [Role/Position] at your [Company/Organization]. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact me.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Letter of Recommendation Template 6

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the position of [Role/Position] at your esteemed [Company/Organization]. I have had the privilege of working closely with [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years], and I can confidently say that they possess the skills and competencies required for this role.

[Example highlighting candidate’s performance or adaptability]

[Example illustrating candidate’s communication or interpersonal skills]

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will make a valuable contribution to your [Company/Organization] and excel in the [Role/Position]. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Letter of Recommendation Template 7

  Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I’m writing to recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. As [Your Relationship to Person], I’ve had the opportunity to observe their [Skill/Strength/Quality] first-hand. [Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates [Specific Examples that Highlight Skill/Strength/Quality].

[Provide a short story or situation that demonstrates the person’s abilities]

[Person’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your [Company/Team/Organization] not only because of their [Key Strength], but also their unique approach to [Relevant Topic/Process/Task]. They’ve shown time and time again [How They Provide Value/Make a Difference].

I wholeheartedly recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please feel free to reach out.

[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Email and Phone Number]

Letter of Recommendation Template 8

I’m delighted to recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them as [Your Relationship to Person] and can attest to their [Skill/Strength/Quality]. They have made a significant impact on our [Company/Team/Organization].

Notably, [Person’s Name] has demonstrated [Specific Examples of Accomplishments]. Their dedication to [Relevant Task/Role/Responsibility] undoubtedly contributed to [Positive Outcome/Result/Impact].

Their exceptional skills in [Mention Skill Set or Trait] make them an excellent fit for [Job/Position/Program]. I am confident they will exceed your expectations and thrive in this role.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you require any further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are key components in a recommendation letter.

Key components include addressing the recipient, introducing the candidate and your relationship with them, providing specific examples of the candidate’s skills and achievements, expressing confidence in the candidate’s abilities, and offering contact information for any further inquiries.

How to structure a letter of recommendation?

Start with a formal salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph expressing the purpose of the letter and your relationship to the candidate. Include 1-2 paragraphs discussing the candidate’s relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Conclude with a strong statement of recommendation and your contact information.

What are some tips for effective writing?

• Use clear, concise language
• Focus on the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments
• Provide specific examples of the candidate’s work
• Maintain a professional yet personable tone

How to personalize a recommendation letter?

To personalize a recommendation letter, share unique examples of the candidate’s work or skills, highlight their individual qualities, and provide insights into their character. Use specific instances and anecdotes to showcase how they excelled in different situations.

How to choose a suitable template?

Choose a template that aligns with the purpose of the recommendation, fits the writing style you are comfortable with, and highlights the candidate’s strengths effectively.

What are common mistakes to avoid?

Avoid using vague language, exaggerating the candidate’s abilities, being overly informal, not providing specific examples, or submitting a generic letter without any personalization. Make sure to proofread the letter for grammatical and spelling errors.

Related: The Full Guide to Reference Letters [Best Templates]

• How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation [Examples]
• Complete Guide to Writing Reference Letters [Templates]
• 10 Smart Examples of An Interview Thank You Email
• How to Start a Letter (and Mistakes to Avoid)
• How to End an Email Professionally (Examples)

• Career Blog

Writing a Great Reference Letter in 2024: Best Practices

As a professional, you might be approached to write a reference letter for someone seeking a job, scholarship, or admission into an academic program. A reference letter, also known as a recommendation letter, is a written document that attests to the qualifications, character, and achievements of an individual. The letter is typically written by someone in a position of authority or has had a close professional or personal relationship with the candidate.

A reference letter can make or break a candidate’s chances of securing an opportunity. Employers, academic institutions, and other organizations rely on these letters to gain insight into a candidate’s abilities and past performance. As such, it is important to write a great reference letter that highlights the candidate’s key strengths and skills.

In this article, we will provide best practices on how to write a great reference letter that will help your candidate stand out from the rest. We will review the essential elements of a reference letter, tips for drafting a strong letter, and common pitfalls to avoid. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to write a winning reference letter that will impress any reader.

Purpose of the Reference Letter

A reference letter serves as a critical tool to endorse a person’s qualifications, skills, and traits. It aims to provide an objective evaluation of a candidate by someone who has had previous work experience with the individual. Thus, it is essential to understand the purpose of the letter before you start writing it.

Importance of Identifying the Purpose

As a writer, you must be clear about the purpose of the reference letter. It will help you compose a relevant and personalized letter. Being informed about the context of the letter will enable you to highlight the candidate’s most relevant qualifications, skills, and experience concisely.

For instance, if you’re writing for a job position requiring previous work experience as a manager, you may refer to the candidate’s leadership and team-building skills while noting their previous management experience. Identifying the letter’s purpose helps you craft a coherent narrative that emphasizes the candidate’s strengths and underlines their relevance to the context they’re being recommended for.

Different Types of Reference Letters

There are various types of reference letters. Some of the most commonly used are academic references, employment references, and character references. Academic and employment references are typically requested by potential employers or academic institutions, respectively, to assess a candidate’s suitability for a specific job or program.

Character references, on the other hand, are usually written to vouch for an individual’s credibility and moral character. It is essential to understand the different types of reference letters to tailor your writing style and approach to suit the specific request.

Understanding the Expectations of the Recipient

It’s critical to understand the recipient’s expectations for the letter since it will determine how you should frame the letter’s content. The recipient may be looking for someone to advocate for the candidate or provide a specific detail or reference. It’s essential to ask the recipient about their expectations before writing the letter to provide them with what they need.

Conclusively, understanding the purpose of a reference letter is a critical first step to writing an excellent reference letter. Alongside knowing the recipient’s expectations and the different types of reference letters, you can craft a personalized and persuasive letter that serves to advocate for the candidate’s suitability.

Identifying the Ideal Candidate

After receiving job applications and resumes, the next step is candidate selection. This process of selecting the right candidate is critical to filling the open position with the ideal fit for your company.

Overview of the Candidate Selection Process

The candidate selection process typically involves a range of measures, including resume screening, pre-interview assessments, initial interviews, and final interviews. Each stage of the selection process is important and carries its own significance.

Importance of Understanding the Candidate’s Strengths and Weaknesses

It is essential to understand the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses before hiring. This understanding can be gained through the selection process by using various assessment tools like personality tests, skills tests, and other evaluation methods.

Having candidate strengths and weaknesses information helps employ an individual in the right role and build a relationship between employee and employer based on honesty and trust.

Tips for Interviewing the Candidate

While conducting the interview process, it is wise to keep in mind a few tips that can help ensure the process is effective.

First, it is essential to make the interviewee feel comfortable and welcome, so they are not intimidated or scared off during the interview.

Second, avoiding leading questions that can cause the interviewee to say what they think you want to hear. Instead, ask open-ended questions to help draw out their answers.

Third, Be informative and transparent about the position, company culture, and expectations so they can make an informed decision.

Fourth, It is also ideal to ask questions related to the candidate’s job experience, work ethic, and future goals in the workplace.

By following these tips and understanding each stage of the selection process, you can increase your chances of identifying and hiring the ideal candidate for your company.

Remember, the success of your business not only relies on the work but also on the team that carries out that work. The selected individual should fit well and contribute positively to the team.

Gathering Relevant Information

Before you start writing a reference letter, it’s essential to gather relevant information about the person you’re recommending. Gathering information can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it because the more detailed and tailored your letter is, the more weight it carries.

Overview of the Information-Gathering Process

To gather relevant information, you should start by reviewing the job description, the person’s resume, and any other materials that the person has provided. You can also interview the person to get a better understanding of their skills, experiences, and achievements.

In addition, you should gather information about the company or organization that the person is applying to. This can help you tailor your letter to the specific job and company culture.

Importance of Using Specific Examples

One of the essential aspects of writing a great reference letter is using specific examples to back up your claims. For example, if you’re praising the person’s teamwork skills, it’s better to provide an example of a project they worked on and how they contributed to the team’s success. Specific examples make your letter more credible and help the potential employer get a better sense of the person’s capabilities.

