how to write a personal statement for letter of recommendation

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How To Write A Personal Reference Letter (With Examples)

• Personal Reference Letter
• Recommendation Letter for Employment
• Professional Reference Letter
• Reference Letter Template
• Reference Letter for a Friend
• Professional References
• List Of References
• Recommendation Letter From Employer
• Academic Reference Letter
• Business Reference Letter
• Recommendation Letter for a Promotion
• Character Reference Letter
• Reference From A Manager

Find a Job You Really Want In

Writing a personal reference letter for someone can be a big deal, so it’s essential you know how to write one correctly. Personal reference letters allow potential employers to get an understanding of who you are from people who worked closely with you. While professional recommendations are ideal for showcasing your on-the-job skills, a personal recommendation can also improve your candidacy. Whether you’re writing a letter for a family friend, coworker, or a past client, we’ll go over how to write a personal reference letter, provide personal reference examples, as well as some tips to keep in mind when writing your letter. Key Takeaways: When writing a personal reference you should include an explanation of your relationship with the applicant, provide examples of the applicant’s positive qualities, and include the official recommendation in your letter. Before writing the letter you should make sure you are familiar with the candidate’s qualities and personal characteristics. Provide examples of the candidate’s abilities but make you stay positive and avoid getting too personal in your letter. A personal reference letter can make the difference between securing an opportunity and being passed on to the next candidate so make sure to be honest in your letter. In This Article    Skip to section What is a personal reference letter? How to write a personal reference letter Personal reference letter examples Personal reference letter template Tips for writing a personal reference letter Before writing a personal reference letter When to provide a personal reference letter How to write a personal reference letter FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What is a personal reference letter?

A personal reference letter, also known as a personal letter of recommendation or a character reference/recommendation, is a letter used to bolster a person’s application for a job, admission to a school or organization, housing, or any other position that screens applicants.

A glowing reference letter can make the difference between securing an opportunity and being passed on to the next candidate. Unlike professional references, a personal reference letter is about getting to know a candidate beyond work ethic .

It emphasizes positive personality traits and soft skills . Personal reference letters give an organization a sense of a person’s character outside of work and make their application stand out.

How to write a personal reference letter

To write a personal reference letter, you should start by explaining your relationship with the applicant and then provide examples of their positive qualities. Below is a more detailed list of how to write a personal reference letter:

Explain your relationship with the applicant . Before you jump into explaining someone’s personal character, catch the reader up to speed.

Go into detail about where you know them from and how long you’ve been acquainted. It needs to be clear that you know the candidate well enough that your opinion on their character carries some weight.

Provide examples of the applicant’s positive qualities . You’ve gone into depth about your relationship with the job candidate. In the next paragraph, provide what they came here to find out. Give as many positive attributes as possible, but a minimum of two.

Some possibilities of good qualities you could touch on might include:

Excellent communication

Positive outlook

Outstanding academic performance

People skills

Dedication to extracurriculars

When possible, try to give specific examples of times you witnessed the applicant demonstrating these qualities. Maybe your student showed initiative by creating a school newspaper. Perhaps you saw your previous co-worker demonstrate leadership skills by taking control of the company’s social media image.

The official recommendation . The closure of your letter should be for summarizing the points you’ve made to reach the final conclusion: you highly recommend this person for the position.

Try to relate the characteristics you’ve covered to the specific position the applicant is going for, whether that be a job, graduate school, or another opportunity. Leave the reader knowing the applicant has your full support .

Contact Information. You will want to include your contact information in the recommendation letter that way they can contact you if you have any questions. The best form of contact to include would be your email and a personal phone number.

Personal reference letter examples

Personal recommendation from a teacher example letter

Lindsey Stapleton 117 W California St. Denver, CO , 80402 (430)-220-3567 [email protected] September 4, 2020 Benjamin Smith Director of Admissions Boston University 233 Bay State Rd. Boston, MA , 02215 Dear Mr. Smith, My name is Lindsey Stapleton. I am reaching out to give my strongest recommendation for Anna Jacobs to be accepted into Boston University for the Fall 2021 term. I have been Anna’s High School English teacher for the past two years at Merrick High School. Prior to that, I had experience working with her on the student government and the swim team. During the years I’ve known Anna as a student and athlete , she’s demonstrated incredible leadership qualities, a caring demeanor, and a dedication to her education. She’s greatly improved her writing and reading skills. By her senior year, she secured the position of swim team captain with these qualities. On student government, she created a dance-a-thon fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Throughout her time at Merrick High School, Anna has grown into a professional and capable young woman with enormous potential. I believe that her tenacious personality and hardworking attitude will drive her to success. I know she will continue to do great things, and I highly recommend her for your university. Please contact me if you’d like any further details. Sincerely, Lindsey Stapleton (430)-220-3567 [email protected]

Personal recommendation from a friend example letter

Christopher Kelly 416 Memphis Ave. Denver, CO, 80903 (917)-829-4379 [email protected] September 4, 2020 To Whom It May Concern, I have known Luke Barnes as a close friend for the past twelve years. For the first five of those years, we were coworkers together at Lexington amp; West Bank. Over that time, I got to know Luke very well. Luke is one of the most considerate and kind-hearted people I’ve ever met. Everybody loves to be around him, whether it’s in a work capacity or otherwise. Besides being an overall pleasant person, Luke is an excellent communicator . He’s never failed to soothe an angry client or expertly outline a proposal. Luke uses his sociability and communication skills to be an outstanding leader to his co-workers and friends. For these reasons, I recommend Luke Barnes for this position wholeheartedly. I am positive that his work style and personality will exceed your expectations and help drive the success of your company. If you have any other questions, please reach out. Sincerely, Christopher Kelly (917)-829-4379 [email protected]

Personal reference letter from a coworker example letter

Subject Line: Personal Recommendation for Tiffany Miller Dear Mr. Johnson, I am writing this letter with great pleasure to provide a personal reference for my coworker Tiffany Miller. I have had the privilege of working alongside Tiffany at XYZ Company for the past five years. I can attest to the outstanding qualities and contributions she had to our team. During our time working together, I observed Tiffany consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, dedication, and a keen eye for detail. She is proactive in seeking solutions and always willing to go the extra mile to achieve results. One of her most impressive attributes is her ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at any level. She has a natural talent for building positive and productive relations, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and promoting teamwork. I wholeheartedly recommend Tiffany for any future endeavors she may pursue. I have full confidence that Tiffany will make significant contributions and continue to excel in her career. If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or at 123-456-7890. Sincerely, Nick Day [email protected] 123-456-7890

Personal reference letter template

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name] , My name is [Your Name] . I am reaching out to give my strongest recommendation for [Referee’s Full Name] for the [Job Title] position at [organization/company/university’s name] . I have been [Referee’s First Name] ‘s [your relationship to the referee] for [how long you’ve known the referee] at [where you know them from] . During that time, I had experience working with [him/her/them] on [shared experience #1] and [shared experience #2] . During the years I’ve known [Referee’s First Name] as a [position of referee relative to you] , [he/she/they] demonstrated incredible [soft skill #1] , [soft skill #2] , and [soft skill #3] . [He/She/They] ‘s greatly improved [his/her/their] [skill referee has improved] . In [year] , [Referee’s First Name] accomplished [significant accomplishment] with these qualities. During the time I’ve known [Referee’s First Name] , [he/she/they] has grown into a professional and capable individual with enormous potential. I believe that [his/her/their] tenacious personality and hardworking attitude will drive [him/her/them] to success. I know [he/she/they] will continue to do great things, and I highly recommend [him/her/them] for your [organization/company/university/etc.] . Please contact me if you’d like any further details. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

Tips for writing a personal reference letter

When writing a personal reference letter, make sure you are the right person to write the letter and be honest about the person. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when writing a personal reference letter:

Be sure you’re the right person to write the letter. The team requesting a personal recommendation is looking for valuable insight into an applicant’s personality characteristics. You must be very familiar with the person in order to provide this effectively.

If your description of the candidate is vague and lackluster, this can actually work against the candidates and decrease their chances of securing a position. It’s best practice to turn down writing a personal reference for someone who you don’t know well enough to speak to their good qualities.

Know the deadline. There’s likely an application deadline in place. Make sure you know when it is and that you have enough time to complete the letter by the deadline.

If you think that you might not be able to finish the letter in time, urge the applicant to find another personal reference. It’s better to give them time to find another recommender, as opposed to waiting until the last minute and realizing you can’t finish by the required deadline.

Be honest. A personal reference letter for your student, friend, or co-worker is not the space for exaggeration or falsities. Regardless of the ethical concerns, a hiring manager or admissions counselor can sniff out when a referee is stretching the truth.

This will reflect negatively on the applicant and lessen the recommender’s credibility. You can still express your friend as an outstanding candidate, without going over the top.

Focus on positive attributes . Everyone has their weaknesses but when sending or writing a reference for employment, it’s best to stick to the strengths .

Be candid with your recommendation. If you’re finding that the shortcomings of the applicant are outweighing their strong points, someone else in their network should probably be writing the recommendation.

Keep it brief . A personal recommendation letter shouldn’t be a full-length biography. Even though you have a lot of awesome things to say about the applicant, admission and hiring teams have a great deal of paperwork to go through for every candidate.

The shorter and more straightforward your reference is, the more of an impact it will leave.

Avoid getting too personal . This may sound like an ironic concept when discussing a personal reference letter. There is a difference between knowing a person’s characteristics well and divulging unnecessary personal information.

Don’t include anything outside of the personality qualities and achievements that are relevant to the opportunity.

Be polite and professional. While there are many possible reasons why a candidate might need a personal reference, all of them require a professional tone. Format your letter accordingly .

This is especially important when you’re writing a recommendation for a friend. Avoid sounding too casual. It could come across as disreputable.

Give specific examples . When showcasing the applicant’s skills, make sure that there’s evidence to back it up.

If you’re saying that your student was hardworking, include an instance of when they went above and beyond on a project. If you’re stating that your neighbor is very responsible, tell them about the time that she watched your children for the weekend while you were out of town.

Giving specified examples shows the hiring committee that these are not just free-floating concepts. The candidate has shown these characteristics in their achievements.

Focus on relevant information. It’s easy to get into the positive personality traits of the person you’re writing a recommendation for. While it’s beneficial to bring up these qualities, be careful not to get lost in irrelevant details.

Some things that you may think are special about the candidate may not be helpful in the context of their new job. Be sure it makes sense.

Cater the letter to the desired position. Tailoring your recommendation to the desired position of the candidate goes hand-in-hand with relevant information. Try to get as much information about the opportunity as possible from the applicant. Some qualities may be more relevant in a particular position.

For example, it may not be relevant for the average job-seeker to include that they have a pet or love animals in their letter of recommendation. However, if the position directly involves animal care, such as a veterinarian or a dog trainer , it may be very valuable information.

Before writing a personal reference letter

Before you sit down to write your personal reference letter, have a conversation with the person you’re writing it for. Ask them what traits, skills, and experiences they’d like you to highlight.

If it’s for a job application, go over the job description together. Keep an eye out for soft skills to start brainstorming ideas for what to write about. For example, if the job description says that the job requires interdepartmental collaboration, you could write about a time your friend organized a club or brought a team together.

If you’re writing a personal reference letter for admission to a school, look over the program details. See what kind of qualities the school values most based on its mission statement and its interactions with the public through social media.

Arming yourself with knowledge about what the letter’s recipient wants to hear can make it much easier to start generating ideas for your personal reference letter.

When to provide a personal reference letter

You should provide a personal recommendation letter when a candidate doesn’t have much work experience but still has the potential to be a great employee or student.

For example, your letter could let a cautious employer know that the teenage neighbor who babysat for your kids is definitely responsible enough for hiring. It can also be an important part of the loan process when making a large purchase, such as a home.

Before deciding how to ask someone to be your reference , you must figure out who to ask. People who can speak to these qualities in an enthusiastic character reference may include:

Past teachers

Family-friend

Guidance Counselor

Anyone else who can effectively vouch for an applicant’s soft skills

The great thing about a character reference is that it’s personal. That means that the possibilities for people who can write it are as wide as your social network .

How to write a personal reference letter FAQ

Should I agree to write a personal reference letter for someone?

Before agreeing to write a personal reference letter it’s important to make sure you know the requester well enough to highlight their good, relevant qualities before you agree to write them a recommendation. Being asked to write someone a personal reference letter is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it can carry a lot of weight in application success.

