If you’re struggling to write a recommendation email, you’re not alone. Crafting the perfect email to persuade someone to take action is a tricky business. A well-written recommendation can make the difference between securing a new job, getting a promotion, or landing a new client. But, fear not, my fellow writers, for help is at hand. In today’s fast-paced world, where time is money, a straightforward and persuasive email can work wonders. And to get you started, I’ve found some fantastic recommendation email samples that you can use as a guide. With these examples, you can quickly edit and customize them to suit your purpose and style. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some persuasive and compelling emails to kickstart your email writing journey.
The Best Structure for a Recommendation Email: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you’re writing a recommendation email, it’s important to structure your message in a clear and concise way. This not only makes it easier for the recipient to understand your message, but it also ensures that you convey your thoughts in a way that’s convincing and persuasive. In this guide, we’ll outline the best structure for a recommendation email, using Tim Ferriss’ writing style to illustrate each step.
Step 1: Start with a clear and compelling introduction
The first paragraph of your email should clearly state who you are, and why you’re sending the email. It’s important to establish your relationship with the recipient and give context for your recommendation. Tim Ferriss suggests that you start with a hook that immediately grabs their attention and piques their interest. For example:
“Dear [Recipient’s Name], I hope this email finds you doing well. I wanted to take a moment to recommend [Name of Person or Product] to you. As someone who has experienced their [Service/Product/Advice], I’m confident that [they/it/he/she] can provide you with the same level of quality and value that [I/we/they] received.”
Step 2: Provide specific details and examples to support your recommendation
Now that you’ve introduced your recommendation, it’s time to provide specific details and examples that highlight why you believe they’re a great choice. Tim Ferriss suggests that you use concrete language and examples that illustrate the points you’re trying to make. For example:
“[Person/Product/Service] has been an invaluable resource for [Me/My Company/My Friends]. I was particularly impressed with [specific aspect of their work or product], which helped me to [achieve a specific goal or outcome]. [They/It/He/She] also [went above and beyond/provided exceptional service/consistently met or exceeded expectations] and helped me to overcome [a challenge/an obstacle].”
Step 3: Include a conclusion and call-to-action
Finally, you’ll want to close your email with a conclusion that reinforces your recommendation and encourages the recipient to take action. Tim Ferriss suggests that you reiterate your confidence in the person or product you’re recommending, and provide a clear call-to-action that tells the recipient what to do next. For example:
“In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Person/Product/Service] to you. I believe [they/it/he/she] have the skills, expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals and succeed in your endeavors. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to [take a specific action, such as scheduling a call or visiting a website]. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing about your experiences with [Person/Product/Service].”
By following these three simple steps, you can structure a recommendation email that’s clear, persuasive and effective. Remember to keep your message concise and focused, and use specific examples and language to support your recommendation. With a structured and well-written recommendation email, you can help others to benefit from the same positive experiences you’ve had with a person, product or service.
Sample Recommendation Emails for Different Reasons
Recommendation for Job Applicant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I would like to recommend [Name] for the [Job Position] role at [Company Name]. During my time supervising them in our previous workplace, I saw firsthand their exceptional skills in [Skill/Task]. They consistently delivered quality work while demonstrating excellent communication and collaboration with their colleagues.
I believe [Name] would be a valuable addition to your team and would thrive in the environment at [Company Name]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information or clarification about my recommendation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Academic Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Academic Program] at [University/College Name]. As [their teacher/mentor], I have witnessed their dedicated passion for [Subject/Field], alongside their outstanding academic achievements.
[Name] is a disciplined student with excellent analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. They are also a team player who collaborates well with their peers, making them an ideal candidate for this program.
I have no doubt that [Name] will excel in this academic program and contribute positively to your institution. I highly endorse [Name] for this program and hope that you will give them the opportunity to do so.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for any volunteer opportunities that might arise. I have supervised [Name] during their volunteer work with [Organization Name] for [length of time], and I can confidently attest to their exceptional work ethic, dedication, and passion for serving others.
[Name] has been an invaluable asset to our team, consistently going above and beyond in carrying out their duties with great enthusiasm and a positive attitude. They are a reliable and sincere individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
I cannot recommend [Name] enough for any future volunteer opportunities. You will not be disappointed with their hard work, commitment, and dedication. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information regarding my recommendation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Business Partnership
Dear Business Partner,
I am writing to recommend [Company Name] as an ideal business partner for any future ventures. I have conducted business with [Company Name] for [length of time], and I can confidently attest to their professionalism, work ethic, and dedication to their clients.
[Company Name] is an innovative and forward-thinking business that values their clients and focuses on delivering quality products/services. They are reliable, communicative, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
I strongly recommend [Company Name] to any potential business partners and look forward to the possibility of future collaborations. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information or clarification regarding my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Professional Membership
Dear Membership Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for membership in [Professional Organization Name]. As a fellow member of this organization, I have witnessed [Name]’s exceptional work as a [Professional Title] and their dedication to [Industry/Field].
[Name] consistently exhibits a high level of professionalism, expertise, and leadership in their work. They have demonstrated a commitment to staying current with industry advancements and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences with their peers.