Tips for Keeping the Information Organized

When you’re gathering information from multiple sources, it’s crucial to keep everything organized. Here are some tips for keeping the information organized:

• Use a spreadsheet or template to keep track of the person’s skills and experiences.
• Use headings and bullet points to break up the information into manageable chunks.
• Keep notes on each conversation or interview you have with the person.
• Review all the information you’ve gathered before you start writing the letter to make sure you’re highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your letter is well-organized, comprehensive, and tailored to the person and job in question.

Gathering relevant information is a vital step in writing a great reference letter. By reviewing the job description, interviewing the person, and gathering information about the company, you can tailor your letter to the specific job and company culture. Using specific examples and organizing the information can help make your letter more credible and effective.

Structure of the reference letter

A reference letter is an essential tool for job seekers, postgraduate students, and those pursuing other opportunities requiring a recommendation. It is not only a testament to one’s abilities but also a crucial weapon in securing favorable opportunities. As such, it is crucial to understand the common structure of a reference letter, the importance of using a professional tone, and how to structure the letter effectively.

Overview of the common structure

A typical reference letter comprises three fundamental elements: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction should indicate the name of the writer and recommendee, the purpose of the document, and the writer’s relationship with the recommendee. The body should cover the recommendee’s positive qualities, skills, and experiences relevant to the opportunity the recommendee is pursuing. Finally, the conclusion should recommend the recommendee for specific opportunities and provide the writer’s contact information.

Importance of using a professional tone

It is critical to use a professional tone in a reference letter. A reference letter, after all, is a formal document that serves the purpose of providing credible reasons for an individual’s potential to excel in a particular opportunity. Professionalism establishes credibility and inspires confidence in the reader, therefore making a compelling case for the recommendee. A professional tone also indicates that the writer has taken the time to craft an objective account of the recommendee’s qualities and skills.

Tips for structuring the letter effectively

Writing an effective reference letter requires careful consideration of various elements. To maximize the impact of a reference letter, consider these tips:

• Start with a powerful opening that immediately grabs the reader’s attention – this could be a notable achievement of the recommendee.
• Ensure the content is concise and relevant to the role or opportunity the recommendee is pursuing.
• Incorporate numerical values where possible to back up the claims made about the recommendee’s abilities.
• Consider providing comparisons with other individuals in a similar position to the recommendee, indicating areas in which they excel.
• Use evidence-based language throughout the letter and avoid gimmicky language, overstating or understating claims.
• Finally, be sure to emphasize the recommendee’s potential to excel in a specific position or opportunity and be clear on recommendations.

Writing an effective reference letter is critical to the success of a recommendee. By understanding the common structure of a reference letter, the importance of using professional language, and tips for structuring the letter effectively, you can deliver a strong and compelling reference letter that showcases the recommendee’s qualities and potential.

Elements of a Strong Reference Letter

If you have been asked to write a reference letter for someone, it is important to make it effective and convincing. In this section, we will discuss the key elements of a strong reference letter, the importance of demonstrating credibility, and tips for including specific examples.

Overview of the Key Elements

A reference letter should include the following key elements:

1. Introduction

Begin the letter by introducing yourself and stating your relationship with the person you are writing the letter for. This helps establish credibility and provide context for the reader.

2. Qualifications

Provide an overview of your qualifications and experience that qualify you to write a reference letter. This key element showcases your expertise and helps the reader trust your judgement.

3. Relationship

Describe your relationship with the candidate and the length of time you have known them. This element is crucial in demonstrating your personal experience with the candidate.

4. Strengths and Abilities

Highlight the candidate’s key strengths and abilities. Try to include specific examples of projects or accomplishments that demonstrate these qualities.

5. Personal Qualities

Mention the candidate’s personal qualities that make them a strong candidate for the position. This includes qualities such as work ethic, team player, and leadership skills.

6. Recommendation

In the conclusion, provide a clear recommendation for the candidate and state why you believe they are the best fit for the position.

Importance of Demonstrating Credibility

It is essential to demonstrate your credibility as a writer of the reference letter. This helps increase the reader’s confidence in the candidate’s abilities and the accuracy of your assessment. Some ways to demonstrate your credibility include:

• Mention your current job title or position
• Provide a brief overview of your experience in the field or industry
• Include any relevant education, certifications, or awards

Tips for Including Specific Examples

Including specific examples in your reference letter can greatly enhance its effectiveness. Here are some tips for including specific examples:

• Choose examples that showcase the candidate’s strengths and abilities
• Try to use examples from your personal experience with the candidate
• Quantify the impact of the example if possible
• Use industry-specific terms if applicable

A strong reference letter should include specific key elements such as an introduction, qualifications, relationship, strengths and abilities, personal qualities, and recommendation. It is also crucial to demonstrate your credibility and utilize specific examples to showcase the candidate’s strengths. By following these tips, you can write an effective and compelling reference letter that will benefit the candidate’s job search.

Avoiding common mistakes

Writing a reference letter is an essential task that requires attention to detail and accuracy. It is crucial to avoid common mistakes that may harm the letter’s credibility or effectiveness. Let’s take a look at some of the mistakes that writers frequently make and understand why avoiding them is so important.

Overview of the common mistakes made while writing reference letters

1. lack of specificity –.

One of the most common mistakes in reference letter writing is the lack of specificity. This means writing vague comments that do not provide a clear understanding of the candidate’s strengths and abilities. It is essential to provide specific examples that demonstrate the candidate’s skills and accomplishments.

2. Over-exaggeration –

Another common mistake is over-exaggerating the candidate’s abilities or accomplishments. This mistake can harm the candidate’s reputation if the reader finds out that these claims are not true or cannot be verified. Providing accurate information is crucial to maintaining the letter’s credibility.

3. Grammatical errors and typos –

Grammatical errors and typos are not only embarrassing but also impact the letter’s credibility. These mistakes can create a negative impression of the writer’s attention to detail and professionalism. Proofreading the letter and double-checking for accuracy is a simple step that can greatly improve the letter’s effectiveness.

Importance of avoiding mistakes to ensure a positive outcome

Avoiding the common mistakes above is important to ensure a positive outcome. A reference letter is a valuable document that can impact the candidate’s future career prospects, so it should accurately represent the candidate’s abilities and character. An inaccurate or poorly written letter can harm the candidate’s professional reputation and make it difficult to secure a new position.

Tips for avoiding common mistakes

1. use specific examples –.

Provide specific examples that demonstrate the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. This helps the reader understand the candidate’s capabilities and strengths clearly.

2. Be honest –

Avoid exaggerating the candidate’s abilities or accomplishments. Honesty is essential to maintaining the letter’s credibility and the candidate’s reputation.

3. Proofread –

Proofread the letter to check for grammatical errors and typos. Double-checking for accuracy is a simple way to improve the letter’s effectiveness and professionalism.

4. Follow the format –

Follow the reference letter format and include all necessary information, including the candidate’s name, the writer’s contact information, and the purpose of the letter.

5. Personalize the letter –

Personalize the letter by addressing the reader by name and including specific details that relate to the candidate’s job application.

Avoiding common mistakes while writing a reference letter is essential to ensure a positive outcome. Specificity, honesty, accuracy, and attention to detail are critical to making the letter effective and professional.

Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for a Specific Industry

When it comes to writing reference letters, it’s important to tailor the letter to the specific industry. This is because different industries have different expectations and requirements for reference letters. Here are some tips for writing a successful reference letter for a specific industry:

Overview of the Differences in Reference Letters Across Different Industries

Different industries may have different expectations when it comes to reference letters. For example, reference letters for academic positions may have a different format and content than reference letters for business positions. In general, academic reference letters tend to focus more on the candidate’s skills and accomplishments in research and teaching, while business reference letters tend to focus more on the candidate’s skills and accomplishments in management and leadership.