Writing a character reference for a childhood friend you haven’t seen since high school may come off as disingenuous and have a surprisingly negative impact. It’s best to politely decline if you can’t definitively speak to this person’s character.

Can you use a family member as a reference?

Personal references usually don’t include family members since professional references can have a lot of sway during a job search. It’s best not to use anyone that might have personal bias and will say anything to help you get a job.

You should ask past teachers, clients, or coworkers to be a personal reference as they can speak to your qualities and abilities to work.

What happens if your reference doesn’t answer?

If your reference doesn’t answer when a potential employer is doing a background check, it might reflect badly on you. It doesn’t always mean you will lose your job offer. You should apologize to the hiring manager and provide another reference ASAP.

If you don’t have another reference to give, contact your reference and see why they didn’t answer. Chances are they just haven’t had time to respond to their messages. Have them contact the hiring manager ASAP.

What do you write in a personal reference letter?

You should include an explanation of your relationship to the candidate and how long you’ve known them when writing a personal reference letter. You should also write any positive personal qualities with specific examples. Some examples of these qualities could include their communication skills, academic performance, or their people skills.

You should close the letter with your official recommendation and try to relate the qualities you’ve covered to the specific position the applicant is going for.

Boston University – Writing a Letter of Recommendation

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Related posts

How To Accept A Job Offer (With Examples)

How To Ask Why You Didn’t Get The Job In 4 Easy Steps

How To Decline A Job Offer (With Example Emails)

10 Thank You Letter Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Career Advice >
• Post Interview >

Wayne State University

Graduate school graduate school, personal statements and letters of recommendation, submit a compelling personal statement.

Note that this is a general guide to assist you in preparing a personal statement. Applicants should also review the requirements of the degree program by visiting the program website and/or consulting with program staff to determine whether other information is required in the personal statement.

What does your personal statement need to accomplish?

The personal statement should convince readersoften the faculty on the department admissions committeethat you have experiences and solid achievements showing your promise for persistence and success in graduate studies. Admissions committee members may use a rubric to evaluate your personal statement.

What information should you include in your personal statement?

Include information that gives reviewers a sense of you as a person and a scholar. Display your communication skills and discuss your ability to maximize effective collaboration with the broader academic community. If you have faced any obstacles or barriers in your education or have seized upon unique opportunities for research, sharing those experiences aids in both the selection process, and in nomination for assistantships and fellowships. If one part of your academic record is not ideal due to challenges you faced in that particular area, this is where you can explain any issues and direct reviewers' attention to the evidence of your promise for success in higher education. This is also where you can communicate your potential to bring to your academic career a critical perspective rooted in your experiences.

Use the outline below to guide your writing process

Part i: introduce yourself, your interests and motivations.

Tell readers what you're interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate study. This should be short and to the point; don't spend a great deal of time on autobiography.

Part 2: Summarize your undergraduate and, if applicable, previous graduate research and scholarly pursuits

Describe the research you conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, what your responsibilities were, and the outcome. Write in the style of your discipline. Describe any important papers or thesis projects, as well as anything scholarly beyond your curricular requirements such as involvement in an Honors program. Also address any work experience that might be applicable, especially if you had any kind of responsibility for testing, designing, researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school. What did you learn from these experiences? How did these experiences prepare you for graduate studies?

Part 3:  Your academic achievement in context

(note that this section may be placed anywhere in your statement. Consider the flow of the other sections and where the following information best fits for you).

It is especially helpful if you discuss circumstances or activities that may have affected your academic and professional development. Admissions committee members want to know if you have what it takes to persist and succeed in graduate studies. This is your chance to contextualize your application (e.g., GPA, standardized test scores, research experience) for the committee members. The following list is not an exhaustive list of contextual factors but will give you an idea of the kinds of activities that may be evaluated by the admissions committee:

• Demonstrated initiative to seize opportunities for advanced academic work or research and/or clinical experiences
• Demonstrated persistence and significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers including but not limited to economic, health, social, or educational disadvantages, including first-generation college student status
• Potential to contribute diverse perspectives to enhance the higher education enterprise (e.g., research, scholarly work, classroom dialogue) as evidenced by life experiences and educational background. For example:
• Ability to articulate the barriers facing women and minorities in science, technology, and engineering (STEM) fields
• Participation in higher education pipeline programs such as BUILD, IMSD, McNair Scholars, or summer research and internship programs
• Military service
• Service in Peace Corps, Teach for America, Americorps, City Year, Summer in the City
• Service in campus life organizations and groups
• Varsity Athletics
• Significant travel experiences including Study Abroad
• Research, scholarly, and artistic experiences, if not already mentioned
• Other community and volunteer experiences

Part 4: Discuss the relevance of your recent and current activities

If you graduated and worked prior to returning to grad school, indicate what you've been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you learned. You can also indicate how this helped you focus your interest in graduate studies.

Part 5: Elaborate on your academic interests

Here you indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to convince the faculty that you understand the scope of research in their discipline, are aware of resources in the department, and are engaged with current research themes.

• Indicate the area of your interests. Ideally, pose a question, define a problem, or indicate a theme that you would like to address in your graduate studies. This should be an ample paragraph!
• Look on the web for information about the department you're interested in, including professors and their research. Are there professors whose research interests parallel yours? If so, indicate their names. Check the specific program; many require you to name a professor or professors with whom you might work.
• End your statement in a positive manner, indicating your excitement and readiness for the challenges ahead of you.

Essential tips for writing a personal statement

• Include information that gives reviewers a sense of you as a person and a scholar.
• Display your communication skills and discuss your ability to maximize effective collaboration with the broader academic community.
• If you have faced any obstacles or barriers in your education or have seized upon unique opportunities for research, sharing those experiences serves both for the selection process, and for your nomination for assistantships and fellowships.
• If one part of your academic record is not ideal due to challenges you faced in that particular area, this is where you can explain any issues and direct reviewers' attention to the evidence of your promise for success in higher education.
• Communicate your potential to bring a critical perspective rooted in your experiences to your academic career.

Download detailed guidelines .

Letters of recommendation, who should you ask for letters of recommendation .

• Professors with whom you've taken classes, met with and participated in class. 
• Supervisors of volunteer or work experiences.
• Generally, for Ph.D. programs, it's best if at least two recommenders are faculty members. 

How to request a professional letter of recommendation (example): 

Date Dear Dr. Garcia, 

I am writing to ask if you would be interested and able to write me a strong letter of recommendation for Ph.D. program in clinical psychology. I have really enjoyed being a research assistant in your lab these last eight months and believe this experience has confirmed my interest in the field. 

If you agree to write letters for me, I can send you my personal statement, CV, or any other materials that would be helpful to you. I can meet with you in person if that would be useful. Most of my deadlines are December 1. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely,  First and last name 

8 Templates: A Perfect Letter of Recommendation

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 5, 2023 — 9 minutes to read

• When to Write a Letter of Recommendation Part 1
• Letter of Recommendation Format Part 2
• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation Part 3
• Letter of Recommendation Templates and Examples Part 4

Part 1 When to Write a Letter of Recommendation

You should write a letter of recommendation when someone you know well asks you to support their application for a job, academic program, or other opportunity. It’s important to only agree to write the letter if you genuinely believe in the person’s abilities and can provide specific examples of their qualifications and experience. Related: The Full Guide to Reference Letters [Best Templates]

Part 2 Letter of Recommendation Format

Format considerations.

• Start with your contact information, followed by the date, the recipient’s information, and a formal greeting.
• The body of the letter should highlight the person’s skills and achievements.
• Feel free to use examples from their resume or job description for relevance.
• To wrap up, add your signature, printed name, and title

Part 3 How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Step 1: introduction and greeting.

Begin your letter with a polite and professional greeting, addressing the recipient by name if possible. If you’re unsure of the recipient’s name, consider using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Dear Dr. Smith,

Related: How to Start a Letter (and Mistakes to Avoid)

Step 2: Overview of Relationship and Qualifications

In the first paragraph, briefly explain your relationship with the person you’re recommending. Include information such as how long you’ve known them, in what capacity, and any relevant qualifications that make you an appropriate reference.

I have had the pleasure of working with Jane Doe for the past four years at (…) Company, where she served as a project manager under my supervision. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with her dedication, expertise, and ability to lead.

Step 3: Highlighting Skills and Accomplishments

Outline the person’s most relevant skills and accomplishments, demonstrating how they have excelled in their role or contributed to the success of your team. Be specific and provide examples, focusing on their most notable achievements within the context of the position they’re applying for.

Jane’s exceptional skills in data analysis and project management enabled her to deliver high-quality results on a tight deadline, ensuring the success of our team’s initiatives. Throughout her employment, she not only met but also exceeded the expectations for her role, successfully managing a complex workload and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Step 4: Personal Anecdote and Testimonial

Try to share a personal anecdote or testimonial that demonstrates the person’s character and emphasizes their professionalism. This personal touch can provide a more in-depth understanding of the applicant’s personality and work ethic.

I recall a particularly challenging project where we faced numerous setbacks. Despite the adversity, Jane remained steadfast and took on additional responsibilities to keep the team on track. Her persistence and positive attitude not only contributed to the project’s success but also inspired her colleagues to stay motivated.

Step 5: Closing Statement

Conclude your letter with a strong statement that clearly expresses your confidence in the person, your willingness to serve as a reference, and the fact that you believe they’re the right fit for the position or opportunity. Offer your contact information as well, in case the recipient has any further questions or needs clarification.

In summary, I highly recommend Jane Doe for the position of Senior Project Manager. She is a valuable asset and her unparalleled skills in data analysis, project management, and teamwork make her an ideal candidate. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any additional information or clarification. I am confident that Jane will excel in whatever role she takes on next.

Part 4 Letter of Recommendation Templates and Examples

Professional letter of recommendation template 1.

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

It’s with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years] while we worked together at [Your Company/Previous Company], and I have always been impressed by [his/her/their] outstanding work ethics, dedication, and ability to contribute effectively to our team.

[Candidate’s Name] is skilled in [Relevant Skill 1], [Relevant Skill 2], and [Relevant Skill 3]. One example that stands out is when [Candidate’s Name] [Describe a specific achievement or project highlighting their abilities]. This accomplishment not only showcased [his/her/their] technical expertise but also [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving skills.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would make an excellent addition to any team. [His/Her/Their] dedication and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the success of [Recipient’s Company/Academic Institution]. I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position/Opportunity]. Please feel free to contact me if you need additional information or have any questions about [Candidate’s Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Professional Letter of Recommendation Template 2

I am excited to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. As a [Your Relationship to Candidate], I have had the opportunity to observe [Candidate’s Name] firsthand and can attest to [his/her/their] outstanding performance, work ethic, and potential to excel in this role.

During our time together, [Candidate’s Name] displayed exceptional skills in [Relevant Skills 1], [Relevant Skills 2], and [Relevant Skills 3]. One notable example is when [Candidate’s Name] [Describe a situation demonstrating their skills]. This instance illustrates [his/her/their] ability to take initiative and deliver outstanding results in a challenging environment.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be an excellent fit for the [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. [He/She/They] are dedicated, talented, and ready to contribute in meaningful ways. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and encourage you to consider [him/her/them] for this opportunity.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification about [Candidate’s Name] and [his/her/their] qualifications.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Professional Letter of Recommendation Template 3

I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position or Program] at [Company or Institution]. As [Your Relationship with the Candidate], I have had the pleasure of closely working with [Candidate’s Name] and can confidently vouch for their abilities and determination.

[Insert 1-2 paragraphs highlighting specific examples and achievements of the candidate. Focus on their skills, experience, and personality traits that make them a great fit for the opportunity.]

In these instances, [Candidate’s Name]’s skills and experiences have only continued to impress me, and I am certain that they would be an incredible addition to the [Company or Institution]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and would be happy to provide further information if needed.

Letter of Recommendation Template 4

To Whom It May Concern,

I enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] as an ideal candidate for the [Position or Program] you are offering at [Company or Institution]. I have worked with [Candidate’s Name] for [Length of Time] in the capacity of [Your Relationship with the Candidate], and I can attest to their exceptional capabilities.

[Insert 1-2 paragraphs discussing the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments that set them apart from others. Highlight their dedication, creativity, and capacity to excel in the desired role or program.]

Based on my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I am confident that they possess the skills, determination, and commitment to excel in the [Position or Program] at [Company or Institution]. I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for this opportunity and feel free to reach out if you require any further information.

