Thank Someone for Writing a Recommendation Letter for you

People often need a recommendation or reference letter for work or academic purposes. This letter provides an account of a person’s character, work experience, qualifications, skills, and abilities. The person who writes a recommendation letter or provides a professional reference is usually a former employer, manager, client, instructor, teacher, or someone else who knows the individual and can speak confidently about their skills or character.

The referee, who is asked to provide the recommendation, takes time to prepare the letter and deserves to be thanked for their effort.

Therefore, a thank-you letter is often written by the person receiving the recommendation. In this letter, they thank the referee for:

• Their time and effort
• Their positive words and confidence in the applicant
• Providing an endorsement of the applicant’s abilities or character

The general format of the letter includes:

• Date
• Details of the sender
• Details of the referee
• A reference to the recommendation letter written by the referee
• An explanation of how the recommendation has helped or may help
• An expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of the effort involved

This thank-you letter makes the referee feel appreciated and shows that their effort has been acknowledged. In addition, it can strengthen the relationship between the applicant and the referee. Although a verbal thank-you is meaningful, a thoughtful letter or note provides a more personal expression of appreciation.

Sample Letter #1

Hello Ifra,

I hope you are enjoying some quality time with your family.

Thank you for the kind words you included in the recommendation letter I requested yesterday. Your letter helped me reach an important milestone: I was hired by [Company Name].

I cannot thank you enough. Your letter played a crucial role in the hiring process. I look forward to staying in touch and hope to have an opportunity to return the favour.

Cheers,

Miko Doe

Sample Letter #2

I am deeply grateful to you for writing a recommendation letter for me. I believe your kind words contributed to the job offers I received from the leading companies I applied to. Your recommendation has helped me secure my dream job. Our professional relationship over the years and your expertise in the field of technology have enabled me to grow and develop my skills.

Once again, thank you for your time and effort in writing my recommendation letter. It was very kind of you.

Sample Letter #3

You are the first person I wanted to share my news with. I have been shortlisted for the position of area sales manager at XYZ. The company’s HR department has conducted an initial interview, and a more detailed interview is still to follow. I am very thankful to you for writing a recommendation letter for me.

Your belief in me resulted in a strong recommendation that has helped me move closer to my career goals. I believe your support played an important role in helping me reach this stage of the selection process. Thank you once again for not only supporting me but also believing in me.

Sample Letter #4

Your recommendation letter has made a wonderful impression. I am truly thankful to you for writing such kind words about me. I received several job offers and have decided to work for ABC. I believe it is the right company for me, and your strong recommendation helped make this opportunity possible.