Importance of Tailoring the Letter to the Specific Industry

Tailoring the reference letter to the specific industry is important because it helps to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the candidate’s fit for the position. For example, if you are writing a reference letter for a candidate in the healthcare industry, you may want to highlight their experience working with patients or their expertise in a particular area of medicine.

Tips for Writing a Successful Reference Letter for a Specific Industry

Understand the job requirements: Before you start writing the reference letter, make sure you understand the job requirements for the position. This will help you to highlight the candidate’s skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

Use industry-specific language: Using industry-specific language in your reference letter can help to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the candidate’s fit for the position. For example, if you are writing a reference letter for a candidate in the legal industry, you may want to use legal terminology to describe their skills and experience.

Provide specific examples: Providing specific examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments can help to demonstrate their qualifications for the position. For example, if you are writing a reference letter for a candidate in the marketing industry, you may want to provide examples of their successful marketing campaigns.

Be honest: It’s important to be honest in your reference letter, even if the candidate has some weaknesses. However, you should focus on the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments, and try to provide constructive feedback where possible.

Follow the format: Different industries may have different expectations for the format of reference letters. Make sure you follow the format that is most appropriate for the industry and the position.

Writing a successful reference letter for a specific industry requires understanding the industry’s expectations and tailoring the letter accordingly. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your reference letter is effective and helps the candidate to succeed in their job search.

Examples of Reference Letters

When it comes to writing reference letters, there are several types that may be requested by the applicant. These include:

Employment reference letters – This type of reference letter is used when an individual is applying for a job or seeking a promotion within their current place of employment. It typically includes information about the individual’s job duties, how well they performed in their role, and their overall character.

Academic reference letters – This type of reference letter is used when an individual is applying to an academic program or seeking a scholarship. It usually includes information about the individual’s academic performance, research work, and overall capabilities.

Personal reference letters – This type of reference letter is often requested for individuals who are seeking to rent a property, apply for a loan, or need a character reference for a legal proceeding. It typically includes information about the individual’s personal qualities, reliability and dependability.

Regardless of the type of reference letter, providing examples can be incredibly helpful for the writer of the reference letter. It can be difficult to know where to start, what information to include, and how to phrase things in a way that accurately reflects the individual being recommended. Starting with a well-written example can provide a guideline for the writer.

Let’s take a look at some sample reference letters with analysis:

Employment Reference Letter  Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for employment at your organization. [Applicant’s Name] worked with me for two years, and during this time, he consistently demonstrated outstanding job performance. He was always reliable, dependable and took ownership of his work. His ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines was truly impressive.

[Applicant’s Name]’s interpersonal skills were also excellent; he was well-liked and respected by his colleagues. He has excellent problem-solving skills and innovative ideas that helped the team to succeed. On several occasions, he went above and beyond to ensure that our projects were completed on time and within budget.

I believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

[Your name]

This employment reference letter is well-structured, and the writer provides specific examples of the individual’s job performance. The language is objective, positive and professional, while still providing detail about the applicant’s achievements.

Academic Reference Letter  Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your university’s Master’s in Computer Science program. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant’s Name] for the last three years and worked with him on a research project that involved artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning.

[Applicant’s Name]’s technical knowledge and enthusiasm for computer science were exceptional, and his contributions were instrumental in the success of our research project.

Using technology to create reference letters

As a reference letter writer, you know that crafting a strong letter takes time, effort and attention to detail. However, with the help of technology, you can streamline the process and create more effective reference letters.

Overview of the different tools available

There are various tools available that you can use to create effective reference letters. These tools include:

• Online templates : Using online templates can save you time and ensure that you include all the necessary information in your letter. You can find free templates online or use software that comes with pre-written templates.
• Reference letter software : There is software available that is specifically designed for creating reference letters. These programs offer templates, autofill and other features that can help you save time and ensure your letter is of high quality.
• Digital signature tools : You can use digital signature tools to sign and authenticate your letter. This tool ensures that the letter is not tampered with and helps prevent fraud.

Importance of using technology to save time and increase quality

Using technology to create reference letters can save you time and increase the quality of your work. Technology tools can assist you with the formatting, completion, and distribution of letters. They can also help you avoid errors, such as punctuation mistakes and typos, which can detract from the credibility of your letter.

Furthermore, technology can help you maintain a consistent format and tone throughout your letter, thus ensuring that your letter is professional and well-executed. It will allow you to focus on the content and the unique qualities of the person in question instead of getting bogged down by details that technology can help you with.

Tips for using technology to create reference letters effectively

While technology can be a valuable tool in writing reference letters, it is essential to use it effectively. Here are some tips to help you create successful reference letters using technology:

• Choose an appropriate template that aligns with the purpose of the letter and the intended recipient.
• Do not over-rely on technology, ensure that you add a human touch to the letter to convey a personal element when necessary.
• Check that the reference letter software or online template has completed all the addresses and names accurately when complete. Ensure your digital signature tool is up-to-date and can be used to sign and authenticate the letter.
• Proofread your letter to catch any errors or inconsistencies that technology might have missed.

Technology can be a valuable asset when it comes to creating reference letters. It can save you time, increase the quality of your letter, and ensure a more professional outcome. Just remember to use it effectively and don’t forget to embrace the human touch that helps add a personal element to an otherwise digital creation.

Related Articles

• Working a Job Fair: How to Make the Most of the Opportunity
• Florist: Job Description, Salary, and Skills for 2023
• Application Support Engineer: Key Responsibilities & Skills
• Highlighting Accomplishments on Your Resume: 35+ Examples
• 10 Top IT Recruiter Resume Examples for 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, complete guide: writing a strong letter of recommendation.

Letters of Recommendation

As an English teacher and college counselor working with high school students, I've had the privilege and responsibility of writing letters of recommendation. Starting out, I had a strong urge to help, but no clear sense of what exactly should go into a reference letter. If they all speak to students' impressive qualities and accomplishments, what makes some letters stand out among the rest?

To answer this question, I researched recommendation letters from both sides of the college process, drawing on the advice of high school counselors and teachers and the perspective of college admissions officers. I also read dozens of recommendation letters, from the ones that admissions committees loved to the ones that were cast aside as mediocre, useless, or straight up negative about a student.

This article compiles the most important lessons I learned through this research and my own work supporting students through the college process. Read on for a discussion of what exactly needs to go into the kind of rec letter that effectively advocates for a student and boosts her admissions chances.

First, let's take a deeper look at what purpose recommendation letters serve when they arrive before an admissions committee.

The Goal: What's the Purpose of Letters of Recommendation?

Admissions officers put a lot of weight on recommendation letters. Especially in selective admissions, when thousands of qualified students are competing for a limited number of spots, reference letters can go a long way toward differentiating one student from another. According to Harvard dean of admissions William Fitzsimmons, recommendation letters are "extremely important" and are read "with great care" (often projected onto large screens in front of the whole committee!).

So what are all these carefully reading admissions officers looking for? Two main features. The first is an insightful, in-depth story of the student that reveals both her academic skills and personal qualities. As a teacher, you're in a great position to comment on a student's intellectual curiosity, creativity, and attitude towards learning.

Additionally, you can speak to a student's admirable personal qualities, like her sense of integrity, compassion, and leadership skills, to name a few. This in-depth look gives an admissions committee a holistic view of your student beyond the grades and clubs listed on their application. It helps the student come to life.

The second main feature that admissions committees typically look for is a student's potential to contribute positively to the college community , as well as to succeed after graduation. In your recommendation, you can state your confidence about a student's success on campus and future achievement.

Certain qualities are especially impressive to admissions officers and hint at success in college, though this might vary somewhat by individual. Some of these qualities include love of learning, academic commitment, communication skills, commitment to mastery of a specific skill or area, and leadership capacity.

Since these personal qualities may not be apparent on the rest of the application (apart from the student's own personal essay), the letters of recommendation can go a long way toward describing a student's best traits. Plus, they show that a student has teachers who are motivated to advocate for her.