Letter of Recommendation Template 5

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [Role/Position] at your [Company/Organization]. During the [Number of Years] I have worked with [Candidate’s Name] at [Previous Company], I have witnessed their strong work ethic, dedication, and determination.

[Example of candidate’s achievements or specific skills]

[Example of candidate’s problem-solving, leadership, or teamwork]

I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be a great fit for [Role/Position] at your [Company/Organization]. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Letter of Recommendation Template 6

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the position of [Role/Position] at your esteemed [Company/Organization]. I have had the privilege of working closely with [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years], and I can confidently say that they possess the skills and competencies required for this role.

[Example highlighting candidate’s performance or adaptability]

[Example illustrating candidate’s communication or interpersonal skills]

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will make a valuable contribution to your [Company/Organization] and excel in the [Role/Position]. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Letter of Recommendation Template 7

  Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I’m writing to recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. As [Your Relationship to Person], I’ve had the opportunity to observe their [Skill/Strength/Quality] first-hand. [Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates [Specific Examples that Highlight Skill/Strength/Quality].

[Provide a short story or situation that demonstrates the person’s abilities]

[Person’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your [Company/Team/Organization] not only because of their [Key Strength], but also their unique approach to [Relevant Topic/Process/Task]. They’ve shown time and time again [How They Provide Value/Make a Difference].

I wholeheartedly recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please feel free to reach out.

Letter of Recommendation Template 8

I’m delighted to recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them as [Your Relationship to Person] and can attest to their [Skill/Strength/Quality]. They have made a significant impact on our [Company/Team/Organization].

Notably, [Person’s Name] has demonstrated [Specific Examples of Accomplishments]. Their dedication to [Relevant Task/Role/Responsibility] undoubtedly contributed to [Positive Outcome/Result/Impact].

Their exceptional skills in [Mention Skill Set or Trait] make them an excellent fit for [Job/Position/Program]. I am confident they will exceed your expectations and thrive in this role.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you require any further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are key components in a recommendation letter.

Key components include addressing the recipient, introducing the candidate and your relationship with them, providing specific examples of the candidate’s skills and achievements, expressing confidence in the candidate’s abilities, and offering contact information for any further inquiries.

How to structure a letter of recommendation?

Start with a formal salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph expressing the purpose of the letter and your relationship to the candidate. Include 1-2 paragraphs discussing the candidate’s relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Conclude with a strong statement of recommendation and your contact information.

What are some tips for effective writing?

• Use clear, concise language
• Focus on the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments
• Provide specific examples of the candidate’s work
• Maintain a professional yet personable tone

How to personalize a recommendation letter?

To personalize a recommendation letter, share unique examples of the candidate’s work or skills, highlight their individual qualities, and provide insights into their character. Use specific instances and anecdotes to showcase how they excelled in different situations.

How to choose a suitable template?

Choose a template that aligns with the purpose of the recommendation, fits the writing style you are comfortable with, and highlights the candidate’s strengths effectively.

What are common mistakes to avoid?

Avoid using vague language, exaggerating the candidate’s abilities, being overly informal, not providing specific examples, or submitting a generic letter without any personalization. Make sure to proofread the letter for grammatical and spelling errors.

Related: The Full Guide to Reference Letters [Best Templates]

• 6 Example Emails: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
• 65 Example Phrases for Perfect Reference Letters [and 5 Templates]
• 10 Smart Examples of An Interview Thank You Email
• How to Start a Letter (and Mistakes to Avoid)
• 10 Examples: How to End an Email Professionally

Letters of Recommendation

What this handout is about.

Producing an effective recommendation letter involves strategy, research, and planning. This handout is designed to introduce recommenders to some best practices for writing effective recommendation letters.

Deciding whether to write a recommendation

Recommendation letters are likely to receive close scrutiny, and sparse or non-specific recommendations may negatively impact an application. If a recommender is unable or unwilling to produce a recommendation that speaks directly to the individual applicant and position, the selection committee or potential employer may interpret this negatively. If you do not feel that you could provide a positive or detailed recommendation, it is okay to decline!

There are several reasons why it may be appropriate to decline a request for a recommendation:

• You may not feel comfortable writing a positive letter, either because you have no information about the student or because they did not perform well enough in a class or position.
• You may feel you are a “bad fit” for the student’s application. For example, if your field of expertise is completely unrelated to the student’s area of interest, you might advise the student to ask recommenders with more relevant backgrounds.
• You may feel that you lack the necessary credentials to offer a compelling recommendation. For example, graduate student instructors may feel as if they cannot credibly endorse their students’ graduate school applications. Thus, students may be directed to faculty to write letters instead of graduate students.
• You may know that you will not have time to write and proofread a strong letter before the student’s deadline.

Consider setting up a meeting. This will give you an opportunity to ask about the applicant’s academic background, professional goals, and reasons for applying. It may help to clarify whether this is a one-time request, or whether you are being asked to serve as a recommender for several applications. It’s a good idea to request to see the applicant’s resume, CV, personal statement, or other components of the application. Each of these can give you a sense of the applicant’s goals and help you decide if you would be a good recommender. These items will also allow you to tailor your letter appropriately if you decide to write on the applicant’s behalf.

Confidentiality and protected information

Many applications invite applicants to waive their right to view a letter of recommendation. Confidential letters of recommendation may be viewed as more credible than letters that applicants can access.

You should be aware of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and your institution’s FERPA-related guidelines when writing recommendation letters. FERPA prohibits disclosure of protected student information such as grades and attendance without the student’s prior written consent. Students who want you to address protected information should specify which records you may disclose, the purpose for which the disclosure is being made, and to whom the information may be disclosed. You can read more about FERPA here: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html .

Writing strong recommendations

After committing to write a recommendation for an applicant, gather information about the opportunity to which they are applying. Besides asking the applicant about the organization, you may also want to reach out to someone in your own professional network who may know something about the audience or take some time to do your own research. Here are some questions to consider:

• What are the organization’s values and priorities? Some organizations state this information explicitly on their websites and other publications, and this can help you tailor your letter to directly address the audience’s top concerns.
• What information does the audience want to learn from you? Some institutions will ask you to answer specific questions about the applicant in your letter. Knowing these in advance will give you more time to talk with the student about any information you may need.
• How is this opportunity a good fit for the applicant? Referencing special features and benefits offered by a position shows that you’ve done your homework, which can add to the weight of your recommendation by demonstrating that you are willing to invest extra work in your student’s success. You will also be able to speak to the applicant’s fit for the position in greater detail.

Keep in mind that nearly all recommendations contain a positive appraisal of an applicant’s abilities and character, and it costs recommenders almost nothing to offer general and unsubstantiated praise of an applicant. Letters that claim an applicant is “the best student I’ve ever worked with” or “the hardest working employee I’ve ever had” are likely to meet with skepticism, unless the writer includes specific evidence to back up these claims. Even letters that contain genuine praise may come across as form letters unless you can speak to unique evidence about the student that corroborates your positive assessment.

Many different kinds of information may constitute evidence in a recommendation, and it is up to you to determine what would be most convincing to the audience. Here are some guidelines for what you may want to include or avoid:

• Do describe your relationship with the applicant. Say how long you’ve known the applicant and in what capacity. This information helps the audience understand how well you know the applicant. For example, sharing that you’ve advised a student for three years and taught them in two senior seminars demonstrates that you know your applicant better than a recommender who has only recently met the student or who has only taught the student in a large lecture class.
• Do include quantitative data about a student’s performance in a class or an employee’s performance in a position. Because raw grade point averages or other performance metrics are sometimes difficult to translate across different contexts, try to rank students against other students. For example, rather than saying “Judith received an A in my class,” aim for evidence that tells the audience how Judith’s performance compared to her classmates’: “Judith was among the top 5% of students in her large lecture class.” (Remember, if you do include specific grades in your letter, you must have written consent from the student as per FERPA.)
• Do compare applicants to students who have been placed into other positions. A statement like, “Over the past five years, other students with undergraduate research experience similar to Amer’s have been accepted to graduate programs at X, Y, and Z,” gives the audience a sense of where Amer stands in a wider population of successful students. Including comments like these also indicates that you have a good sense of what makes an applicant successful.
• Do mention the applicant’s personal and/or intellectual strengths as they pertain to the application. For example, it may be helpful to emphasize a study abroad applicant’s open-mindedness. Again, include appropriate evidence for this claim, which may involve discussing or even directly citing the student’s written work in your class.
• Do explain why you think the applicant is a good fit. Selection committees are often interested in hearing how students would contribute to the intellectual and professional climate of their institution. Given your experience with the student, help the audience see the type of employee or scholar the student will be: “Casey’s research experience in early-modern Arabic poetry would make them an ideal addition to Professor Seif’s Syrian cultural archival project.” If possible, mention the position/school/fellowship by name. This proves that you’ve taken enough interest in the letter to target it for each recipient. It will not always be possible to tailor recommendations to each program; for example, many postgraduate programs are moving to common applications that send the same letters to all programs to which students apply.
• Don’t shy away from discussing the applicant’s weaknesses —but only if those weaknesses are likely to already be on the audience’s radar. For example, you may have insight into why your student received an uncharacteristically low grade in your class during their final semester that could alleviate an audience’s concerns. You may draw attention to the applicant’s growth as well as the potential for continued growth in the new position. Keep in mind, however, that recommendation letters are expected to be positive in tone, so proceed with caution when discussing applicants’ weaknesses. Specifically avoid commenting on personality traits or other topics that are irrelevant to the application.
• Don’t rely on generalizations, clichés, or platitudes. Every good applicant will be “dedicated,” “hard-working,” and “enthusiastic.” Praise like this is likely to appear in dozens of other letters for other applicants, so you need to say more to help your applicant stand out. Include specific examples to support these descriptors. Convey the unique strengths of your student, especially any that you believe speak directly to the audience’s interests or values. Also pay special attention to any language that may inadvertently convey gender or other biases. For example, some studies have reported that language that pertains to effort (rather than accomplishments), personal life details (rather than relevant professional information), and emotional capacities (rather than academic or professional ability) more frequently appear in recommendations for women than for men. Focusing on traits that are demonstrable with evidence and germane to the program or position to which the student is applying is the best way to avoid implicit bias in your letters.
• Don’t include too much information about you or your class. Although some brief background information about the context in which you know the student is appropriate, do not spend so much time discussing course or assignment details that the letter is no longer focused upon the applicant.
• Don’t offer tepid praise or left-handed compliments. Half-hearted comments are almost guaranteed to attract the wrong kind of attention. Although you may honestly report that your student “completed all course assignments on time” or “was an adequate writer,” the audience will likely interpret these phrases as veiled criticism. Avoiding tepid praise is more difficult than it seems. After you’ve finished writing the letter, read over it with a critical eye and try to assume the worst of the student. Do any of your sentences invite uncharitable interpretation?
• Don’t simply summarize the applicant’s CV or resume. As with tepid praise, simply reiterating what the audience already knows from other parts of the application implies that you either don’t know or don’t care enough about the applicant to offer your own appraisal. It is appropriate to highlight a special component of a student’s resume and explain why you believe this aspect of the student makes them a great candidate, but don’t waste your opportunity to offer your own valuable endorsement by simply listing the applicant’s accomplishments.

Formatting recommendation letters

After you’ve decided what to write in your recommendation, you will need to decide how to write it. How long should the recommendation be? Should it be written on official letterhead? To whom should it be addressed? Will the letter submitted electronically, or will it be mailed?

Length: Just as there is sometimes no prescribed length for application essays, there is no standard length for recommendation letters. Most recommendations tend to be around 1 to 1.5 single-spaced pages long, although some may be longer if you have a lot to share. Business and law school recommendations tend to be briefer than graduate school recommendations. In general, try to strike a balance between writing too little (which suggests you have nothing to say about the applicant) and writing too much, which may be annoying to audiences who are reading dozens or hundreds of recommendations for a single position.

Letterhead: When possible, write recommendations on official letterhead and sign them using a handwritten signature. Producing letters on official letterhead both adds to your credibility as a recommender and demonstrates that you care enough about the applicant to put finishing touches on your endorsement. This may include sending an envelope with your signature across the seal. Some application programs ask recommenders to compose or paste their recommendations into online forms. In these cases, you would not submit the letter on formal letterhead. Learning in advance how you will need to submit your recommendation can help you avoid unnecessary work and accurately gauge the time required to submit your letter.

