Recommendation Letter for Graduate School From Employer

Whether you want to further your education in one field or explore another area, graduate programs are very competitive. This is especially true if you are also applying for grant money to cover your tuition, supplies, and books. A strong reference letter from your employer can go a long way in strengthening your application and allowing you to pursue your dreams.

If you are an employer or manager and have been requested to write a reference letter by your employee, you should know that your words will carry a lot of weight with the admissions board. Read on to find out how you can help your employee secure a slot in graduate school.

What Is a Recommendation Letter for Graduate School from an Employer?

A Recommendation Letter for Graduate School from an Employer is a formal endorsement prepared by an employer or manager on behalf of a graduate school candidate. It is usually submitted alongside the candidate’s formal application as a reference of their skills, work ethic, and dedication.

Generally, this letter is written by an academic or professional contact of the applicant. It must give the admissions committee a glimpse into the professional conduct of the graduate, their usefulness to the field, and their interest in furthering their studies.

Reference Letter for Graduate School from Employer or Manager (Word Template)

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Essential Elements

A graduate school recommendation letter should shed light on the applicant’s strengths and achievements. To do this, it must contain the following details:

• A summary of the relationship between the applicant and the employer, i.e., when and where they met, how long they have worked together, and in what capacity.
• A review of the applicant’s character, strengths, and experiences that make them an excellent candidate for graduate studies
• Specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s strengths, including a description of the tasks they handle in the company.
• A clear endorsement of the candidate’s ability.

Sample Reference Letter for Graduate School from Employer or Manager

2 August 2031

Arkansas University of Business

500 Yule Street

Little Rock, AR 98931

Re: Recommendation for Valery Tucson

To the Admissions Committee,

I am honored to recommend Valery Tucson for the Graduate program at the Arkansas University of Business. I have worked with Valery for the last five years, since 2026 when I hired her as an undergraduate intern at my company, Dena Industries, Lt. When she completed her undergraduate studies, she joined the company officially as a procurement assistant/

Valery is very committed, enthusiastic, and passionate about her job at DIL. Among her team, she is lovingly referred to as ‘Worker Bee’ because she is the first to come in and the last to leave the office. One time, she completed the specs for a project within two hours that was due in three days.

As her employer, I have seen first-hand how much Valery is dedicated to improving herself. She is always signing up for seminars and volunteering for extra duties. All of these qualities – I concur – make her an excellent candidate for graduate studies.

I cannot say enough about Valery’s value to our organization. Her team, and in fact other departments, have learned to depend on her sharp wit, management skills, creativity, and compassion. I am confident that she will make an excellent addition to your academic program, and I recommend her fully.

I encourage you to consider her formal application.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Dena-Poe

Graduate School Recommendation Letter Examples and Templates

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Tips for Writing a Reference for Graduate School

If your employee approaches you to write them a reference letter, you should only accept if you can say positive, specific things about them. If you accept, ask them for a copy of the application portfolio and their resume, which will give you the information you need to prepare your letter.

Start drafting your letter early, paying attention to the deadline provided in the application portfolio. You should also watch your language and format, employing the following pointers during the letter drafting process:

• Write in the first-person point of view and active voice most times in your letter.
• Use a personal but professional tone that convinces the reader that you know the applicant and are not just copying from a script.
• Arrange your letter chronologically, beginning with establishing your relationship and describing the applicant, then providing key examples.
• Be very detailed about the candidate’s professional achievements.
• Proofread and edit your letter before handing it to the applicant.

FAQs

According to a National Association for College Admission Counseling survey, reference letters written by teachers and counselors carry more weight with college admissions committees than extracurricular activities or class ranks. This means that a recommendation letter for graduate school from employer is a key factor in consideration of the application. It tells the reader what your transcripts cannot: who you are as a professional.

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