Of course, hopefully no one would agree to recommend a student and then write bad, sabotaging things in the recommendation letter. It's generally safe to assume that all recommenders want to support students in continuing their education. But mediocre letters can often be just as bad as ones that are outright critical, and merely "good letters" pale in comparison to excellent ones. So what must go into a letter of recommendation to make it particularly strong and effective?

How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation

The strongest letters of recommendation take time and thought to craft. They're individualized to each student and are thoughtfully revised for word choice and flow of ideas. First and foremost, what content is essential for a strong letter of recommendation?

Include Key Content

Perhaps the best way to describe what a letter of rec should include is to start out by describing what it shouldn't include. A rec letter should not simply be a restatement of a student's grades, clubs, and awards. All of these facts and figures should already be stated on the student's application.

The most ineffective rec letters just repeat a student's resume. Admissions officers are hoping for deep insights into a student's character, rather than a list of data points that could apply to any number of students.

This is not to say that recommenders shouldn't mention what a student has achieved or been involved in, but they shouldn't feel compelled to list every single accomplishment. Instead, writers can point to a specific involvement or story that demonstrates something meaningful about the student.

For instance, you might be writing about Michael, whose powerful commitment to equality and education led him to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance at the school. In this way, you're discussing something a student has done to illuminate something significant and admirable about his character and motivations. Speaking about his establishment of the GSA is more illustrative than simply stating that he's committed to equality and social justice.

So if reiterating the student's grades and activities (i.e., resume points) shouldn't go into the rec letter, what should? MIT offers an insightful breakdown of the questions its admissions officers would like answers to in a letter. These questions are a useful guide for recommenders writing to any college.

• What is the context of your relationship with the applicant? 
• Has the student demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks and go beyond the normal classroom experience?
• Does the applicant have any unusual competence, talent, or leadership abilities?
• What motivates this person? What excites him/her?
• How does the applicant interact with teachers? With peers? Describe his/her personality and social skills.
• What will you remember most about this person?
• Has the applicant ever experienced disappointment or failure? If so, how did he/she react?
• Are there any unusual family or community circumstances of which we should be aware?

Source: MIT Admissions

A recommender doesn't necessarily have to answer all of these questions, but they're great starting points for brainstorming. They shift the focus from what a student does to what a student is like, in terms of her intellectual curiosity, specific skills or talents, passions, and personality. Some other impressive qualities include communication skills, resourcefulness, and innovative problem-solving. Admissions committees often also look for demonstrated leadership and the ability to collaborate with others in an interactive and diverse environment.

Beyond these personal qualities, letter writers might speak to unusual circumstances or challenges that the student has faced or survived. These can be especially meaningful to explain a dip in academic performance or to show how a student has overcome hardship. I would advise getting the student's permission before including personal family information, just to make sure she's comfortable with you sharing it.

Finally, a recommender may want to demonstrate her own familiarity with the school to which the student is applying. If the school is particularly competitive, then you might express your confidence in the student's ability to thrive in an academically rigorous environment. If you're an alum of the school, then you can believably assert your confidence that the student would be a strong cultural fit. 

The strongest recommendation letters give insight into a student's intellectual orientation, motivations, and personal qualities. As a writer, how can you rave about your student in a sincere, genuine, and convincing way? One of the best ways to accomplish this is to focus your recommendation on the student's best assets.

Highlight your student's most important strengths.

Highlight the Most Important Themes

Just as you don't have to feel compelled to repeat every grade, club, and award on the student's resume, you also don't have to speak about every quality that makes the student great. In fact, well-rounded students aren't necessarily what the most competitive schools are looking for. While selective schools look for academic excellence in most subjects, what they really appreciate is a student's singular commitment to a specific and distinct area.

Developing a "big spike" in a certain area shows passion, dedication, and the ability to sustain long-term focus . As PrepScholar co-founder and Harvard alum Allen Cheng writes , top colleges are looking for students who are going to change the world. They're expecting deep achievement, and the best predictor of that is deep achievement in high school. Therefore admissions committees are especially impressed by a "huge spike" in science, writing, athletics, or whatever your commitment might be. 

Of course, not all or even the majority of students are applying to Ivy League schools, but the takeaway message still applies. Recommendation letters don't have to present the student as well-rounded and good at everything they do. Instead, they can paint a specific picture and highlight the qualities that are most important to understanding who the student is and what drives her actions.

Some letters may highlight that a student is a top scholar, while others may speak to a student's leadership skills. Some may focus in on the student's passion for volunteer work, or her talent in acting, art, music, or athletics. For students with extensive international experience, recommenders may rave about their multicultural, global perspective or unusual maturity and sophistication.

Other students may have had to overcome hardships in their life, and the recommender could speak to their resilience and strength as a survivor. As mentioned above, I would suggest discussing this kind of content with the student to make sure she's comfortable sharing it with admissions commitees. All in all, a recommender can brainstorm a list of the student's best assets (with the aid of the student's resume and " brag sheet "), and zero in on the most important themes.

What if the student hasn't demonstrated interest in a particular area, but you're excited to see her further explore her interests in college? In this case, you could write earnestly about the student's room to grow and the potential you see in her. At the same time, be careful with this kind of wording, as it may suggest different things to different admissions officers. If you really feel not able or qualified to provide the student with a recommendation that will help her admission chances, then you should  respectfully decline or suggest someone else better able to write her letter.

Once you've chosen the most important themes to highlight about a student, you can think about specific stories, experiences, or observations that demonstrate those strengths. The best recommendation letters "show," rather than just "tell."

Bring your letter to life with meaningful stories and examples.

Give Specific Examples

Which sentence paints a better picture in the mind of the reader?

a) Kate is a strong writer. b) Due to Kate's superlative writing and analytical skills, I'll be using her year-long thesis on representations of gender in  Jane Eyre as an example of the highest quality work to students in my future AP English classes.

The second uses more powerful words, but more importantly it gives a specific example , thereby proving that Kate has strong writing skills. It explains the grounds on which the teacher draws her conclusion that Kate is a good writer. It additionally suggests that Kate can sustain focus in a long-term project and impressed the teacher so much that her thesis became a model for future students.

The best recommendation letters support their praise of a student with specific anecdotes and observations. These stories accomplish a few things. One, they support the writer's claims. Rather than just listing adjectives, the writer backs up her description with examples.

Secondly, they make the letter more interesting and help the student come to life in the eyes of admissions officers. Officers may be up all night reading through applications. The last thing they want is a generic, boring recommendation letter that blends into all the others. Interesting stories make both the letter and the student pop .

Finally, the use of specific stories proves that the recommender is, in fact, qualified to assess the student. The best letters come from teachers who know a student well. Sharing anecdotes and observations prove that you've gotten to know the student thoroughly and your evaluation of her is trustworthy and reliable.

In addition to sharing examples, you should take the time to be intentional with your word choice. Consider which phrases and adjectives will present the clearest and strongest endorsement of the student.

Dance, words, dance!

Use Powerful Words 

As with any piece of writing, the best recommendation letters are eloquent, clear, and don't fall into the trap of cliches. Calling someone a go-getter with a heart of gold who leaves no stone unturned and is a friend to all may elicit a yawn or eye roll from the admissions officer. 

Often finding just the right word happens in the revision stage. Check if you wrote interesting when creative or innovative would work better. Keep an eye out for nice when you meant to dive into a student's unique empathy or compassion for others. Perhaps you wrote hard worker when intellectual risk-taker would more accurately describe the student.

Some words and phrases that can be used to described a student's academic strengths include  insightful, analytical, curious, observant, innovative, or mastery of a specific subject area.  Others that fall more in the arena of personal and professional strengths include  mature, flexible, generous, empathetic, leader, versatile, ethical, motivated, ambitious, resourceful , and strong communication skills.

Admissions officers have read hundreds, if not thousands, of recommendation letters, and they're used to reading between the lines. Be intentional with your wording so you don't accidentally communicate something negative about the student. For instance, a phrase like " leads by example " or " excels at working independently " could indicate that the student keeps to herself and has trouble working with others.