Salutation: Address recommendation letters as specifically as possible. If the applicant is applying for a position within a firm or office and you know who will receive the letter, address the letter to that person, like “Dear Dr. Anderson.” If you don’t know who, specifically, will receive the letter, address the recommendation to the target audience, like “Dear Fulbright Committee”. Avoid vacuous salutations like “To Whom it May Concern.” Also avoid informal greetings, including those you might use in an email or other correspondence, like “Hi,” “Hello,” “Good afternoon,” etc. “Dear” is the standard formal salutation in English.

Closing: End the letter with a simple closing word or phrase like “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Cordially” or by thanking the audience for considering your endorsement. Avoid personal and emotive language. If you would be willing to answer any additional questions the institution or employer may have about the applicant, it is appropriate to invite them to contact you before closing the letter.

Letters of recommendation inform the decisions of admissions committees, employers, funding agencies, and other organizations who are trying to choose between multiple candidates. Your efforts to create strong letters make a difference.

If you commit to writing a letter of recommendation, follow through. Keep track of deadlines and start early, as you may discover that you need additional information from the student or institution, and you will want to have time to request this information and incorporate it into your recommendation.

Finally, consider whether you are willing to do more than write a recommendation. Students may need help with other parts of their application, such as statements of purpose or writing samples. Since you likely have insight into what graduate programs or employers are looking for, you are in a unique position to help applicants with these other materials as well.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Brown University. n.d. “Writing Letters of Recommendation.” Fellowships and Research. Accessed July 2, 2019. https://www.brown.edu/academics/college/fellowships/information-resources/writing-letters-recommendation/writing-letters-recommendation .

Madera, Juan M., Michelle R. Hebl, and Randi C. Martin. 2009. “Gender and Letters of Recommendation for Academia: Agentic and Communal Differences.” Journal of Applied Psychology 94 (6): 1591–99. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016539 .

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. n.d. “How to Write Good Letters of Recommendation.” MIT Admissions. Accessed July 2, 2019. https://mitadmissions.org/apply/parents-educators/writingrecs/ .

Stanford University. n.d. “Writing Letters of Recommendation.” Teaching Commons. Accessed July 2, 2019. https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/resources/teaching-resources/how-evaluate-students/writing-letters-recommendation.

Yale University. n.d. “Writing Letters of Recommendation.” Fellowships and Funding. Accessed July 2, 2019. https://funding.yale.edu/faculty-staff-recommenders/writing-letters .

Trix, Frances, and Carolyn Psenka. 2003. “Exploring the Color of Glass: Letters of Recommendation for Female and Male Medical Faculty.” Discourse & Society 14 (2): 191–220. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0957926503014002277 .

Whitaker, Manya. 2016. “Tips for Writing Recommendation Letters.” Inside Higher Ed , December 2, 2016. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2016/12/02/how-write-stronger-letters-recommendation-students-essay .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

9 Sample Excellent Recommendation Letters for Your Job

Letters of Recommendation

Anyone who's applied for a job knows how important recommendation letters can be to getting hired. While you've probably asked for a reference letter in the past, you may be less familiar with writing one. If someone asks you for a reference, how can you produce a great letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired?

To help you through the writing process, we're providing nine samples of effective letters of recommendation (scroll down to skip to the samples!). By reading through these examples, you'll gain a clear understanding of how to structure your own letters.

Before getting to the free recommendation letter samples, let's briefly review the role that reference letters play in the hiring process. Why are they important, and what makes some stand out over others?

Why Are Recommendation Letters Important?

Many employers request recommendation letters to help them decide who to hire or internally promote. Throughout the hiring process, the applicant strives to present herself in the best light. Beyond the interview and resume, hiring managers look to recommendation letters to confirm the candidate's qualifications and to gain insight from an outside party.

The hiring manager wants to know what experiences the candidate will bring to the new role, how she'll contribute to the company or organization, and how she'll behave in the day-to-day. Recommendation letters can point to a candidate's future performance by talking about her past achievements.

Reference letters can also shed light on what it's like to manage, work with, or, in the case of a character reference, be friends with the person under consideration. They complement the candidate's story and suggest what she'll bring to the table in her next job.

If you get asked to write a letter for someone, it's safe to assume you want to do a good job. Helping someone get hired is not just a satisfying good deed, but it's also good professional karma! So how can you turn those good intentions into a stand-out employee letter of recommendation?

Each letter will, of course, be different, but good letters share certain key features. Read on to learn about three important characteristics of strong reference letters.

Your recommendation letter's not the time to be cagey about your identity! The hiring manager wants to know who you are and why you're qualified to recommend the applicant.

What Makes a Recommendation Letter Stand Out? 3 Key Features

Strong letters give positive descriptions of a candidate's skills in a concise and powerful way. Beyond using language that's clear and error-free, what elements should your recommendation letter include to be effective?

As you write your letter, make sure it does the following:

#1: Explains Why You're Qualified to Recommend the Candidate

In order to hold weight, a recommendation letter should come from a reputable source. If an employer wants a professional reference, then the writer of that letter probably worked with the candidate in a supervisory capacity. Some employers will also be interested in letters from a colleague or, occasionally, a friend, neighbor, or family member. Most letters, though, will be written by a supervisor, manager, or boss of some sort.

In the first paragraph, you should explain who you are and how you know the candidate. How long did you work with her and in what capacity? By explaining your relationship, you show that you're qualified to give an honest assessment.

If someone who feels like a relative stranger asks you to write a letter, you might consider declining or recommending someone else to write it. If you didn't get to know the candidate's work performance or only did so in a way completely unrelated to the new position, then you might not be able to provide a helpful letter of recommendation from employer to employee.

The best letters are written by people who can speak to the candidate's skills and accomplishments. Make sure to state clearly in the beginning of your letter who you are and why your opinion matters.

#2: Customized to the New Position

While you should speak to the candidate's accomplishments in her past role, you should also show why she'd make a good fit in the next one. Even if the candidate's making a career change, you can explain why she'll be able to do well in the new industry.

Here's where open communication with the applicant is important. She should share the job description so you have a clear understanding of the position's requirements. As the writer, you're not expected to do much research on the new job. The candidate should provide you with everything you need to know to customize your letter.

By drawing on this information, you can express confidence that the candidate will succeed in the new role. Then when the hiring manager reads your letter, she'll feel reassured that the candidate would make a good fit.

#3: Uses Specific Examples and Anecdotes

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your letter should provide specific examples about the candidate. Don't just list adjectives like, "friendly, intelligent, and hard-working"; instead, present circumstances in which the candidate demonstrated those qualities. To borrow a favorite phrase of English teachers, "show, don't just tell."

Not only will examples point to the value the candidate brought to your organization or company, but they'll also paint a picture of how she works in day-to-day operations. Using two to three specific anecdotes in your letter will boost its level of persuasiveness. It will also sidestep a common rec letter trap: becoming a generic list of cliches.

Just as you should only write a recommendation letter if you feel qualified to assess the candidate, you should also only write it if you can provide a great one. While you don't want to go over the top and sound insincere, your letter should be a strongly positive endorsement.

Sample Recommendation Letters

As you read through the nine free job recommendation letters below, notice how they all share the three key features described above, even though they differ in terms of their source and target audience. Below are nine sample recommendation letters, each followed by an analysis of what it does well!

• Sample Recommendation Letter 1: Written by a Direct Manager for a Full-Time Employee
• Sample Recommendation Letter 2: Written by a Principal for a Teacher
• Sample Recommendation Letter 3: Written by a Direct Manager for a Part-Time Employee
• Sample Recommendation Letter 4: Written by a Manager for a Remote Worker
• Sample Recommendation Letter 5: Written by a Supervisor for an Internal Promotion
• Sample Recommendation Letter 6: Written by a Supervisor for a Student Intern
• Sample Recommendation Letter 7: Written by a Coworker
• Sample Recommendation Letter 8: Written by a Professor for a Former Student
• Sample Recommendation Letter 9: Written by a Friend as a Character Reference

After checking out the above samples of recommendation letters, read on for some final thoughts on how to write an excellent letter of recommendation for an employee, coworker, or friend.

Now that you've got all the building blocks, you can put them together into a powerful letter of recommendation!

Writing Strong Letters of Recommendation: Final Thoughts

While the above samples of recommendation letters will help guide you through the letter writing process, they can't look exactly like your final product. Writing a letter is a significant undertaking, as it requires you to customize your words to the candidate and make your letter unique. Even though the specifics will vary, strong letters of recommendation do have certain features in common. Each letter should...

Use an Official Format

The sample letters show the proper format for a recommendation letter. They have the employer's name, position, company, and company's address at the top. To give one example, here's the header for recommendation letter sample #1:

Ms. Greta Johanssen Sales Manager Streambase Corp. 66 Western Boulevard Santa Fe, New Mexico 87500

You should also use official letterhead that has your name and contact information across the top, in whatever way you've chosen to present it. Each letter is addressed to a specific person, a greeting that's more personal than, "Dear Hiring Manager." Typically, paragraphs are single-spaced with a double space in between each one.

Finally, every letter concludes with an invitation to contact the writer for any further information. Then the writer may include her position, company, phone number, and email below her name.

Start with a Strong Opener

The strongest letters start out with an immediate statement of support. They might say, "It's my honor," "It's my pleasure," or "I'm very pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for Joe." Stating the obvious with a sentence like, "I'm writing to recommend Joe," looks weak beside a more enthusiastic opener.

In the first paragraph, explain who you are and why you're qualified to recommend the candidate. Write a line or two of praise about her professional and personal strengths, perhaps with a summary of the main points you'll present in the rest of the letter.

Include Two to Three Specific Examples

As mentioned above, strong letters typically include two to three body paragraphs with specific anecdotes about the candidate. They don't just describe the applicant's great qualities and accomplishments; they give examples and prove to her prospective employer that she's made achievements in the past that predict future success.

You might talk about a project or responsibility of the applicant or the value she's brought to your company. Consider relevant qualities like flexibility, initiative, leadership, growth, collaboration, interpersonal skills, and/or ability to perform within a certain environment or culture.

To Sum Up...

Depending on your relationship with the candidate, you might focus more on her work performance or personal character in your recommendation letter. An employer will focus more heavily on professional skills while a coworker may add personal qualities.

A friend or neighbor providing a character reference would produce the most personal letter. It falls upon the candidate to choose her recommenders wisely and to share any relevant information about the prospective position to help them write the best letter they can.

As long as you incorporate the key features discussed above and take the time to make your letter positive and specific, you'll provide a strong recommendation letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired. And who knows—perhaps in a year or two, she'll be writing a recommendation letter for you!

What's Next?

Are you tasked with writing a recommendation letter for a student applying to college? If so, check out these samples of recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, along with additional writing tips and a thorough recommendation letter template!

• 4 Amazing Samples of Recommendation Letters from Teachers Should You Move to a State with No Income Taxes
• 3 Examples of Excellent Recommendation Letters from Counselors
• Complete Guide: Writing a Strong Letter of Recommendation
• Unsecured Credit Cards for Those with Bad Credit
• A Great College Recommendation Letter Template

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Template Included!)

An email arrives in your inbox from a former employee or coworker. The subject line: “ Request: Recommendation Letter for Job” . At first, you feel thrilled and flattered to be asked to vouch for someone. Then, you start to think about the best way to do this. 

Reference letters can be challenging, especially when you want to craft something that’s well-written, personalized, and truly does that person justice to a hiring manager .

But worry no more! Writing a recommendation letter no longer needs to send you into a tailspin, thanks to our easy-to-follow guide.

What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a formal way to recommend someone based on their work, personal character, or academic performance. It’s your chance to tell potential employers, “Hey, this person is amazing; you should totally hire them!”

Think of it like recommending your go-to hairstylist to a friend. You wouldn't just say they're good—you'd highlight their skills, and why they're perfect for the job. This letter does the same, showcasing their strengths beyond a resume .

Many employers will use the letter of recommendation as a tool to get to know the candidate better through someone else’s lens. That is why it’s so important. Your words can make a big impact on the hiring managers' decision and pretty much determine whether a person will land their dream job or not. 

5 tips for writing a letter of recommendation

The good thing about reference letters is that they typically follow a similar structure. Sure, you can (and should!) add your personal touch, but no employer is expecting anything too extravagant or unusual. Here are five tips to kick-start your draft:

1. Ask for background information

First things first, you need to know why you’re being asked to write the recommendation letter. Are you writing a letter of recommendation for academic reasons, a personal character reference, a new job, or something else? If this person hasn’t already shared specifics on the letter, ask them to give you:

• Contact details for who the letter should be addressed to
• A current resume
• The description of the position they’re seeking
• Any specific examples they’d like you to include and highlight
• The timeframe for the letter to be sent

Having this info in-hand will help you focus on the right traits and accomplishments and position the person in the best way possible.

