How to Write an Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template for Your Colleague

Are you in a tough spot when it comes to writing a letter of recommendation for a colleague, friend, or employee? Perhaps you don’t want to outright decline the request, but you’re just not sure what to write. Here’s where using an indirect letter of recommendation template can come in handy. With a little guidance, you too can draft the perfect letter that praises the individual without feeling like you’ve overpromised.

The concept behind an indirect letter of recommendation template is to provide the person asking for the recommendation a structure to work with. These templates are designed for the writer to fill in the blanks – share anecdotes, talk about their accomplishments and highlight their strengths. Often times, people don’t know what to write when asked for a recommendation and by using the indirect letter of recommendation template, it makes it a bit easier.

Luckily, with the ease of the internet, there are countless templates readily available for use. Be it for a job, college, scholarship or any other instance where a recommendation may be required, there are examples to suit each specific need. They are easy to find and can be edited as needed so that they reflect the writer’s unique perspective. Don’t let the stress of writing a letter of recommendation get in the way of helping someone out. Use the indirect letter of recommendation template and get the job done.

The Best Structure for an Indirect Letter of Recommendation

Hey there,

If you’ve been asked to write an indirect letter of recommendation, you may be wondering where to start. Let me tell you, the structure of this type of letter is crucial.

First things first, start with a brief introduction of yourself. Include your name, occupation, and how you know the person you’re recommending. This will establish your credibility with the reader and give context to your letter.

Next, you’ll want to describe the person you’re recommending in detail. Use specific examples to highlight their strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Be sure to cover their professional qualities, but don’t forget to mention any personal characteristics that make them stand out.

After describing their qualities, it’s time to give concrete examples of how the person has demonstrated these qualities. Provide specific stories or situations where you saw them excel in their work, leadership, or teamwork.

Then, connect the dots. Explain how the person’s skills and qualities will benefit the organization they’re applying to. Be sure to emphasize how the person will bring value to the company and make a positive impact on the team.

Finally, close your letter with a strong endorsement of the person. Sum up your impressions of them and emphasize why you highly recommend them for the position. Provide your contact information in case the reader wants to follow up with you.

Remember, an indirect letter of recommendation is about advocating for someone else. Make sure the structure of your letter conveys your enthusiasm and confidence in the person you’re recommending.

Best,
[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template for Your Colleague

Indirect Letter of Recommendation Templates

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for Employment

Greetings,

I am writing this letter on behalf of [Name], who has applied for a position at [Company]. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [duration of time] at [Previous Company]. In my experience working with them, I found [Name] to be a highly motivated, skilled, and detail-oriented employee. They consistently met and exceeded their performance targets, and their work was always of a high standard.

[Name] has a strong work ethic and is always willing to go above and beyond to help the team. They are a team player, who also has great interpersonal skills, thus able to communicate with everyone professionally. As someone who has worked with [Name], I strongly recommend them for the role at [Company].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for Higher Education

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter on behalf of [Student Name], who is applying for higher education at [University or College]. I had the pleasure of supervising [Student Name] as an intern at [Previous Company]. During their internship, [Student Name] demonstrated excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities. They consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn and improve their skills while on the job.

As someone who has worked with [Student Name], I strongly recommend them for the role at [University or College]. In their time with us, [Student Name] was a valuable member of our team, and their contributions were greatly appreciated. I have no doubt that [Student Name] will continue to excel and make valuable contributions in an academic environment.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Work

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing this letter on behalf of [Volunteer Name], who has shown interest in volunteering for [Name of nonprofit organization]. I had the pleasure of working with [Volunteer Name] on a community project last year, and I was incredibly impressed with their commitment, dedication, and hard work. [Volunteer Name] has demonstrated excellent organizational skills, a willingness to work collaboratively, and a genuine concern for the community.

As someone who has worked with [Volunteer Name], I strongly recommend them for volunteering at [Name of nonprofit organization]. Their passion and commitment to improving their community will undoubtedly make them a valuable addition to your team. I highly endorse [Volunteer Name] and their potential for making an impact on the community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter on behalf of [Student Name], who is applying for graduate studies at [University or College]. [Student Name] was a student of mine during their undergraduate studies. I found them to be an exceptional student, demonstrating an excellent academic record, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for their field of study. They consistently demonstrated an outstanding ability to think critically, which is a crucial skill for success in graduate school.

As someone who has had the pleasure of being [Student Name]’s professor, I strongly recommend them for graduate studies at [University or College]. [Student Name] possesses incredible potential, and I am confident that they will make valuable contributions to academic research, the institution, and their field of study.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for Internship

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing this letter on behalf of [Student Name], who is applying for an internship at [Company]. As [Student Name]’s professor, I have had the pleasure of teaching [Course Name] and have interacted with [Student Name] on multiple occasions. From my interaction, [Student Name] has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, excellent organizational skills, and a willingness to learn and apply their knowledge in a practical context.

As someone who has had the pleasure of being [Student Name]’s professor, I strongly recommend them for the internship at [Company]. [Student Name] is a highly motivated student, and I am confident that their academic performance and work ethic will make them a valuable asset to the company.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Indirect Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing this letter on behalf of [Student Name], who is applying for a scholarship from [Scholarship Program]. I have [taught/worked with] [Student Name] for [length of time] and find [them] to be a highly motivated, intelligent, and dedicated student. Their academic record speaks for itself, and their work ethic is unparalleled.

As someone who has had the privilege of teaching [Student Name], I strongly recommend them for the scholarship from [Scholarship Program]. [Student Name] has an insatiable curiosity and an incredible passion for their field of study. They are undeniably deserving of your timeless scholarship and the opportunities it will afford them.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for an Indirect Letter of Recommendation Template

Writing a letter of recommendation is a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing an indirect letter. Guiding someone’s career is a big responsibility, but if you do it right, you can make all the difference. Here are some tips for writing an effective letter of recommendation template that will help guide the person you are recommending towards their career goals.

First and foremost, it is important to establish your credentials. Explain who you are, how you know the person and what qualifications make you a credible source. This will help the person receiving the letter understand why your recommendation is valuable.

Next, it is important to focus on the person’s strengths, achievements and qualities. Highlight what makes them exceptional, and specific examples to back your claims. Your recommendation should show why the person is an asset and why they stand out in their field.

Further, mention why you believe that the person would succeed in the particular job or field, and how their qualities match the requirements of that position. Be specific and talk about how they would transition into the new role and what challenges they might face. This can give the person an idea of what to expect and prepare them for the transition.

When it comes to indirect letters, it is important to provide context to the person reading the recommendation. Paint a picture of the person’s interactions with you, their attitude towards work, their willingness to learn and contribute and their impact on you personally or the organization as a whole. This will help create a more comprehensive picture of the person’s strengths and personality.

Lastly, it is crucial to end on a positive note, stating a firm recommendation and your confidence in the person’s ability to succeed. Be sincere in your tone and avoid hyperbole. You can also offer to be a resource for the person if they have any questions or concerns.

Following these tips will help you create an effective letter of recommendation template that will help guide the person you are recommending towards success.

Before You Go…

Hey there, thanks for taking the time to read this article about the indirect letter of recommendation template. I hope you found this information helpful! If you ever need to write a letter of recommendation, keep this template in your back pocket. And if you want to read more content like this, make sure to check back on our website regularly. Until next time, happy writing!