While it's more important to be authentic and not worry too much about what an admissions officer may or may not think, this mindset can help you be purposeful with what you say and how you say it in your letter. You can also keep an eye out for sounding over the top with your phrase. While the best letters rave about their students, they have the examples to back up their praise. Simply listing superlative adjectives could come off as overblown and insincere.

A second technique that may impress admissions officers is the use of a high ranking. 

Rank the Student Highly, When Appropriate

Consider these ranking statements:

Carla is the most talented and driven math student I have taught in my twenty years at High School High. James is one of the top three students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.

An impressive ranking, like the two above, certainly communicates a strong vote of confidence in a student , especially if it comes from a teacher with hundreds of students to compare her recommendee to. If your student is applying to a selective or Ivy League school, then a powerful ranking can go a long way toward testifying to a student's outstanding achievement and qualities.

On the other hand, a ranking like "above average" or "relatively strong effort compared to her peers" may do more harm than good. If you can genuinely provide a statement of high ranking, then you can help the student by including it. If not, then it's probably advisable to leave that kind of statement out of your letter. 

Apart from a statement of ranking, there are a few other key components to include in your letter of recommendation. While you can be creative and customize your letters to each student, there are a few essential pieces of information that you should include in all your letters.

Include all essential elements.

State All Essential Information

There are a few necessary pieces of information to include in all recommendation letters that I touched on briefly at the beginning of this article. The first is an explicit statement of who you're recommending. If you can customize your letter for each college, all the better. Second, you should state who you are , your position at the school, and the contexts in which you've gotten to know the applicant. 

If you've gotten to know the student both in class for a year and as editor of the school newspaper, then this shows you've taught and supervised her in different contexts and are especially qualified to evaluate her. Admissions officers usually prefer recommendations from junior year teachers , as they had the student recently and for a whole year. A senior year teacher probably doesn't know the student very well yet, and sophomore and freshman year was too far in the past. Exceptions to this general rule include having the student for more than one year or supervising her in other capacities, like clubs or sports. 

You can begin the letter with a creative or catchy hook, or a more straightforward statement of endorsement, as long as you include these key components in the introduction. Here are a few examples.

It is my great pleasure to provide this recommendation for Kate, who I enjoyed teaching and getting to know as her 11th grade AP U.S. History teacher.

I have known Joe since 2012 in my position as Lincoln High School's Biology teacher.

I am delighted to write this recommendation for Rosa, whom I have known for two years as her Psychology teacher and academic advisor.

Please accept this letter as my enthusiastic endorsement of Chris, the top student in my 11th grade AP Chemistry class.

After introducing the student, your relationship with her, and your statement of recommendation, you can go on to provide your evaluation, while keeping in mind the above mentioned suggestions, like focusing on important themes and using specific stories, powerful language, and a statement of ranking. If you want to balance out your recommendation by presenting a weakness, I would suggest doing so in a mild way, perhaps with an explanation of how that weakness could be turned into a strength. 

In your letter's conclusion, it's a good idea to restate your support for the student, while also talking about how you envision the student being successful at college . Admissions officers want to build a strong, dynamic, and diverse class with a range of abilities and interests. By attesting to the student's potential for future success and contributions at campus, you can reassure admissions officers that she is a student they want at their school.

Finally, you can conclude your letter with your contact information and an invitation to call or email you with any further questions . Use an official letterhead, and welcome them to get in touch for any further discussion of the student.

To sum up, let's go over the do's and don't's of writing recommendation letters for students applying to college.

Key Points to Remember

• Include key content, like who you're recommending, who you are, how you know the student, and what makes you qualified to evaluate her.
• Be enthusiastic in your recommendation, discussing both a student's academic ability and potential and her character and personality.
• Highlight a few key qualities that you think are essential for admissions officers to understand who the student is and what she can accomplish.
• Use specific stories, examples, and anecdotes to support your evaluation.
• Be intentional in your word choice, making sure to powerful words and phrases and to avoid cliches.
• Provide a high and impressive ranking , when applicable.
• Conclude with a strong statement of support, vision of the student's future success , and invitation to the admissions committee to follow up with you if need be.
• Simply repeat resume points or quantitative data that are already listed on other parts of the application.
• Cast too wide a net and end up saying very little, because you tried to say too much.
• List adjectives without having examples to back them up.
• Use generic , bland, unenthusiastic language or cliche statements.
• Use similar letters for more than one student, especially if the students are applying to the same schools (the same admissions officers will see this!)
• Agree to provide a letter of recommendation unless you can honestly recommend a student.

Finally, not all students develop strong connections with their teachers, perhaps because they have trouble participating in class or their school has a large teacher to student ratio. To help you write your recommendation, students may provide a "brag sheet," where they talk about their goals and what's important to them, as well as a resume. If you need more information or time to talk to the student, it can help to meet with her and have a conversation or two. I always found the easiest letters to write were for students who were open and eager to share their plans and personality.

If you feel you haven't gotten to know a student as well as you need to to write a compelling and insightful letter, then it may help to elicit her thoughts and feelings, as well as make time to get to know her better. As long as you have the raw materials, in terms of a good relationship, stories, and observations, then you can use these suggestions and examples to craft a thoughtful, customized letter of recommendation that will help her get into college.

As you write, remember your mission: to differentiate the student as a unique and impressive candidate, to shed light on both her intellectual and personal qualities, and to give admissions officers a holistic view of the person that will show up on campus in next year's class.

What's Next?

Some of the most helpful resources for me as I wrote recommendation letters for students were examples of great and bad letters. Check back soon for our articles with great letters , bad letters , and a suggested recommendation letter template .

While recommendation letters are important for all schools, they must be especially outstanding to help a student get into the Ivy League. Check out our complete guide to Harvard recommendation letters . 

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

• Preparation Tips
• Interview Checklist
• Questions&Answers
• Difficult Questions
• Questions to Ask

Interview Tips

• Dress for Success
• Job Interview Advice
• Behavioral Interview
• Entry Level Interview
• Information Interview
• Panel Interviews
• Group Interviews
• Phone Interviews
• Skype Interviews
• Second Interviews
• Zoom Interviews
• Job Interview Guides
• Administrative
• Call Center
• Clerical Interview
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• Office Manager
• Project Manager
• Restaurant Jobs
• Social Work
• Interview Follow Up
• Thank You Letters
• Job References
• Employment Tests
• Background Checks
• Character References
• Accepting a Job Offer
• Decline a Job Offer
• Verbal Job Offer
• Negotiate Salary
• How to Resign
• Job Search Strategy
• Job Search Tips
• Respond to Interview Request
• Letters of Recommendation
• Surviving a Layoff
• Sample Resumes
• Resume Objectives

Cover Letters

Job Descriptions

• Job Interview Blog
• Best Articles

Privacy Policy

Letter of Recommendation Template

Use the letter of recommendation template to write your own informative and relevant recommendation letter. Simply insert your information into the basic reference letter template.

The sample phrases, guidelines and resources will make the task of writing a recommendation quick and easy. You can refer to the examples of reference letters listed to help you with writing a positive and useful recommendation letter.

Your Contact Details

Name Job Title Company Name Full Address

To Whom It May Concern

Dear Sir or Madam

First Paragraph

(name of job seeker) reported to me as (your position) for X years in the position of (job seeker's position).

Second Paragraph

(name of job seeker) was responsible for the following activities:

Use these job descriptions to help you here

Third Paragraph

(name of job seeker) demonstrated a wide range of skills and abilities in this position including .. ( list of job skills )

I would describe (name of job seeker)'s greatest strengths as .. ( list of strengths )

Fourth Paragraph

In summary, I can strongly recommend (name of job seeker) as a hard working and dedicated employee. I have no doubt that (name of job seeker) will prove an asset to any organization.

If you require any further information with regard to (name of job seeker)'s suitability for employment please contact me on (your email/phone number)

Sample letters of recommendation

Sample letter of recommendation template for an employee

General Sample Reference Letter

Sample Character Reference Letters

Get help with writing a personal character reference letter that clearly highlights the positive attributes of the individual.