2. Establish the professional connection

Crafting a good recommendation letter begins by defining your relationship with the person being recommended. Establish how you worked together and for how long in a sentence or two. Did they report to you? Were they your boss? Did you work in different departments, but collaborated closely on a project?

3. Emphasize important strengths and skills

Evaluate the candidate’s work, focusing on their strengths and applying it to the position they’re seeking. For example, if they’re targeting a management position, showcase their leadership skills . Highlight tangible successes that can be quantified, detailing an increase in sales or how effective they were at managing budgets and/or people.

4. Highlight key achievements

Describe how they stood out from the rest of their colleagues and use specific examples that support your case, whether it’s taking the initiative on a complex project or spearheading a new company-wide program.

Concrete anecdotes will create a lasting impression. If you can, it’s nice to seal the deal with a comparison, such as saying they’re “the most effective salesperson I’ve ever worked with” or “one of the top two employees I’ve ever managed”—as long as that’s true, of course.

5. Master the letter of recommendation format

The letter of recommendation format also has a simple and straightforward structure. Of course it can vary depending on the purpose of the letter, but these are the four most necessary pieces of information to include:

• A formal salutation, such as “Dear [First and Last Name of the recipient]”
• A concise self-introduction
• A closing statement summarizing the key points of your recommendation
• A signature , including your name, your job or academic title, your company name and your contact information.

Still not sure what to say? Our basic template will show you how to write a letter of recommendation that not only is personalized, but highlights why your colleague should get the position they are seeking.

Letter of recommendation template

Dear [First and Last Name],

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend [Name] for [position] with [Company]. [Name] and I [relationship] at [Company] for [length of time].

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with [Name], and came to know [him/her/them] as a truly valuable asset to our team. [He is/She is/They are] honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, [he is/she is/they are] an impressive [soft skill] who is able to [result].

[His/her/their] knowledge of [specific subject] and expertise in [specific subject] was a huge advantage to our entire office. [He/she/they] put this skill set to work in order to [specific achievement].

Along with [his/her/their] undeniable talent, [Name] has always been an absolute joy to work with. [He is/she is/they are] a true team player, and always foster[s] positive discussions and bring[s] the best out of other employees.

Without a doubt, I confidently recommend [Name] to join your team at [Company]. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that [he/she/they] will be a beneficial addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567 if you want to discuss [Name]’s qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

[Company Name]

Seems simple enough, right?

But I know that filling in those blanks is one of the toughest parts. So, let’s take a look at our recommendation letter example in practice, shall we?

Here’s how this recommendation letter draft would look for Joanne, a hypothetical sales employee I’d previously managed.

Recommendation letter sample

Dear Arya Smith,

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend Joanne Adams for the Sales Manager position with The Sales Company.

Joanne and I worked together at Generic Sales Company, where I was her manager and direct supervisor from 2015 to 2019.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Joanne and came to know her as a truly valuable asset to our team. She is honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, she is an impressive problem solver who is able to address complex issues strategically and confidently. Joanne is inspired by challenges and never intimidated by them.

Her knowledge of sales etiquette and expertise in cold calling was a huge advantage to our entire office. Not only did she put this skill set to work, but she also led a series of training sessions on cold calling with the team—increasing our total sales by over 18% in just one quarter. I know that Joanne was a huge piece of our success.

Along with her undeniable talent, Joanne has always been an absolute joy to work with. She is a true team player, and always fosters positive discussions and brings the best out of other employees.

Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Joanne to join your team at The Sales Company. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that she will be a beneficial addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567 if you want to discuss Joanne's qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.

Kat Boogaard

Director of Sales

Generic Sales Company

There you have it—a reference letter that is quick to the point, enthusiastic yet professional, and would make anybody want to hire Joanne immediately.

Of course, keep in mind that this is simply a letter of recommendation template. You can definitely make some tweaks and inject creativity and personality into your own reference letter. In fact, I encourage you to do so!

In the meantime, this reference letter example should get you started and on the right track. Remember, be complimentary (while still being honest!). A negative recommendation serves no purpose, so if you find yourself going down that road, it’s better to tell the person no.

And, of course, ensure that you personalize every single letter or recommendation email that you write. The more customized you can make it, the better!

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation [With Tips & Template]

Every now and then, applying for a position will require that you also submit a letter of recommendation. 

Or, maybe, a coworker will ask you to write a recommendation letter for their new job application.

If you're not certain how to go about it, don't worry - nothing about recommendation letters needs to be complicated. Especially once you learn the nitty-gritty of the topic. 

This is exactly what this article is here to teach you!

What is a Recommendation Letter?

What should a letter of recommendation include.

• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

3 Types of Recommendation Letters

• How to Ask For a Recommendation Letter
• Recommendation Letter Template

A letter of recommendation is a formal document confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential. 

Typically, a recommendation letter is required for: 

• University admissions
• Fellowships or internship positions
• Job applications
• Volunteering opportunities

You should ideally write a recommendation for someone whose abilities and work ethic you are familiar with - for example, a colleague, student you taught, your employee, or someone you supervised at work.

Similarly, if you’re the one asking for a recommendation letter, you should ask someone who can attest to your professional or academic abilities. 

The types of recommendation letters are:

• Academic recommendation letters.
• Employment recommendation letters.
• Character recommendation letters.

Here’s what each type of recommendation letter is about:

#1. Academic Recommendation Letters

Academic recommendation letters are typically required to be submitted by students during the admission processes of graduate and undergraduate schools. 

Generally, each prospective student is requested to submit up to three references, which can be written by any education professional familiar with the candidate’s academic background. 

Academic reference letters include:

• Recommendation letter for undergraduate/graduate school
• Recommendation letter for a scholarship
• Recommendation letter for a fellowship program

#2. Employment recommendation letters 

This type makes up the most popular type of recommendation letter.

Sometimes, employers can ask you to submit up to 3 recommendation letters as part of your job application.

More often, though, a recruiter might ask you for recommendation letters if they already like your resume and want to learn more about you. 

Employment recommendation letters are written by former - or current - coworkers, employers, or supervisors.

If you can choose, pick someone with more years of experience than you. After all, the more senior they are, the more weight their recommendation carries.

Employment recommendations include: 

• Recommendation letter for a coworker
• Recommendation letter for a (former) employee

#3. Character recommendation letters

Character recommendation letters, also known as personal references, are used to describe an individual’s personality by someone who knows them well, including close friends, coworkers, or employers. 

Personal references serve many purposes, the primary ones being court cases dealing with criminal issues such as drunk driving offenses, or legal situations such as child adoption procedures. 

It is not uncommon, however, to have a potential landlord or even immigration officials ask for a personal reference. 

Personal references include: 

• Recommendation letter for a friend
• Recommendation letter for a tenant
• Recommendation letter for a patient

Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout that make writing them significantly easier. 

In this section, we’ll cover how to do each the right way, starting with:

Letter of Recommendation Format

A letter of recommendation includes the following sections: 

• The salutation ; if you are addressing someone whose name you know or writing a personal recommendation letter, the salutation can be addressed to “Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr. Smith.” Otherwise, you may use the generic “to whom it may concern.”
• The introduction , which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “ it is my pleasure to recommend… ”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is.
• The overview, or a description of the applicant’s top skills, attributes, and strengths.
• A personal story describing more of the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• The closing statement , or the final call for action, is where you encourage the recruiter to contact you if additional information is needed.
• The signature , where you repeat your name and include your full contact information.

Letter of Recommendation Layout 

When it comes to the layout of the recommendation letter, all you need to do is follow some basic formatting rules. Here are the most important ones: 

#1. One page length. This rule applies to resumes too, but it’s even more essential for the recommendation letter. Recruiters go through hundreds of them, so chances are they appreciate concise, to-the-point letters that don’t waste their time. And besides, a good recommendation letter doesn’t have to be an essay to get the recruiter ‘hooked’ - especially if you follow the above format. 

#2. Single-spaced lining, with space between paragraphs . This also keeps your reference letter within the limit by shortening the text. 

#3. Traditional font. Don’t go for something too creative - pick a classic that works. We recommend Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Ubuntu, Roboto or Overpass.

#4. 1” margins on all sides . This creates enough white space around the margins and makes the letter easy to read. Additionally, the text should be aligned to the left - although this is a standard alignment for most documents.    

#5. 10-12pt font size . This is the font size range that makes the document easy to read. Adjusting the font size is another good way to keep your recommendation letter within the length limit.

Recommendation letters usually follow similar layout rules as resumes. Learn more about font size and style from our article on the best resume font, size, and format . 

Recommendation Letter Template 

Struggling to write a recommendation letter? 

Just follow our tried-and-tested template! 

To whom it may concern: 

[Recommend the referee for the position they are applying for.]

[Briefly introduce yourself and state your position/ job title , as well as your work experience .]

[Tell how you know the referee and describe their top skills, qualifications, and strengths.]

[Share a personal story with the referee where you highlight their strong points and key achievements .]

[Add a few more of the applicant’s skills and positive traits, preferably fitting the job description.]

[Show your availability to provide additional information for the referee if needed.]

Best Regards

[Your full signature and contact information]

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter 

Need to ask someone for a recommendation letter? Here’s what you need to know.

The go-to person for your recommendation letter will depend on the type of reference you’ll need. 

For example, if you need an employment recommendation letter , your top choices should involve people who are familiar with your work ethic and professional abilities, but with whom you’ve also had a positive professional relationship. For example:

• Your team lead
• Department head
• CEO of the company
• Direct manager
• A coworker you’ve worked with together on a project

If you are a recent graduate with little work experience, you can ask a mentor or college professor to write you a professional reference. 

In case you need an academic recommendation letter , consider asking a professor with whom you’ve worked closely and can positively attest to your academic potential and achievements.

Your thesis advisor, for example, would make a good choice to ask for an academic reference. If you never wrote a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, any professor who knows you as more than just a face in a sea of students should do the trick. 

Finally, keep the following in mind when the time comes to ask for a recommendation letter: 

• Whoever you end up asking, talk to them about it in advance . Then, follow up with a formal email that should contain all reference-related information, such as the submission details and deadline. The email can also include a description of what you’re currently doing (professionally, academically, or independently), what qualifies you for the position, and some relevant skills, achievements, or noteworthy facts.
• If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, make sure to also include your resume and the job description in the follow-up email. This way, the person writing the letter will know more about you and your new position and will be able to write a more relevant recommendation by tailoring your skills to the job, or by mentioning some of your (relevant) achievements.
• Notify the contacts you’ll be asking - considering that in most cases recruiters ask for up to three recommendation letters - at least two weeks in advance. This will give them enough time to prepare and write a good recommendation letter. This is especially important for academic references because professors are usually writing several recommendation letters simultaneously.
• Consider attaching a recommendation letter template such as the one provided in this article to your email. The template will considerably ease or guide them through the process of writing the letter.
• Follow up by sending thank you notes to everyone who writes you a recommendation letter. Sending a letter of appreciation is a courtesy act that will let them know you are grateful for the time and effort they took to recommend you positively.

If you’re also looking to update your resume or create one, head over to our guide on how to write a resume in 2024 !

5 Tips on How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

There’s more to writing a recommendation letter than just following the layout instructions or sticking to the format.

We’re referring to content quality, which happens to be the trickiest part of the process. 

In this section, we’ll teach you how to write a recommendation letter that will impress the recruiter and help your referee!

Tip #1. Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction  

First things first - the introduction.

This is where you need to grab the reader’s attention and get them interested in reading the recommendation letter. 

How to go about it? Before formally (and briefly) introducing yourself, aim to write an attention-grabbing recommendation statement, instead of a generic one the recruiter probably knows by heart already. 

Let’s explain this more practically: 

Dear Mr. Smith, 

I am pleased to recommend Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

Nothing wrong with this introduction at first glance, right? It’s a standard way of opening a recommendation letter after all. 

Well that’s exactly what’s wrong with it - it’s way too common. No, this probably won’t get your application disqualified, but it won’t impress the recruiter either.

Want yours to strike the right note? Try something like this instead:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am sincerely glad to be the one recommending Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

This recommendation statement is not significantly different from the previous one, except for one thing: it gives the reference letter a head start by implying that recommending Sarah is an honor. And that’s more likely to get the recruiter’s attention - or, at least, curiosity. 

