If you’re constantly asked to write letters of recommendation for colleagues, students or even family members, then you know how crushing it can be to stare at the blank page. Fortunately, Harvard Business Review has a letter of recommendation template that can help ease the pressure. This template provides readers with examples of how to structure and write effective letters of recommendation that can help individuals stand out from the rest. You can even modify or edit the template according to your needs. With this resource, writing a letter of recommendation will be a breeze, leaving you with more time to focus on the things that matter most.
Best Structure for a Letter of Recommendation Template: Harvard Business Review
As a professional, writing a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task. It’s essential to write a solid letter that accurately represents the candidate’s strengths and unique qualities. A strong letter of recommendation can make all the difference in a candidate’s job search, graduate school application, or even scholarship application. Harvard Business Review has provided a comprehensive template for a letter of recommendation that can help you structure your letter.
The letter’s introduction should start by specifying the purpose of the letter and the candidate’s name, position, and connection to the writer. Make sure to provide context and establish the writer’s credibility by describing the writer’s qualifications and experience working with the candidate.
The second paragraph should outline the candidate’s qualifications and attributes that make them an excellent candidate. Describe the candidate’s work experience, education, and relevant skills, emphasizing their qualities that make them a good match for the role or opportunity they’re seeking. Provide concrete examples of projects, assignments, and tasks that the candidate has completed successfully.
The next paragraph should provide context around the candidate’s personal qualities, such as their character traits, work style, and interpersonal skills. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how these qualities have contributed to a successful project or outcome. For instance, you may highlight their ability to work under pressure and their effectiveness in working with a team.
In the final paragraph, provide an overall assessment of the candidate’s suitability for the position or opportunity. Sum up your praise for the candidate and emphasize how you think they stand out among other candidates. Also, include contact details where you can be reached if the recipient has further questions.
To wrap it up, a strong letter of recommendation has a clear structure with an introduction that establishes the writer’s qualifications, a section that outlines the candidate’s qualifications and attributes, and a paragraph that provides context around the candidate’s personal qualities. The concluding paragraph should provide an overall assessment, emphasizing the candidate’s unique qualifications and suitability for the position or opportunity. By following this template, you can write a letter of recommendation that accurately represents the candidate and solidifies your credibility as a recommender.
7 Harvard Business Review Letter of Recommendation Templates
Recommendation for Graduate School Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Name] for admission to graduate school at [University Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company Name]. During this time, I witnessed their exceptional work ethic, intelligence, and dedication to their craft.
[Name] has demonstrated an impressive ability to grasp complex ideas, solve problems creatively, and engage collaboratively with others. They are a standout in our organization and I am confident that they would excel in any program they choose to pursue. [Name] has a natural curiosity and drive that make them stand out from their peers. They would make a valuable addition to your graduate program.
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Name] for admission to [University Name] graduate program. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Job Promotion
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee’s Name] for a [Job Title] promotion at [Company Name]. I have had the opportunity to work closely with [Employee’s Name] over the last [Number] years and have seen firsthand their exceptional work ethic, commitment to their professional development, and proficiency in their current position.
[Employee’s Name] has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, including the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members, manage competing priorities and meet or exceed deadlines. They possess a natural aptitude for problem-solving and possess the vision and creativity necessary for success in a [Job Title] role.
Based on their track record of success at [Company Name], I sincerely believe that [Employee’s Name] would be well-suited to assume the [Job Title] position. I am confident that they possess the skills, experience, and dedication to thrive in this role and contribute to the continued success of the company.
Thank you for considering my recommendation. Please contact me if you need further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am thrilled to recommend [Name] for your [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and have been continually impressed by their commitment to academic excellence and the pursuit of their professional goals.
[Name] possesses a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and extracurricular involvement that make them an exceptional candidate for this scholarship. Their academic record speaks for itself, with [Number] honor roll awards and [Number] academic accolades earned in the last [Number] years. In addition, [Name] has shown a commitment to community service, volunteering at [Charity or Organization] and demonstrating a genuine desire to give back whenever possible.
I believe that [Name] would make an excellent recipient of your [Scholarship Name]. This scholarship would provide them with the resources and support necessary to achieve their academic and professional goals. I wholeheartedly recommend [Name] for this prestigious scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Business Partnership
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend that you consider [Company Name] as a potential business partner. I have had the pleasure of working with [Company Name] on several projects over the last [Number] years and have found them to be consistently professional, reliable, and results-driven.
[Company Name] has a strong track record of delivering quality work on time and within budget. They have an exceptional team of professionals with a diverse range of skills and expertise. Their exceptional client service and support have made them one of the most trusted partners in the industry.
I highly recommend [Company Name] for any potential business partnership opportunities. They are a valuable asset to any organization and will undoubtedly provide you with the expert resources and guidance necessary to achieve your goals.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Employee Recognition
Dear [Executive Name],
I am writing to recommend that [Employee Name] be recognized for their exceptional contributions to [Company Name]. In my time working with [Employee Name], I have witnessed their impressive work ethic, dedication, and ability to consistently deliver exceptional results.
