The closing of a recommendation letter should succinctly summarize the candidate's key qualifications and unequivocally state your recommendation for the specific opportunity they are pursuing. It serves as a final, impactful endorsement of the individual.
Key Components of an Effective Recommendation Letter Closing
A strong ending to your recommendation letter ensures that your endorsement is clear, concise, and leaves a lasting positive impression. It should be straightforward and to the point, reinforcing the core message of your support.
1. Briefly Summarize Key Strengths
In the final paragraph, gently remind the reader of the candidate's most relevant and impressive qualities or achievements. This isn't a rehash of the entire letter but a quick recap of the highlights that make them suitable for the role or program.
- Example Phrases:
- "Given [Candidate's Name]'s exceptional problem-solving skills and dedication, I am confident they will excel in this position."
- "Their unparalleled work ethic and collaborative spirit make them an ideal fit for your graduate program."
- "Based on their consistent performance and leadership abilities, I believe [Candidate's Name] would be a tremendous asset to your team."
2. Explicitly State Your Recommendation
This is the most crucial part of the closing. Your recommendation must be clear, unambiguous, and enthusiastic. Use strong, active language to convey your full support for the candidate's application.
- Strong Recommendation Phrases:
- "I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate's Name] for the [Position/Program Name]."
- "I highly recommend [Candidate's Name] without reservation."
- "It is my distinct pleasure to recommend [Candidate's Name] for this opportunity."
- "I give my strongest recommendation for [Candidate's Name] to join your program/team."
- "I am confident that [Candidate's Name] will be a valuable addition to your organization/university."
3. Offer to Provide Further Information
It is professional and helpful to offer to elaborate further on your recommendation if needed. This shows your continued support for the candidate and your willingness to assist the admissions committee or hiring manager.
- Example Phrases:
- "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information."
- "I would be happy to provide any additional details you may need regarding [Candidate's Name]'s qualifications."
- "Should you have any questions, I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]."
Professional Closing and Signature
After the main body of your closing, choose a professional closing salutation followed by your typed name, title, and signature.
| Professional Closing | Usage Notes |
|---|---|
| Sincerely | Most common and versatile, suitable for almost all situations. |
| Regards | Professional and slightly less formal than "Sincerely." |
| Best regards | Similar to "Regards," often used in a professional context. |
| Respectfully | More formal, often used in academic or highly official contexts. |
| Yours truly | Traditional, less common in modern business correspondence but still acceptable. |
Following the professional closing, include your handwritten signature (if sending a physical letter or scanned document), your typed full name, your professional title, and your contact information.
For more insights on writing effective recommendation letters, you can explore resources like this guide on Indeed Career Guide.