In case you’re struggling to come up with an attention-grabbing introduction, simply mention one of the following points, and you’re good to go: 

• A little-known fact about the candidate. 
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities.
• A remarkable achievement or award the candidate might have won.  

Tip #2. Establish a Meaningful Relationship With the Candidate 

All recommendation letters explain what the relationship with the referee is before listing their skills and qualifications. 

To make the recommendation more meaningful, you should show the recruiter you are just the right person to attest to the candidate’s abilities. And that’s not something you can convey by simply stating how you know them. Take the following example:   

I have taught Jake Political Science for four years. 

Does this example tell the recruiter how you know the applicant? Sure, it does. 

But it does so in a boring way and without establishing a convincing relationship with them. For all the recruiter knows, Jake is just one out of a thousand students you’ve taught over the years.

It has been a pleasure for me to teach Jake for four years and guide him through his remarkable Bachelor’s thesis in Conflict Resolution.

Notice the difference? This example specifies the writer is Jake’s thesis advisor, which makes the recommendation all the more meaningful. 

Tip #3. Tailor Your Recommendation to the Application 

Want to put in the extra effort and make sure your referee truly stands out?

Tailor the recommendation letter to the job / university program they’re applying for.

Tailoring your letter to the candidate’s application is easiest when you’re recommending someone for employment (you can just check the job requirements), but it works for any type of recommendation (incl. academic). All you need to do is match the referee’s skills and strengths to whatever they’re applying for. 

Let’s assume, for example, that you’re recommending a co-worker for a marketing manager position.

Some of the job requirements are: 

• +5 years of professional experience in marketing
• Experience developing marketing campaigns 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Project-management and multi-tasking skills 

To tailor your recommendation to the job requirements, all you need to do is mention them as your referee’s best qualities. For example: 

Even after seven years working together, Ema’s skillful way of effectively communicating with clients and co-workers alike doesn’t cease to amaze me. It only comes second to her multi-tasking abilities, which I’ve witnessed throughout the many marketing campaigns we have developed and managed. 

As you can see, there’s not much to it. 

All you need to do is check the job requirements, pick several skills and qualifications, and make them part of your referee’s top skills, strengths, or personality traits.  

Tip #4. List the Candidate’s Achievements 

Mentioning some of the candidate’s achievements is another great way to help your referee really stand out.

After all, skills, strengths, and character traits are awesome, but they can also come across as meaningless if you can’t back them up with facts. 

What do we mean by this?

Let us explain:

Here’s how a typical personal story in a recommendation letter looks like:

I came to truly appreciate Eric’s work ethic, passion, and attention to detail the first time I assigned him to do a report on child trafficking. Eric was respectful of journalistic ethics but also willing to chase the story relentlessly, believing in its value and importance. 

Sure, this is a perfectly acceptable personal story. 

However, it doesn’t do much more than just list the referee’s skills, traits, and work experience through a subjective lens. 

What we’re saying is, it doesn’t really sell the candidate.

Now, let’s compare it to the following:

Eric’s ability to chase after difficult stories first became apparent when I assigned him a report about child trafficking. Despite the challenging topic, Eric not only pulled through but achieved more than expected by a) identifying a trafficking ring that put more than 50 minors into forced begging, b) interviewing 10 of the older minors and managing to bring that trafficking network down once the reportage went public and c) increasing the TV Channel’s ratings by 40% in 3 weeks. 

By mentioning those achievements, your account of the candidate’s experiences is a lot more “factual,” as well as impressive for the recruiter.

Not sure which achievements to include? Check out these 101+ achievements to list on your resum e !

Tip #5. Polish Up Your Recommendation Letter

Finally, here’s 5 more simple tips to get your recommendation letter ready:

• Maintain positive rhetoric . At no point throughout your reference letter should the recruiter sense a hint of doubt regarding the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• Don’t overdo the positivity. Extremes are never good - which means being overly positive might also come across as a bit suspicious or weird (even if everything you're saying is true). 
• Follow the submission instructions . A bunch of employers, but also educational institutions, will provide instructions on how to submit the recommendation letter. We recommend you ask the candidate to double-check them and give you a heads up, because if you submit the recommendation letter wrong, the candidate might lose their chance.
• Use a business tone . Even when you’re being creative, your writing tone should maintain a business tone - polite, and as formal as possible.
• Mind your grammar and spelling . This is another tip that goes for all things application-related. You won’t compromise the referee’s chances with a typo, but your recommendation won’t matter much either if it’s filled with simple grammar/spelling mistakes. Run your letter through a grammar and spell-check app once you’re finished with it, just to be on the safe side of things.

Recommendation Letter FAQ

Still have some questions on how to write a letter of recommendation?

Find your answers below!

1. What is a professional letter of recommendation?

A professional letter of recommendation - also called an employment recommendation letter - refers to an official document that is typically required when you apply for a job and which describes the applicant’s professional skills, experiences, and qualifications. 

Professional letters of recommendation are typically written by current or previous employers or supervisors. A coworker can also write you a professional letter of recommendation, but it’s not as optimal as a coworker is not really an authority figure (and might just be a friend doing you a favor instead of being honest).

2. What should be written in a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation generally follow the following format: 

• A formal salutation
• An introduction (which includes a recommendation statement and your professional title)
• An overview of some of the applicant’s skills, strengths, or qualifications, which you can tailor to the application
• A personal story where you can mention some of the applicant’s achievements
• A closing statement and call for action
• A signature , with your contact information

3. Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

If you’re asking for an academic letter of recommendation, you can ask:

• Current or former professors
• Academic mentors
• Thesis advisors

If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, though, you can ask:

• Current or former employers
• A supervisor or professional mentor
• Former professors
• Experienced coworkers

4. How do you start a recommendation paragraph?

To keep the recruiter reading your recommendation letter interested, you should start with an attention-grabbing introduction - specifically, an interesting recommendation statement. 

This statement is the opening sentence of the letter and it should optimally express your conviction to recommend the applicant in a non-generic way. 

If you’re struggling with coming up with something creative, just start with one of the following:

• A little-known or impressive fact about the candidate
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities
• A remarkable achievement, or an award the candidate might have won

5. How do you end a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation concludes with a call to action or a request towards the recruiter   showing your availability and willingness to provide additional information if needed. After mentioning that you remain available to discuss the candidate’s qualifications, you may finalize the letter with your signature - your name, title, and company.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope this article will make the process of writing a recommendation letter easier for you. 

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered: 

• A letter of recommendation is a formal letter confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential.
• Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout. The format typically consists of 1) the letterhead and full contact information, 2) a salutation, 3) an introduction, 4) an overview, 5) a personal story, 6) a closing sentence and 7) your signature.
• The three types of recommendation letters are employment, academic, and character recommendation letters.
• Who to ask for a recommendation letter depends on the type of reference you need. As a rule of thumb, pick someone who knows your skills and strengths well and whom you’ve had a positive experience (professional or academic) with.

Related Articles

• How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]
• How to Address a Cover Letter in 2023
• Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2023

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Career Blog

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (20 Examples)

When it comes to job applications and academic pursuits, a letter of recommendation can be a game changer. A letter of recommendation is a written statement that provides insights into an individual’s work ethic, academic prowess, personal characteristics, and overall suitability for a particular role or program. In short, it serves as a personal endorsement from a credible source.

Letters of recommendation have become an essential component of the modern job market and higher education application processes. Typically, they are required for graduate and postgraduate degree programs, fellowships, scholarships, internships, and job applications.

The importance of a letter of recommendation cannot be overstated. A well-written letter of recommendation can significantly increase the chances of a person’s acceptance into a program, employment, and other opportunities. On the other hand, a poorly written letter of recommendation can hinder the process, and even worse, it can negatively impact the candidate’s chances.

Another essential factor to consider is who might need a letter of recommendation. Generally, anyone who is applying for a job or a program requiring an endorsement from a professional or academic authority will need a letter of recommendation. That includes students, job seekers, graduates, career changers, and even colleagues.

Writing an effective letter of recommendation is an art that requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and expertise. A well-crafted letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in catapulting an individual to success in their desired career path.

Understand the Purpose

Before writing a letter of recommendation, it’s important to understand the purpose of the letter. Is it for a job application, graduate school admission, scholarship, or something else? Once you know the purpose, you can tailor your letter accordingly.

In addition, it’s essential to identify the recipient of the letter. Are you writing to a specific person, school, or company? Know who will be receiving the letter, and address it to them directly.

If you’re writing a letter of recommendation for a job, you’ll want to address it to the hiring manager or human resources department at the company. For graduate school admissions, you’ll want to address it to the admissions committee at the specific school.

It’s also important to research the organization or school the letter is for. Learn more about their values, culture, and mission statement. By understanding the recipient and their values, you can better highlight the skills and qualities that align with their needs.

Taking the time to understand the purpose and recipient of your letter of recommendation can ensure that your letter is tailored and impactful.

Gather Information

As an experienced copywriter and subject matter expert, the success of your letter of recommendation partly depends on how much data you’ve gathered about the program or company being applied to, the person requesting the recommendation, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Conduct research on the program or company

Before crafting an effective letter of recommendation, it’s vital to have a deep understanding of the program or company that the candidate is applying to. By investigating the program or company, you can characterize their strengths, values, history of achievements, and the requirements or preferences they have for candidates. Google Search, LinkedIn, or querying past acquaintances can help provide useful insights.

Communicate with the person requesting the letter

Your work relationship with the person requesting the letter of recommendation is crucial to understanding their expectations, deadlines, and critical areas of focus. Consequently, identify and clarify with them the nature of the recommendation required. Some employers may require a recommendation to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a particular role, expertise, academic prowess, teamwork, or other skills.

Collect information on the candidate’s qualifications

In writing a letter of recommendation, you need to have a comprehensive view of the candidate. Below are areas you ought to focus on to help collect pertinent information regarding the candidate’s qualifications:

Technical skills – collect examples of the candidate’s technical skills that enable them to perform the work to top standards.

Interpersonal skills – gather verifiable evidence that showcases how the candidate behaves around people and how well they handle and deal with conflict.

Achievements and accomplishments – ascertain records of the candidate’s recognition for significant contributions made to the company, project, or program.

Education and professional certifications – gather information about the candidate’s highest level of education attained and the relevant licensing, certifications or training.

Problem-solving abilities – gather evidence on how the candidate has solved complex problems or challenges independently, and how they have taken risks and tried new approaches to improve results.

To effectively capture the candidate’s qualities, be sure to look out for specific achievements and qualities that are aligned with the requirements or preferences for the program or company.

Combined, the insights obtained from researching the program or company, communicating with the person requesting the letter, and collecting valid data on the candidate’s qualifications will ensure that you craft a winning letter of recommendation that showcases the candidate’s abilities in the best possible light.

Planning and Structure

Writing a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task. One of the most critical aspects of producing a strong letter is to plan and structure your writing carefully. Here’s what you need to consider:

Choose the format

Before you start writing, you need to decide on the format of your letter. Is it going to be a traditional letter, an email, or something more creative? The format you choose will determine how you write the letter and the tone you use.

Determine the length

Once you’ve decided on the format, it’s time to determine the length of your letter. Your letter should be long enough to cover all relevant information, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. Generally, a one-page letter is sufficient. However, if you need to provide more details, you can go for two pages.

Decide on a tone

The tone of your letter is crucial since you want to convey the right message. Depending on the purpose of the letter, the tone can be formal or informal, serious, or light-hearted. Remember, the tone you choose sets the mood of your letter.

Planning and structuring your letter of recommendation are essential for producing an effective piece of writing. Consider the format, length, and tone carefully before putting pen to paper, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting an impactful letter.

Effective Language and Tone

When writing a letter of recommendation, the language and tone used must be carefully crafted to ensure that it effectively communicates the strengths and abilities of the person being recommended. Here are some tips on how to achieve an effective language and tone:

Avoid Stereotypes and Generalizations

It is important to avoid stereotypes and generalizations when writing a letter of recommendation. These can come across as unprofessional, and may even be harmful to the person being recommended. Instead, focus on specific examples and unique characteristics that make the individual stand out.

For example, instead of using a broad phrase like “great team player,” provide concrete examples of how the person has demonstrated this attribute, such as “she regularly volunteers to take on additional tasks and collaborates well with colleagues.”

