How to Write an Internship Recommendation Letter?

A well-written letter of recommendation for internship can give a competitive advantage to the applicant in today’s fast-paced environment. Recruiters value more than just academic excellence and seek candidates with initiative, ability to communicate, leadership, competitiveness, and a strong work ethic. Therefore, a letter of recommendation for student internship is a formal document from a professor, supervisor, or employer, that provides insights into an applicant’s suitability for the organization. Being the only document in your application package that is not written by the applicants themselves adds to it’s importance.

But what exactly does a powerful letter of recommendation for internship comprise and how to obtain one? Read through our comprehensive blog to understand the nitty-gritty of this document and secure the best internship opportunity.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for Internship?

The letter of recommendation format for internship should be similar to a formal letter generally consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Ideally, the internship testimonial letter should be kept clear and concise and wrapped up within a single page. Let us take a look at what to write in a letter of recommendation for student internship:

Introduction - Academic counselors suggest beginning the internship testimonial letter by explaining your relationship with the candidate and stating why you chose to provide a recommendation. Also, indicate your designation and the capacity in which you know the applicant. For instance, a letter of recommendation for internship from professor will highlight the candidate’s academic skills. On the other hand, a recommendation letter from internship supervisor example will focus on the applicant’s work ethic, professional skills, experiences, etc.
 

Body - The body of the intern reference letter should provide specific information about the candidate from the viewpoint of the writer. It is important to focus on the applicant’s capabilities and personal attributes that will help them excel in the internship. Also, highlight their ability to work with other people, strengths, proficiency in a specific area, and any special projects undertaken, etc. You must try to include concrete examples and personal anecdotes to add value to the letter.
 

Conclusion - The closing of your intern reference letter should briefly summarize the main points highlighted in the above paragraphs. The letter should clearly state that you recommend the candidate for employment. Finally, the letter must provide your contact details if the selection panel wants to contact you directly.

Internship Recommendation Letter Sample

Below is an internship recommendation letter sample for your reference:

To the selection panel/ to whom it may concern,

I [name of the referee], [your designation], at [name of organization] take immense pleasure in writing this recommendation for my student [full name of the student] for an internship program at your reputed organization.

As a mentor and head of the department of computer science, I have observed him/her have a way of handling computers. His/her tech-savvy skills and knack for learning sets him/her apart from other candidates. He/she has a systematic approach to handling challenges and finding solutions which makes him/her suitable for the evergrowing IT sector. He/she is highly proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, etc.

Beyond technical proficiency, he/she is a dependable individual with a sense of responsibility and initiative. His/her proactive nature will add a vibrant and uplifting spirit to the team. I am confident about her capabilities and believe that her energy will foster a culture of innovation. His/her passion for the subject combined with analytical skills will make him/her a valuable asset for the company. Working with a progressive organization like yours will enable him/her to broaden his/her horizon and explore new possibilities.

Please feel free to contact me at the details provided below in case you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Designation]

[Phone number]

[Email address]

Tips for a Successful Internship Testimonial Letter

Following are some insightful tips for helping you curate a successful internship testimonial letter:

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  The letter of recommendation for internship should be addressed to the selection panel or the specific individual reviewing the application. If the recipient is not mentioned beforehand, you can begin with “to whom it may concern”.
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  Complete the letter with a formal signing statement such as “sincerely” or “regards” followed by the referee’s name.
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  The internship testimonial letter should be kept concise emphasizing the applicant’s competencies and personal characteristics.
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  Be specific with the information provided rather than using generalizations that are not related to the position applied for.
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  The letter should provide only honest and factual information. Omit any details that do not add value to the overall application.
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  Avoid vague descriptions or hesitant language that compromises your confidence in the applicant.
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  Ensure timely and correct submission of the internship testimonial letter and do not delay the writing process until the last minute.
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  Carefully proofread the internship testimonial letter for any spelling, grammar, or typo errors.

How to Approach the Recommender?

Before obtaining a letter of recommendation for internship, you will be faced with several questions like whom to ask for a recommendation, how to ask them, when to ask them, etc. Let us find answers to these questions:

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  Selecting the right recommender is the first step to obtaining a strong recommendation that works in your favor.
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  Your choice of referee should be someone who can effectively highlight your potential and determination for success.
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  Ask the referee politely and allow them some time to decide whether they can provide an endorsement.
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  You must discuss your interest and motivation to undertake the chosen internship opportunity.
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  Approach your recommender at least 2-3 months before the submission deadline.
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  Provide a copy of your transcripts, resume, special accomplishments, and record of participation to help the writer provide a more accurate picture.
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  Furnish all necessary details such as the deadline, whom to address the letter to, when and how to submit it, and any specific formatting guidelines.

Vocabulary for a Strong Letter of Recommendation for Internship

The power of words while writing a letter of recommendation for internship cannot be emphasized enough. Words carry various underlying meanings that can have a positive or negative impact on the LOR. Therefore, a LOR writer is expected to be mindful of them and use assertive words rather than cliche phrases. The table below will help in the selection of the right words for writing a recommendation letter:

This was all about the letter of recommendation for internship. The recommendation writer may use existing templates available online including the one given above, and customize it to match the candidate’s profile. A well-crafted letter of recommendation for student internship can have a significant impact on your application and improve your chances of success. Get in touch with GyanDhan experts and avail guided assistance in crafting a compelling internship testimonial letter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)