I truly believe that [Name]’s membership would benefit your organization, and they would be an excellent addition to your community of professionals. I highly endorse [Name] for membership and hope you will consider their application favorably.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Award Nomination
Dear [Award Committee Name],
I am writing to nominate [Name] for the [Award Name] in recognition of their exceptional contributions to [Industry/Field/Community]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their remarkable skills, work ethic, and dedication.
[Name] has consistently demonstrated excellence in their field, drawing from their extensive experience and innovative ideas. They have also displayed exceptional leadership in [aspect of their work], inspiring their peers to achieve greater heights and setting an excellent example with their work.
I believe that [Name] is highly deserving of this award and hope that you will join me in recognizing their outstanding contributions. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information or clarification regarding my nomination.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Legal Matter
Dear Legal Team,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any legal matter that may arise. I have worked with [Name] on several occasions and have seen first-hand their exceptional legal expertise and professionalism.
[Name] is an intelligent and methodical attorney, always well-prepared and thoroughly researched on any legal matter. They are also an excellent communicator who keeps their clients informed and involved in the legal process. I have seen them successfully represent their clients in a range of legal matters, including [specific examples].
I highly recommend [Name] to anyone seeking legal representation. They will provide expert legal advice, dedicated hard work, and an unwavering commitment to their clients’ best interests. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information or clarification regarding my recommendation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Maximizing the Impact of Your Recommendation Email
When recommending someone or something through an email, it is important to ensure that the message is impactful and convincing enough to successfully achieve the intended goal. Here are some research-backed tips to help you craft an effective recommendation email:
Start with a Strong Opening
Make sure your emails opening sentence is compelling and attention-grabbing. It should provide the recipient with an incentive to continue reading the email. Consider starting with a brief anecdote, a question or a personal connection as this can help set the tone of the email and make it more relatable.
Be Concise and Clear
Recommendations that are too long or confusing can be overwhelming and ultimately lead to the recipient not taking action. To avoid this, keep your message brief and to the point. Being clear with your intentions and suggestions can make it easier for the recipient to follow through on your recommendation. Avoid using confusing jargon or overly technical terms that the recipient may not understand.
Provide Specific Examples
To better convince and persuade your recipient, it is crucial to provide specific examples of why you are recommending a particular person or product. The examples you provide should be relevant, recent, and ideally, as concrete as possible. This makes your suggestion more credible and compelling. Additionally, including any supporting data or testimonials can help solidify your argument and increase the chances of your recommendation being acted upon.
Personalize your Message
Nothing beats a personalized message! Use your experience with the person you are recommending to create a personal and engaging message. Make sure to reference any shared history or common interests you may have with the recipient. Showing that you have taken the time to get to know the person you are recommending can go a long way in convincing the recipient to act on your advice.
Use a Call-to-Action
Finally, a recommendation email should always include a clear call-to-action. Specify what exactly you want the recipient to do after reading the email. This includes actions such as confirming availability, setting up a meeting, or even making a purchase. A strong call-to-action increases the chances of your recommendation being acted upon, and helps move the recipient towards the intended goal.
In conclusion, an effective recommendation email is one that is concise, personalized, and memorable. By following these research-backed tips, you can enhance the chances of your recommendation being taken seriously and ultimately achieving your desired outcome.
Recommendation Email Sample FAQs
What should be included in a recommendation email sample?
A recommendation email sample should include the name of the person being recommended, their industry or field, their relevant skills or experience, the reason for the recommendation, and any additional information that highlights their strengths.
How long should a recommendation email sample be?
A recommendation email sample should be short and to the point, typically no more than a few paragraphs.
What is the appropriate tone to use in a recommendation email sample?
The tone of a recommendation email sample should be professional and positive. It should highlight the strengths and abilities of the person being recommended.
Can a recommendation email sample be customized for different job opportunities?
Yes, a recommendation email sample can be customized for different job opportunities by highlighting specific skills or experiences that are relevant to the particular role or industry.
Who should be the recipient of a recommendation email sample?
The recipient of a recommendation email sample should be the hiring manager or recruiter who is responsible for the job opening.
Is it necessary to follow up with the recipient after sending a recommendation email sample?
It’s not necessary to follow up, but it is often a good idea to do so in order to ensure that the email was received and to answer any questions the recipient may have.
Should a recommendation email sample be sent as an attachment or included in the body of the email?
A recommendation email sample should be included in the body of the email, as an attachment may get overlooked or blocked by the recipient’s email system.
How can I make my recommendation email sample stand out?
To make your recommendation email sample stand out, you can highlight specific accomplishments or accolades of the person being recommended. You could also mention any personal experiences you’ve had working with them.
What should be the subject line of a recommendation email sample?
The subject line of a recommendation email sample should be clear and concise, and should include the name of the person being recommended and the job title or opportunity they are applying for.
Is it appropriate to ask for a recommendation email sample for yourself?
It is not appropriate to ask for a recommendation email sample for yourself, as it should be written by someone who has worked with you and can vouch for your skills and abilities.
Time to Hit Send and Get Recommendations!
And that’s it! You’re all set to craft the perfect recommendation email and impress your colleagues, peers, or clients. Remember to keep it concise, flawlessly written, and tailored to the individual you’re writing for. Thanks for taking the time to read this article and improve your email communication skills. Don’t hesitate to visit us again for more useful tips on all things professional. Happy emailing!