Use Specific Examples

Providing specific examples is crucial to writing an effective letter of recommendation. This not only demonstrates your familiarity with the individual’s work, but it also gives the reader a better understanding of the person’s abilities and accomplishments.

For instance, rather than simply mentioning that the individual is “hardworking and dedicated,” provide specific examples of how they have gone above and beyond their duties, such as “she regularly stayed late to ensure that projects were completed ahead of schedule and consistently received positive feedback from clients.”

Use Strong Action Words

Using strong action words helps to convey a sense of confidence and enthusiasm about the individual being recommended. This can create a positive impression and further reinforce the individual’s capabilities and accomplishments.

For example, instead of using passive language like “has experience in,” opt for more dynamic language such as “has successfully managed,” “has effectively led,” or “has expertly executed.”

Highlight Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, it is equally vital to highlight soft skills in a letter of recommendation. These skills include qualities such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork – attributes that are often difficult to measure but are highly valued by employers.

For instance, instead of merely mentioning that the individual is a “good communicator,” provide examples of how they have demonstrated this trait, such as “he is adept at explaining complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and consistently receives positive feedback from clients and colleagues.”

Effective language and tone are key components of a successful letter of recommendation. By avoiding stereotypes and generalizations, using specific examples, using strong action words, and highlighting soft skills, you can craft a compelling letter that showcases the individual’s strengths and abilities in the best possible light.

The Introduction

Hello and welcome, dear reader!

It is my pleasure to share my experience with [Candidate’s Name], who has requested a letter of recommendation from me. I have had the privilege of working with this bright and talented individual for [length of time].

During this time, I have had the opportunity to witness [Candidate’s Name] demonstrate exceptional skills and characteristics that make them an outstanding candidate for [purpose of the letter]. Their work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a team are just a few of the traits that stand out to me as I consider this recommendation.

As a seasoned professional in the field of [field], I have written numerous letters of recommendation throughout my career. With [Candidate’s Name], however, I am particularly excited to offer my support, as I believe they represent a truly exceptional candidate for this opportunity.

In the body of the letter of recommendation, you will provide specific details about the person you are recommending. This section is the most important part of the letter and should be approached with the utmost care.

Paragraph one: Background information

Begin the body of the letter by providing some background information about the person you are recommending. This should include their name, their title or position, and how you know them. You should also briefly describe the context in which you have worked with them or interacted with them, and any special circumstances that may have influenced your relationship.

Paragraph two: Highlight qualifications

The second paragraph should highlight the qualifications of the person you are recommending. This is your chance to showcase their strengths and achievements, and to explain why you believe that they are well-suited for the position or opportunity they are seeking. Be specific and provide concrete examples of their successes, responsibilities, and contributions.

Paragraph three: Explain personal qualities

In the third paragraph, you should explain the personal qualities of the person you are recommending. This is an opportunity to describe their character, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. Think about what sets them apart from others and what makes them a valuable member of a team or community.

Paragraph four: Provide examples

In the fourth paragraph, provide specific examples of the person’s skills and achievements. Be sure to include any relevant statistics or data that support your claims. Focus on accomplishments that are directly relevant to the position or opportunity they are seeking, and explain how these accomplishments demonstrate their expertise and potential.

Paragraph five: Provide additional information

In the final paragraph, provide any additional information that may be helpful in evaluating the person you are recommending. This may include their areas for development, their career goals, or other relevant information that is not covered elsewhere in the letter. Be sure to end on a positive note, reiterating your support for the person and your enthusiasm for their candidacy.

The body of the letter should be well-organized, clear, and persuasive. It is your chance to make a compelling case for the person you are recommending and to demonstrate why they are the best fit for the position or opportunity they are seeking. Consider seeking feedback from others before finalizing the letter, to ensure that you are presenting a strong and compelling case.

Related Articles

• Attorney Resume Writing Tips and Examples for 2023
• Account Executive Resume Writing Tips for 2023
• Technical Writer Resume Examples and Tips: A Complete Guide
• Python Developer Resume: Entry-Level and Junior Samples
• Investment Analyst: Job Description, Salary, and Skills

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Daring Leadership Institute: a groundbreaking partnership that amplifies Brené Brown's empirically based, courage-building curriculum with BetterUp’s human transformation platform.

What is Coaching?

Types of Coaching

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Find your coach

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

How to write a letter of recommendation (with examples)

Jump to section

What’s a letter of recommendation?

Format of a letter of recommendation, tips for writing a letter of recommendation, letter of recommendation examples, how to write a letter of recommendation for a friend, start writing.

Sometimes, a former colleague pops up in your inbox to ask you for a favor. This time, it’s a letter of recommendation. If you loved working with this coworker, you’d jump at the opportunity to help them out.

There’s only one problem: you’ve never written a letter like that before. You don’t even know where to begin — it’s time to learn how to write a letter of recommendation.

Writing an effective letter of recommendation takes time, thoughtfulness, and insight into the person’s background and character. 

If you’re willing to write a letter for this person, you’re likely overflowing with praise for them. But how do you balance your high regard with professionalism? This article discusses what a letter of recommendation is and how to write an effective one. It also includes valuable examples to get you started.

A letter of recommendation highlights a person’s skills, knowledge, and experience to bolster an application. Someone who knows a candidate writes one of these letters to vouch for them, expressing why they’re the best person for the opportunity.

A professional letter of recommendation is usually addressed to a hiring manager, admissions committee, or potential employer. You might also need to write one for someone applying for any of the following:

A new home or apartment 

Scholarships, grants, or awards

A new job 

Fellowship programs 

Graduate or professional school programs

As the letter writer, your communication skills are tested since you’re responsible for painting a positive picture of this person. Someone you once managed might be changing careers ; they need you to highlight their transferable skills .

Your letter could include positive comments about how they have strong public speaking skills and experience juggling multiple deadlines simultaneously.

Research has shown that people referred for a job are 4x more likely to be offered it than those without a referral. While a recommendation isn’t necessarily an internal referral, these letters show that someone credible vouches for the letter’s subject to have this position. A good letter of recommendation can make or break an application.

Letter of recommendation versus letter of reference

Let’s not confuse a letter of recommendation for a reference letter. While a letter of recommendation focuses on skills, knowledge, and experience, a reference letter describes a person’s character. It’s when you describe their work ethic and personal qualities. Both letters require specific examples and details, but they address different aspects of a person.

A reference letter:

Used for generic reasons 

Doesn’t have to be for professional reasons

Provides an overview of a person’s character and qualities

A letter of recommendation:

Used for specific positions or opportunities

Includes details and examples

Written by someone in an authoritative position, like a former manager or professor

You could be a little rusty when it comes to formatting a letter — or maybe this is completely new to you. One CBS poll found that 37% of Americans said it's been over five years since they've written a personal letter , and 15% had never done it at all. Don't fret if you relate. It’s never too late to learn a new skill.

Writing a letter of recommendation requires you to flex your organizational skills . If that’s something you struggle with, you might benefit from a letter of recommendation template. We've got you covered. 

Here are five sections you should include in your letter:

Greetings: Keep this section short and sweet. This is where you address the recipient of the letter. Make sure you know how to spell their name and title properly, or write a general greeting like "To whom it may concern" or “Dear [University Name] admission committee.”

Introduction: In your introduction, explain who you are, your relationship to the candidate, and why you recommend them for the opportunity. Consider briefly explaining why you're writing this letter and hint at what you'll discuss further down.

Body of the letter: This section contains the most important information. It'll include an overview of the person's past experiences, skills, and industry knowledge. Make sure to share short personal anecdotes with details that illustrate their abilities. For instance, you might describe the person's communication skills by using an example of when they were part of a large research project you worked on together and had to communicate effectively with team members. 

Closing statement: A good letter needs a solid closing statement. It's your chance to summarize your points and highlight why you're giving this person a strong recommendation. Be succinct and thorough, but avoid repeating details.

Your signature: It's time to finish your letter. Add your signature and contact information at the very end to signal it's over.

Understanding how to structure your letter will help organize the writing process. Make sure you’re thoughtful with your words and pay attention to the details .

Here are five tips to consider when writing a letter of recommendation:

Collect all the necessary information before you begin writing

Keep a positive voice, but avoid clichés 

Tailor your tone to the situation 

Focus on highlighting the most important details

Proofread your letter several times

The things you include in a letter for someone hoping to gain admission into graduate school differ from someone trying to secure a job offer. Each letter follows the same format, but the details are different.

You may find that getting the first few words down is the hardest, and that's understandable. But once you start your introduction, the rest of the letter will follow suit.

Here are three examples of how to start letters of recommendation for different scenarios, plus a few things to keep in mind for the rest of the letter:

1. Recommendation letter for a job

It's my pleasure to recommend [Person's name] for the Data Scientist role at X Company. I was [Person's name] supervisor from 2011-2021 and valued their deep knowledge of software programs, time management skills, and prior experience.

Above all, their innovative problem-solving techniques helped our team excel on projects. I've watched their skills grow immensely and think they'd be an ideal candidate for the job.

Next, share detailed examples of the person's problem-solving techniques and expand on how much they've grown throughout the years. Finish the letter by telling this employer how lucky their company would be to have this candidate based on your examples and their skills. 

2. Recommendation letter for graduate school

I highly recommend [Person's name] for admission to the [program] at X University. I am a psychology professor at Y University and had the pleasure of teaching [Person's name] in [course code] during their bachelor's degree in nutrition.

[Person's name] stood out from the other students because of their ability to research topics with exceptional depth and use feedback to strengthen their knowledge on how best to present nutritional studies. They thrive in collaborative environments because of their superb teamwork skills and communicate effectively with peers and colleagues.

Consider finishing the letter by expanding on the candidate's research topics and explaining some of the reasons why they have good teamwork and communication skills. It will help to know more about the program they’re applying to and which strengths to emphasize.

Each admissions committee will have different criteria, so tailor your examples to reflect the skills they’ll need to succeed. 

3. Recommendation letter for a scholarship

I highly recommend choosing [Person's name] for your annual marketing scholarship. I'm a former coworker of [Person's name] from 2015-2022 and saw firsthand how skilled they execute marketing strategies and intuitively understand data to predict future trends.

[Person's name] started as an intern and has since secured a full-time paid position. In their time at X Company, they demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a high level of professionalism, which is why they'd be an ideal candidate for your scholarship. They would represent your scholarship and their school with dignity and integrity. 

The body of your letter should include references to specific projects the person worked on and how they’ve become a great leader in the workplace to show the selection committee why they best meet the scholarship’s criteria.

If a friend has asked you to write them a personal letter of recommendation, it won’t be as professional in tone as a letter a former employee or manager requests. It will act more like a reference letter by leaning on their character while highlighting strengths and accomplishments.

Here are a few things to consider when writing a letter of recommendation for a friend:

Ask for details: It would be tough to provide specific examples without details about what you’re recommending them for. Asking your friend for details on where they’re applying will help you structure your letter and pack it with the most valuable information.

Explain your relationship: This doesn’t have to be long but describe how you know the person. Explain if you have a professional working relationship or if you’ve known each other since childhood. This gives you credibility as a letter writer. 

Share your contact information: Include ways for people to contact you for a potential follow-up. Consider using your work email address or LinkedIn profile.

You could encounter a situation where you don’t want to write a letter of recommendation for a friend. Whatever your reason is, don’t feel pressured to write a letter. Learning how to say “no” helps you solidify your boundaries and honor your values.

Learning how to write a letter of recommendation tests your organizational and communication skills. You need to be precise and articulate with your praise — and that’s not easy, especially if you’ve never written a letter of recommendation before.

These letters are for various purposes, like landing a job, getting into a school, or signing a lease agreement. No matter the purpose, these letters should meet the same guidelines. You’ll always benefit from being detailed, asking the person questions for greater clarity about the application, and including all necessary sections. 

Remember that writing a letter of recommendation requires your authentic self . You have to be honest with your recommendation and reasons for offering it. After you’ve written it, be proud of yourself. You’ve taken the time to do something kind for someone else, and kindness never goes out of style.

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Maggie Wooll, MBA

Maggie Wooll is a researcher, author, and speaker focused on the evolving future of work. Formerly the lead researcher at the Deloitte Center for the Edge, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Maggie is passionate about creating better work and greater opportunities for all.