 Letter of Recommendation for Internship 

Letter of Recommendation for Leadership

Student Teacher Letter of Recommendation

Email Requesting Letter of Recommendation

How do I write a good letter of recommendation?

You can insert these excellent phrases into the letter of recommendation template.

Introduction

"I would like to recommend Jane as a candidate for employment with your company"

"I have enjoyed working directly with John during his X years as a (position) at Z Company"

"I am writing to recommend Jane as an excellent (position)"

As John's manager for X years I am able to fully recommend him for (position)"

Starting a Letter of Recommendation

Recommendation

"Jane did an excellent job in this position and made a valuable contribution to our organization"

"She displayed superior communication skills, strong organizational and planning ability and is able to work independently"

"He was able to competently complete multiple projects within budget and on deadline"

"John displays keen problem-solving skills and uses his initiative to provide workable solutions"

"She offers excellent time management skills and is able to successfully multi-task in a fast-paced work environment"

"Her attention to detail ensured her work was always accurate"

"He provided outstanding customer service to our clients and is always prepared to go the extra mile"

"An effective team member who makes valuable contributions to the achievement of department goals"

"John proved himself to be reliable and conscientious, a staff member I could always depend on"

"With his perseverance and dedication, John, will be a valuable asset to any sales team""Jane is a self-starter who gets on with the job in a conscientious and efficient manner"

"I am confident John will make a significant contribution to the success of your organization"

"I am sorry to see Jane go and we will miss her energy and dedication"

"John would be an asset to any employer and I can recommend him without reservation"

"I believe that Jane's strengths and skills will prove an asset to your company and she has my highest recommendation"

Closing a Letter of Recommendation

What are the most in-demand job competencies?

These are the 7 core competencies  that have been identified as critical for successful job performance by employers. In your letter of recommendation refer to the relevant competencies that make the individual a good job candidate.

Find out more at 12 Core Competencies

10 adjectives for a letter of recommendation

These effective adjectives for a letter of recommendation have been identified as having universal impact.

Best letter of recommendation examples

REFERENCE LETTERS

Employment Reference Letter

Sample Reference Letter

Personal Character Reference

Sample reference letter for an employee who has been laid off.

To Top of Page

Don't Miss These Latest Updates

Problem-solving is a key skill for today's workplace. Problem-solving behavioral interview questions

Compelling sample interview answers to "Why do you want to work for this company?"

11 essential supervisor interview questions and answers plus industry specific supervisor Q&A .

How to ask for a letter of recommendation with this sample email requesting letter of recommendation .

What are the top 10 reasons for leaving your job? Find out acceptable reasons for leaving a job.

Sample employment acceptance letter and email to properly confirm your acceptance of the job offer and employment contract.

What are your strengths? Find out the 11 essential workplace strengths at list of strengths and weaknesses

Interview Preparation

Interview Questions & Answers

Interview Guides

After the Interview

The Job Offer

Latest News

© Copyright 2023  |   Best-Job-Interview.com    |   All Rights Reserved.

• See All Courses >
• SUCCESS STORIES

• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>

• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>

• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>

• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>

• ResyMatch.io Scan and score your resume vs. any target job.
• ResyBuild.io Build a job-winning resume using proven templates and advice.
• CoverBuild.io Have AI generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Transform your LinkedIn headline into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBullet.io Scan, score, and upgrade your resume bullets.
• Mailscoop.io Find anyone’s professional email address in seconds.
• The Job Search Email Playbook Our 100+ page guide to writing job-winning emails.
• Value Validation Project Starter Kit Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP.
• No Experience, No Problem Learn how to change careers with no experience.
• The Interview Preparation System A proven system for job-winning interview prep.
• The LinkedIn Launch Formula A proven system for six-figure success on LinkedIn.
• See All Blog Posts Check out all of our job search articles & posts.
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Scan your LinkedIn Headline and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization Our comprehensive guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
• LinkedIn Headlines Learn how to write a crazy-effective LinkedIn headline.
• LinkedIn Profile Picture Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn profile picture.
• LinkedIn About Section Write a job-winning About section (with examples!)
• LinkedIn Cover Photos Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn cover photo.
• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>
• ResyMatch.io Scan your resume and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBuild.io Build a beautiful, job-winning resume using recruiter-approved templates.
• Resume Examples Check out example resumes for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Resume Learn how to write a resume that actually wins job offers.
• Resume Summaries Our guide on writing a job-winning resume summary.
• Resume Tips & Action Words 175+ tips & examples to supercharge your resume.
• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>
• CoverBuild.io Use our tool to generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• Cover Letter Examples Check out example cover letters for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Cover Letter Learn how to write a cover letter that actually wins job offers.
• Cover Letter Templates Check out our proven, job-winning cover letter templates.
• Addressing A Cover Letter Learn how to start a cover letter the right way.
• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>
• Mailscoop.io A tool to help you find anyone’s professional email in seconds.
• How To Get A Job Without Applying Online Our flagship guide for effective job searching in today’s market.
• How To Network Our comprehensive guide on learning how to network.
• Tips For Better Networking Emails 6 tips for writing networking emails that actually get results.
• What To Ask In An Informational Interview 10 great questions to ask during a networking conversation.
• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>
• How To Prepare For Interviews Our proven preparation framework for turning more interviews into offers.
• How To Create A Job-Winning Interview Presentation Learn our “silver bullet” Value Validation Project presentation strategy.
• Interview Questions & Answer Examples Job-winning example answers for common interview questions.
• What To Wear To An Interview A simple guide to dressing for the job you want.
• How To Write A Job-Winning Thank You Note Learn how to write a post-interview thank you that wins job offers.

How To Write A Character Reference Letter For Someone

• LinkedIn 54
• Pinterest 0

Have you been asked to write a character reference letter for someone you know who is currently seeking employment?

If you have, then you may be wondering exactly what goes into such a letter and what importance it plays in the job candidate's interview process.

Well, that’s exactly what we will cover in this article! Read this piece from top to bottom or simply jump to the specific section you’re interested in:

What Is A Character Reference Letter?

How to write a character reference letter, what to include in the character reference letter, when should a character reference letter be submitted, 5+ examples of a character reference letter, final thoughts on reference letters.

A character reference letter is a document that is written by someone who knows the job candidate well and can attest to their character. This type of letter is usually written by a friend, family member, or someone close to the job candidate.

The character reference letter is important because it gives the employer an idea of what kind of person the job candidate is, outside of their professional qualifications.

An employer may request a character reference letter to get a better sense of who the job candidate is as a person. This type of letter can be very helpful in the decision-making process, as it can provide insight into the job candidate's character that may not be apparent from their resume or professional qualifications alone.

So, you’ve been assigned the very important task of writing a reference letter. Where to start?

For starters, you should:

#1 Add our contact information

Right below the date, add your full name, the company you work for, your e-mail, and your phone number. Once you’ve done that, then you will have to…

#2 Properly address the letter

To begin, avoid using the traditional “To whom it may concern”. That’s way too impersonal! Instead, ask the candidate the name of the person who will be receiving the letter.

If they don’t have a name, then assign the letter to the team at the company the candidate is applying for, for example: “ To the Marketing Team at BlueVista ”, or “ To the Software Engineering team at Techpulse ”.

#3 Introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the candidate

Explain where you know the candidate from and for how long you’ve known them.

For example:

My name is Roseanna Vang, and I am the Marketing Director at BitCode. I had the pleasure of working with Eleanor Thomas throughout my time as a Senior Marketing Manager at Nexlab in 2019. Eleanor was the Head of Marketing and my direct supervisor at the time.

Be thorough about the context in which you’ve known the candidate. For instance, in the example above, we learn that:

• Roseanna was under Eleanor’s supervision and is now the Marketing Director, meaning Eleanor’s mentorship might have helped her grow and progress;
• Eleanor has maintained a good relationship with her subordinates, given one of them would be open enough to write them a reference letter.