[Employee Name] consistently goes above and beyond their job responsibilities, bringing innovation and creative problem-solving skills to all aspects of their work. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership and have been instrumental in driving important initiatives for our organization. In addition, they are known to consistently provide excellent value to clients and go out of their way to ensure their satisfaction.
I strongly recommend that [Employee Name] be recognized and rewarded for their contributions to [Company Name]. Their exceptional performance and tireless dedication have set them apart as a valuable member of the team and a true asset to our organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Professional Community Involvement
Dear [Organization Name] leaders,
I am writing to recommend [Name] be selected to participate in your [Program Name]. [Name] is an exceptional professional with an impressive track record of success within their field. I have had the pleasure of working with them for [Number] years and have been continually impressed by their dedication, creativity, and drive.
[Name] is an active member of our professional community, regularly presenting at industry conferences, engaging with peers, and volunteering at local events. They consistently go above and beyond to help foster a strong, collaborative community that benefits all involved. Their vast experience and knowledge would make them an excellent addition to [Program Name], and I believe they would greatly benefit from the professional opportunities and resources the program provides.
I strongly recommend that you consider [Name] for [Program Name]. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for further information about my recommendation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Executive or Board Position
Dear Nominating Committee,
I am honored to enthusiastically recommend [Name] for consideration for the executive or board position at [Company Name]. I have worked with [Name] for [Number] years and have seen firsthand their exceptional business acumen, leadership skills, and commitment to the advancement of the organization.
[Name] has been instrumental in driving sustained growth, managing risk, and positioning [Company Name] for continued success. They are an experienced executive with a passion for excellence and leadership that inspires and motivates those around them. [Name] has a reputation for being a strategic thinker, an effective communicator, and a dynamic leader who has the respect of colleagues and peers alike.
I wholeheartedly recommend [Name] for any leadership position at [Company Name]. They are an exceptional candidate with the skills, experience, and dedication necessary to make a valuable contribution to the organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation Template Harvard Business Review
A letter of recommendation is an essential part of many applications, especially in professional fields. Harvard Business Review provides guidelines for writing a letter of recommendation that stands out. Here are some related tips:
- Know the Candidate Well: Before writing a letter of recommendation, ensure that you have a good understanding of the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and areas of excellence. You should only recommend candidates that you are confident are well-suited for the position or program.
- Use Specific Examples: Including specific examples of the candidate’s skills, experience, and achievements can make your letter of recommendation more compelling. Use quantifiable metrics and professional language that demonstrates the candidate’s capabilities.
- Keep it Professional: While you may have a personal relationship with the candidate, you should always keep your letter of recommendation professional. Avoid overly personal anecdotes and stick to professional achievements and experiences that demonstrate the candidate’s suitability for the position.
- Highlight Unique Traits: HR managers and admission committees are looking for candidates with outstanding qualities and unique skills that set them apart from others. Focus on the candidate’s unique traits that make them stand out and explain how these traits could benefit the organization or program.
- Be Honest: It’s essential to be honest in your letter of recommendation. Avoid exaggerating or inflating the candidate’s achievements and capabilities. If you’re unsure about the candidate’s suitability for the position, it’s better to decline the request instead of writing a lukewarm recommendation.
- Edit Carefully: The letter of recommendation template Harvard Business Review guidelines emphasize the importance of editing your writing carefully. A well-written letter of recommendation should have impeccable grammar and punctuation and should be easy to read and understand.
By following these tips, you can write a compelling letter of recommendation that gets the candidate noticed. Remember that a well-crafted letter of recommendation can make all the difference in helping your candidate secure their desired position or program.
FAQs Related to Letter of Recommendation Template Harvard Business Review
What is a letter of recommendation template?
A letter of recommendation template is a pre-written guide that provides information on the format, content, and tone of a recommendation letter. These templates can help provide a starting point for those who are unsure of what to include in a letter of recommendation.
What is the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template?
The Harvard business review letter of recommendation template is a specific template created by Harvard business review for use by those who need to draft letters of recommendation. It provides guidelines for content and formatting, as well as examples of language to use in different situations.
Can I personalize the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template?
Yes, the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template is a guide, and it can be personalized to meet your specific needs. You can modify the language used in the letter template to better match the intended recipient or to convey your own style and tone.
Is the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template only for business school applications?
No, the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template can be used for a wide range of applications, including job applications, scholarship applications, and graduate school applications in a variety of fields.
Do I need to include specific details about the applicant in my letter of recommendation?
Yes, it is important to include specific details about the applicant in your letter of recommendation. This can include information about their accomplishments, abilities, and character traits that make them stand out as a candidate. Details can help to make your letter of recommendation more convincing and memorable.
What should I avoid including in my letter of recommendation?
Avoid including any negative or critical information about the applicant in your letter of recommendation. Additionally, you should avoid making statements that could be interpreted as discriminatory or biased.
Is it necessary to follow the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template exactly?
No, it is not necessary to follow the Harvard business review letter of recommendation template exactly, but it is recommended to use it as a guide. You can personalize the template to meet the specific needs of your situation, while still following the general guidelines provided by the template.
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