Let’s take another example from someone who hasn’t worked with the candidate:

My name is Jean Mcleod and I am a Senior Software Engineer at Ecotech. Angelo Bradshaw and I studied together at UCLA from 2010 to 2014 while undertaking a Computer Science degree. During that time, we have worked closely together on multiple class projects and extra-curricular activities.

Here’s what we learned from the example above:

• Jean probably considers Angelo a reliable person, as they have worked together on multiple class projects;
• Angelo is driven to learn new things, given his interest in joining extra-curricular activities.

See? Details matter!

Once you’ve given the context, then you will:

#4 Bring in all the good stuff

Bring in all the positive things you have to say for this candidate. If you can, try bringing in measurable results, too!

Let’s pick where we left off on the examples we used above.

I have witnessed first-hand Eleanor’s commitment and dedication to building brand awareness at Nexlab. During the time we have worked together, Eleanor was in charge of leading a creative team of 12 professionals responsible for crafting engaging and strategic marketing campaigns. For the second half of 2019, Eleanor spearheaded the campaign launch of a new foundation designed to perfectly blend with all skin colors. The marketing team developed a user-generated content strategy for TikTok and Instagram, leveraging customers' different skin tones to showcase the product’s efficiency. Over 20K leads entered our waiting list to purchase the product first-hand, and nearly 10% converted within the first week of the product launch! Elanor’s leadership and organization skills were essential to sustain a deliverable timeframe for the campaign launch. She held regular 1:1s with everyone on the team to keep track of the campaign status and designed a project management board so everyone would be on the same page.

Notice how, in this case, the reader is presented with a challenge Eleanor had to face. Then, they learned about the steps she took and the measurable outcomes. Finally, they learn about what skills were essential for Eleanor’s success in facing this challenge.

Now, let’s see how this framework could be applied to our second example:

During our final year capstone project, Angelo and I faced a significant challenge in developing a scalable web application for a nonprofit organization. The application struggled with load management during peak times, causing frequent downtimes and hindering the nonprofit's mission. Angelo stepped forward to lead the resolution of these performance issues, recognizing the need for a more robust solution to support the organization's goals effectively. Angelo proposed and led the transition to a microservices architecture, a strategy aimed at enhancing the application's scalability and performance. By breaking down the monolithic system into smaller, independently scalable services, he meticulously orchestrated the redesign over two months. This period involved intensive coding sessions, careful deployment of new services, and rigorous testing to ensure the application's stability and efficiency, demonstrating Angelo's commitment to finding a sustainable solution. The transformation Angelo spearheaded not only salvaged our capstone project but also significantly benefited the nonprofit organization, tripling the application's user capacity and slashing load times by 70%. This overhaul led to increased user engagement and allowed the nonprofit to expand its services. Angelo's leadership, technical acumen, and problem-solving skills were pivotal in achieving these results, illustrating his ability to deliver under pressure and contribute meaningfully to complex projects.

Again, the reader is presented with a challenge, a step-by-step guide to the resolution of the challenge, and a measurable result!

#5 Craft a statement of recommendation

Reinforce the candidate’s value and how they can make a great addition to the team.

Here’s what the closing statement could look like for each of the examples above:

I am convinced that Eleanor’s creative and strategic thinking, combined with her knack for leadership, will serve as a valuable asset to your team.

I am confident that Angelo's proficiency in software engineering, combined with his exceptional problem-solving abilities, makes him an invaluable asset to any team. His commitment to excellence and his ability to lead through challenges are qualities that I have admired and learned from throughout our time at UCLA.

#6 Close with your contact information

Finally, put yourself at the reader’s disposal to provide any further information on the candidate! Here’s how:

Should you wish to discuss or gain any further insights into Eleanor’s time at Nexlab, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 555-555-555 or [email protected] .

If you need any further details about Angelo’s achievements and abilities, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 555-555-555 or [email protected] .

The Anatomy Of A Character Reference Letter

Now, let’s recap and break that down into an illustration!

When writing a character reference letter, focus on the positive qualities of the person you are writing about. Try to provide specific examples of times when you have seen these positive qualities in action.

Also, keep the letter concise and to the point. The character reference letter is not the place to go into detail about the person's entire life story.

Here are some things you may want to include in a reference letter:

• How long you have known the person
• In what capacity you have known them
• What positive qualities you have observed in them
• Specific examples of times when you have seen these qualities in action
• Why do you believe they would be a good fit for the job they are applying for
• Your contact information in case the employer has any further questions

Pro Tip: If you have been asked to write a character reference letter, it is a good idea to ask the person you are writing it for if there is anything specific they would like you to include. This will help ensure that your letter hits all the key points that the employer is looking for.

The completed letter should be submitted along with the job candidate's other application materials . Usually, the letter will be sent directly to the employer by the person who is writing it.

If you have been asked to write a character reference letter but are not sure how to go about it, the following examples will help you get started.

Below are five examples of outlines you can use for inspiration. Remember to add your contact information in the header of the letter so that the employer can easily get in touch with you if they have any further questions.

Character Reference Example #1: February 12th, 2024 Nicholas Shaw Edutech | [email protected] | 555-555-555 Dear Will Holt, I am writing to strongly endorse Hirra Shah for the Financial Analyst position she is keenly pursuing. Over the past 5 years, my association with Hirra, both professionally and personally, has allowed me to witness her unwavering dedication, integrity, and astute analytical skills. In her role as a Financial Analyst with Edutech, Hirra has consistently exhibited a commendable work ethic, complemented by her keen attention to financial intricacies. She played a pivotal role in identifying and rectifying cost inefficiencies, resulting in an annual savings of 15% for our department. Furthermore, her in-depth analysis and forecasting techniques led to a 20% increase in ROI for our key investment projects in the past year. Beyond her technical prowess, what distinguishes Hirra is her genuine commitment to team collaboration and her ability to explain complex financial concepts in a comprehensible manner. This blend of analytical acumen and interpersonal skills makes her a standout financial professional. I am genuinely confident that Hirra Shah will be a significant asset to your team, driving both efficiency and innovation. Should you wish to further discuss or gain insights into Hirra's competencies and achievements, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected] Warm regards, Nicholas Shaw

Character Reference Example #2: February 12th, 2024 Gloria Wilson DataSphere | [email protected] | 555-555-555 Dear Cecilia Luna, I am writing to strongly recommend Keisha Jones for the Human Resources position she is pursuing. I have had the privilege of working alongside Keisha for the past 5 years. Throughout this period, Keisha has consistently embodied the principles of professionalism, empathy, and dedication. In her previous HR role, Keisha was instrumental in revamping our recruitment process, resulting in a 40% decrease in time-to-hire and a 20% increase in new hire retention during her first year. Her meticulous attention to detail combined with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics ensures that every team member feels acknowledged and empowered. Keisha's true strength lies in her ability to mediate and manage interpersonal relationships within the workplace. With a knack for problem-solving, she reduced internal conflicts by 60% through the initiation of team-building activities and open dialogue sessions. Her genuine compassion, paired with her sharp insight into strategic planning, makes her a valuable asset in any HR setting. I wholeheartedly believe that Keisha Jones would be an outstanding addition to your HR team, bringing with her the expertise and soft skills essential for the role. If you need further details or wish to discuss Keisha's achievements and abilities, please don't hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected] . Warm regards, Gloria Wilson

Character Reference Example #3: February 12th, 2024 Marnie Reid AI Optima | [email protected] | 555-555-555 Dear Rafael Hall, I am writing to endorse Mark Thompson for the Account Manager position at CloudFrontier. Over the past 5 years, I have worked closely with Mark in both professional and personal environments, and I have been consistently impressed with his proficiency, dedication, and aptitude in managing accounts. Mark possesses a rare blend of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and client-centric dedication. In his role as an Account Manager with our company, he has seamlessly balanced client needs with organizational goals, consistently exceeding both client and company expectations. His proactive approach led to a 30% increase in client retention and a 25% growth in upsell opportunities during his time at AI Optima. Furthermore, Mark's natural ability to establish trust and build lasting relationships positions him as a standout in the realm of account management. He possesses the intrinsic ability to understand client needs, foresee challenges, and proactively offer solutions, ensuring the client's trust is never compromised. I am confident that Mark Thompson will be an invaluable asset to your team and bring tangible results in the Account Manager role. If you wish to discuss further or require additional insights into Mark's competencies, please do not hesitate to connect with me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected] . Warm regards, Marnie Reid

Character Reference Example #4: February 12th, 2024 Simon Kelley Lumiar Elementary School | [email protected] | 555-555-555 Dear Minna Rigs, I am writing to recommend Tessa Stafford for the teaching position she is pursuing at Bright Education. Having known Tessa for the past 5 years, I've observed her in various capacities, both in professional educational settings and outside of them. Tessa consistently radiates attributes of patience, innovation, and an unwavering passion for education. In her teaching role at our school, Tessa not only showcased an excellent command over her subject matter but also demonstrated an innate ability to understand and cater to the unique needs of each student. Under her guidance, her class witnessed a remarkable 25% improvement in standardized test scores, and she successfully bridged learning gaps for underperforming students, leading to an 80% pass rate improvement for that specific group within a year. What truly distinguishes Tessa is her holistic approach to teaching. Beyond just academics, she instills in her students critical life values, resilience, and curiosity. Her innovative teaching methods, combined with her genuine care for students' well-being, position her as an educator par excellence. I am confident that with Tessa Stafford joining your team, your institution will not only achieve academic excellence but also nurture well-rounded individuals. For further discussion or additional information regarding Tessa's abilities and achievements, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected] . Warm regards, Simon Kelley

Character Reference Example #5:  February 12th, 2024 Jenna Dunn Salute Medical Care | [email protected] | 555-555-555 Dear Owen Kelin, I am writing to recommend Leroy Lucero for the nursing position he is seeking at MedClin. Over the past 5 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Leroy and observing his dedication, compassion, and outstanding clinical abilities. In his nursing role at our facility, Leroy has consistently demonstrated exemplary patient care, often going above and beyond his duties. His diligence and thorough approach have directly contributed to a 20% reduction in patient recovery times within his care ward. Furthermore, under his leadership, patient satisfaction scores in his department increased by 15%, showcasing his commitment to ensuring patients feel cared for and heard. Beyond his technical proficiency, what truly distinguishes Leroy is his deep empathy and ability to connect with patients of all backgrounds. He has this innate talent of blending analytical thinking with a heartfelt commitment to his patients' well-being. Such qualities not only make him an exceptional nurse but also an essential team member in any medical setting. I am confident that with Leroy Lucero as part of your team, your facility will witness enhanced patient care and a strengthened nursing department. For additional insights or to discuss Leroy's achievements and skills further, please don't hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected] . Warm regards, Jenna Dunn

Notice how all of these examples share a few common traits.

First, they speak to the person's abilities as a professional, using measurable outcomes when possible. This allows the hiring manager to see the specific value they bring to the table as an employee.

Second, they speak to the person's character and values. This allows the hiring team to gauge the cultural fit for this person so they can feel confident they'd not only blend in but actively add to the company's culture.

Third, they use specific examples to define each. They don't just say something like, “Leroy offers exemplary patient care.” They go beyond that to provide examples of how that exemplary care translates in the workplace ( “His diligence and thorough approach have directly contributed to a 20% reduction in patient recovery times within his care ward.” ).

Pro Tip:  Want to level up your character letters without spending a bunch of extra time? Leverage AI! Tools like Hubspot's Paragraph Writer help remove the burden of starting with a blank page. Use them to take care of 80% of the baseline content so you can bring 100% of your energy to personalize your reference letter and add your magic touch!

A character reference letter can significantly increase a job candidate's chances of getting hired . By taking the time to write a thoughtful and well-written letter, you can help your friend or colleague get the job they're applying for.

Keep the following tips in mind when writing a character reference letter:

• Be sure to include how long you have known the person
• Mention what capacity you have known them in
• Include an example of their positive character traits
• Explain why you believe they would be a good fit for the job (include measurable metrics and outcomes if you can!)
• Provide your contact information in case the employer has any questions
• Submit the letter along with the job candidate's other application materials

When in doubt, the letter you write should be positive and always truthful. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to writing a great character reference letter in no time!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Most Popular Posts

YOU’VE SEEN AUSTIN IN

WHAT CAN I HELP WITH?

Welcome Back To Cultivated Culture!

Log into your Cultivated Culture account using one of the options below:

Forgot your password? Click here to reset.

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use , Privacy Policy , and agree to receive email updates.

One Free Account, Four Job-Winning Tools

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account and get access to all of our job search tools:

Your Bullet Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your bullet along with suggestions for improving it:

Sign Up To Save & Export Your Resume

Sign up to create, save, and export your resume and get access to our suite of job search tools!

Sign Up To Get More Free Email Searches

Create a free account to unlock more email searches and get access to all four of our job-winning tools:

Your Headline Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your headline along with suggestions for improving it:

Already have an acount? Click Here To Log In

We Just Need You To Verify Your Email.

We just emailed you a 6-digit code. Please check your email and enter it below.

Note: Your progress will not be saved until your email is verified. Closing this pop up or window might cause you to lose your progress.

Invalid Code

Choose one of the options below to get the verification code we sent you!

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free scans.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free templates, saves, and exports.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free email searches.

We sent a verification code to your email, all you have to do is paste that code here and submit to get full access!

Looks Like You Still Need To Verify Your Email Address!

Whoops! Looks like you still haven't verified your email address. We'll need you to do that before granting free, unlimited access to our tools.

If you can't find the original verification email, click the link below and we'll send a new one:

Sent! Please check your email.

Oops you've hit your credit limit..

Looks like you've used all 10 of your free credits for the month. Your credit limit will refresh in days. You can learn more about your credit limit here.

Want to stop worrying about credits?

Sign up for our Unlimited plan to get instance unlimited access to all of our jon search tools for one low price. Click below to learn more:

Go Unlimited!

Change plan.

Upgrade your plan to get unlimited access to all 5 of our offer-winning job search tools and 200 email searches / week:

Go Unlimited (& Save 10%)!

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our resume tools, 200 email searches / week, and 10% off our regular pricing thanks to your friend :

Your Unlimited plan comes with...

Unlimited access to all 5 of our resume tools

200 Mailscoop searches per week

No obligations - cancel any time

By clicking "Upgrade My Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

By clicking "Change Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Confirm Your Plan Change

Here is a summary of your plan change:

Current Plan:

Please note the following for plan changes:

Your new plan and rebill date will be effective immediately

The number above depict retail plan pricing, any adjustments or credits will be available in the Invoices section of your Billing tab

If you're moving to a lower cost plan, the difference will be credited to your account and applied towards your next payment

By clicking "Confirm Plan Change," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Unlimited Plan Upgrade

Change payment method.

Promo code has been applied to your purchase!

Note: This is a monthly subscription, your card will be automatically charged every month until you cancel your plan.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

(C) 2024 Cultivated Culture

Note: You will not be charged for updating your credit card using this form. After your new card is added, you will be billed on the date of your next billing cycle.

Upgrade Complete!

You are officially a

Unlimited Member

Invoice Details

Paid Today:

Start Date:

Subscription:

Next Bill Date (Est.):

Note: This receipt and future invoices will be available in the Billing Tab of your Account Dashboard .

Do You Want To Secure Your Account?

Increase your account security with one of our multi-factor authentication options:

Choose An Authentication Method

Awesome! Let's make your account more secure.

Choose your preferred authentication method:

Text Message Authentication

Enter the phone number that you want to use to set up text-based authentication for your account:

Text Message Verification Code Sent!

Please check your phone for verification code and enter below:

Email Verification Code Sent!

Please check your email for verification code and enter below:

No problem, we'll skip this for now. Do you want us to remind you to secure your account?