What is a letter of intent? Examples on how to write one

How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), 3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention, chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to quit a part-time job: 5 tips to leave on good terms, how to write a leave of absence letter (plus template), send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, learn to sweat the small stuff: how to improve attention to detail, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, how to write a memo: 8 steps with examples, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case studies
• ROI of BetterUp
• What is coaching?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Personal Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Briefing
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

WTO / Letters and Emails / Recommendation / 25 Sample Personal Recommendation Letters (Tips & Examples)

25 Sample Personal Recommendation Letters (Tips & Examples)

This recommendation letter is a document of personal reference written by a recommender that can give insight into an applicant’s personal attributes and traits.

It is also known as a character reference letter or a personal reference letter. It is used to help strengthen an individual’s application for a job position, organization, or school admission through a recommender’s endorsement of the applicant’s positive attributes, morals, and values.

Types of Personal Recommendation Letters

There are 3 basic types. Each one is written for a specific purpose.

• Academic Recommendation Letter: Academic letters of recommendation are used by students applying for admission to a school. Review committees use these letters to get an idea about certain aspects of a candidate’s personality that cannot be assessed in the college application .
• Employment Recommendation Letter: Potential employers may sometimes request an employment recommendation letter in addition to the usual resume/CV, cover letter , and portfolio. These letters are usually written by previous employers or co-workers and are considered useful when the applicant does not have much experience under their belt.
• Character Recommendation Letter: The character recommendation letter is used when someone is in the process of providing specific information regarding someone’s character. You may be required to provide one if you are considering adopting a child, or pet, or submit it to a prospective landlord. The person chosen to write this letter depends on what you need it for. For instance, if one is required before you can rent a certain apartment, then your letter should be composed by a previous landlord, if possible.

Free Templates & Samples

Personal letter of recommendation samples.

Personal letter of recommendation templates

When Are Personal Reference Letters Used?

Such letters are used to give individuals a little of an added boost to their school application, job application , or situations where a more in-depth description of a person’s character is required, such as renting an apartment or proving an individual has leadership skills.

Below are some of the situations which often require this document:

• Child adoption: Some adoption agencies may request adopting parents to acquire it to help get to know more about them.
• Pet adoption: Pet adoption agencies can also request it from a candidate to help establish whether the individual will be a responsible pet owner.
• Apartment rental: A landlord can request potential tenants for this letter from their neighbors or previous landlord to help understand what kind of tenant the candidate is.
• Scholarship programs : Some scholarship programs may request it from a student’s teacher or professor to help them understand the kind of student the candidate will be.

Pre-Writing Considerations

The letter must effectively communicate the applicant’s personality from the recommender’s perspective. Therefore, it is important that the recommender make certain considerations, such as the nature of the relationship shared with the applicant, before writing it.

Who can write a personal recommendation letter?

It should be written by individuals who can attest to an applicant’s personality, skills, and abilities.  Teachers, business acquaintances, clients, friends, etc. can write this letter. It is advised that a family member does not write it as they are biased toward the applicant.

Things to ask the applicant before writing

The recommender should consider requesting the applicant to provide them with information regarding the skills and qualities required for the position, for example, if a candidate is applying for a job position as an assistant the recommender should mention the candidate’s organizational skills in the letter.  A recommender who takes the time to find out the qualities required for the position will seem more professional from the recipient’s perspective.

The following are the things to ask the applicant to write it in an appropriate manner:

• Resume, if required
• The deadline for the letter to be completed
• What information you can provide that will help the applicant
• Why they select you to compose the letter
• Any character traits, achievements, etc. relevant to the purpose
• Ask for any submission instructions
• Applicant’s GPA
• Lists of any papers they have published
• Applicant’s awards, activities, and achievements
• Volunteer or internship experience

Other considerations

The recommender must share good relations with the applicant they are writing the letter for. Writing negative statements about the applicant can discourage the recipient from considering them as a potential candidate for the position.

The recommender must also ensure that they know the applicant well enough. The relationship between the recommender and the applicant will often be reflected in the details written in this letter.

A recommender writing a letter for a school or a scholarship for a candidate should ensure that the recommendation letter demonstrates the applicant’s positive qualities as a student.

Writing a Personal Recommendation Letter

A recommender should ensure that the letter directly speaks to the qualities of the applicant. The recommendation letter should focus on what enables the applicant to perform their job effectively. The recommender helps the recipient decide whether the applicant is a good fit for the position on offer.

No matter what type of letter you are writing, it should contain 3 basic elements . First, you should compose a sentence or paragraph that briefly describes your connection to this person and your relationship. Next, provide the necessary information on their character. Depending on the type of letter, it may be work ethics, academic achievements, or skills. Back these up with examples. Finally, conclude the letter by explaining why you think this individual would suit the situation.

It is therefore important that it includes the following information:

Addresses of the recommender and recipient

The recommender of the letter should state both their name and mail address and that of the recipient.

Mary Adams 453 Maker’s Lane San Jose, CA90090

January 10, 2018

Andrew Baker 347 Conwell Street New York, NY 3467

The recommender should follow up by including a salutation that specifies the name of the recipient. Suppose the recommender is writing a general letter they can address it ‘ To whom it may concern ’.

Dear Mr. Andrew,

Relation with the applicant

The recommender should start the letter by explaining how they know the applicant. It should establish what kind of relationship the recommender and applicant share to provide the recipient with context as to why the writer is best suited to recommend the candidate.

I am honored to be writing this recommendation letter for Mary Adams for a position as an assistant at your organization. Mary and I are co-workers at Gin Tec Limited. We have worked together for 15 years.

Thomas Jenkins has been employed by me as my personal assistant from January 2016 to the present. I hereby recommend him without qualification to your real estate program. I strongly believe that he will be an asset to your program with regard to his ability to communicate and instruct others.

Length of time the recommender has known the applicant

Secondly, the recommender should state the length of time that they have known the applicant which could be weeks, months, or years. The length of time the recommender states in the letter informs the recipient of how well-acquainted they are with the applicant. The longer the period, the more reliable the recipient will consider the information in the letter to be.

I have known and worked with Mary for 15 years. In that time, I have watched her grow into a determined hardworking, and resilient individual. Mary has displayed communication skills, time management, and good listening skills.

Examples of applicant’s qualities

The recommender should then state the applicant’s qualities in relation to the requirements for the position and examples that demonstrate how the applicant has made use of them. The use of relevant examples strengthens the impact of this letter on the recipient by demonstrating how they can make use of the qualities.

The qualities stated and their examples should positively highlight the applicant’s best attributes. It is also essential that the recommender’s use of examples make the applicant stand out. For example, if the applicant is applying for a job as an EMT, provide an instance where their attention to detail resulted in them saving a life.

John demonstrated his attention to detail in the winter of 2017 when a building collapsed in downtown Manhattan and one of the survivors claimed it is okay. He noticed there was bruising around the survivor’s navel area. The doctors said that had the patient not sought treatment he would have died within hours.

During his employment, he has proved himself by organizing open houses , handling various office duties, and securing leads for our company. He is creative, industrious, and dedicated. He has also contributed to meetings, offering sound ideas that assisted us in meeting our goals.

Throughout his stay, he utilized his soft skills, helping us close several important real estate deals. He has also ventured into dealing with contractors with regard to property development with great success. He initiated and coordinated several projects, as well as organized our annual charity functions.

Add the statement of recommendation

The recommender should summarize it by re-establishing the qualities they have stated earlier and officially recommending the applicant for the position. The official recommendation made by the recommender demonstrates their confidence in the abilities of the applicant.

I undoubtedly guarantee that Mary’s communication skills and attention to detail will make her a great addition to your organization. It is for this reason that I recommend her for a position as an assistant in your organization.

Thomas is an individual that has performed all duties with integrity and devotion, often putting himself last, and the project first. Working next to Thomas has been a good experience, and I believe that he will be an excellent addition to your Real Estate program.

Conclude properly

This final section contains your own contact information, such as phone numbers, and professional emails . Here, you’re backing up everything you stated by giving the recipient an opportunity to speak with you personally.

It’s been my personal pleasure to recommend Mr. Jenkins for this position. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 555-555-2893, or [email protected], and I’ll be more than happy to assist you in addressing any queries you may have.

Personal Letter of Recommendation Example

Dear Ms. Peterson;

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Michael Carter for the role of Marketing Manager at Bright Edge Technologies. As the Director of Marketing at InnovaTech Enterprises, I had the privilege of working with Michael for over four years, where he consistently showcased exceptional talent, dedication, and a passion for marketing excellence.

Michael joined InnovaTech as a Marketing Assistant and rapidly advanced to the position of Senior Marketing Specialist, a testament to his innovative thinking, analytical acumen, and leadership qualities. He was instrumental in conceptualizing and executing our “NextGen Tech” campaign, which not only enhanced our brand visibility but also increased our sales by 30% within six months. His ability to blend creative marketing strategies with data-driven decision-making made him an invaluable asset to our team.

Possessing a rare combination of creativity and analytical skills, Michael has an exceptional ability to identify and capitalize on market trends. His proficiency in digital marketing tools and techniques has enabled him to develop and implement strategies that effectively engage target audiences. Beyond his professional prowess, Michael’s interpersonal and communication skills are exemplary, allowing him to build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and team members.

Michael’s positive attitude and work ethic are contagious. He consistently inspires his team with his enthusiasm and dedication, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. His leadership extends beyond task management; he is genuinely invested in the professional growth and well-being of his colleagues.

I am confident that Michael Carter will bring a wealth of expertise, innovation, and leadership to the Marketing Manager role at Bright Edge Technologies. His track record at InnovaTech Enterprises is a clear indicator of his potential to contribute significantly to your organization.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information or insights regarding Michael’s qualifications and accomplishments.

Samantha Lewis

Director of Marketing

InnovaTech Enterprises

This sample cover letter is a good example for someone looking to understand how to write an effective recommendation letter for a colleague or employee for several reasons. Here are the key reasons why this letter is a useful model:

• Professional Introduction and Context: The sample letter opens with a clear statement of recommendation and establishes the writer’s authority and relationship with the candidate. The letter indicates that the recommender has directly overseen the applicant’s work, which lends credibility to the endorsement.
• Specific Achievements and Contributions: The writer highlights key accomplishments, like rapid advancement at InnovaTech and a pivotal role in the “NextGen Tech” campaign, which resulted in a significant sales increase. This not only showcases the applicant’s skills but also provides tangible evidence of their impact.
• Balance of Skills and Qualities: The letter effectively balances the discussion of technical skills (such as his analytical acumen and proficiency in digital marketing tools) with personal qualities (like creativity, communication skills , and a positive attitude). This rounded portrayal suggests that the recommended person is both competent and a good cultural fit.
• Results-Oriented Narration: By linking actions to concrete outcomes (like the 30% sales increase), the writer highlights the effectiveness and a result-oriented approach of the candidate, which is highly valued in marketing roles.
• Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: The mention of leadership qualities, ability to inspire teams, and investment in colleagues’ growth indicates a team player and a potential leader who can foster a positive work environment .
• Concluding Endorsement and Openness for Further Contact: The letter concludes with a strong endorsement and an offer to provide further information, indicating genuine support by the recommender.
• Professional Tone and Clarity: The tone of the letter is professional, concise, and free of jargon, making it accessible to anyone who might read it, regardless of their familiarity with the applicant’s specific field.

Overall, this letter serves as a useful sample for writing a recommendation letter, as it combines a professional tone, specific examples, a showcase of relevant skills, and personal endorsement, all of which are key elements in making a strong recommendation.

Professional Tips for Writing

Writing this letter is a big responsibility. The recommender should be effective in communicating the applicant’s qualities. The information contained in it should be enough to elicit consideration from the recipient. It is, therefore, important that the recommender consider the following tips when they decide to write it:

• Think before saying yes: The recommender of the letter ought to have no reservations regarding the applicant they are writing about. The recommender should decline a request to write a recommendation for an applicant who is not well known to them. The recommender should ensure that they can write a referral that depicts their confidence in the applicant. Suppose the recommender cannot, then they should politely advise the applicant to find someone else who can write a recommendation that does not jeopardize consideration for the position by the recipient.
• Know the deadline: The recommender should find out the deadline for the submission of all applications. This will enable that recommender to find out how long they must write the letter. Suppose that the recommender feels that they cannot write the letter in time for the submission deadline, then they should inform the applicant to provide them with enough time to find someone else to write the letter.
• Be honest: The information provided by the personal recommender should be honest. Honesty by the recommender indicates that they are a credible individual and that the recipient should trust their recommendation. Writing an honest recommendation letter that is not full of exaggerated details also reflects positively on the applicant.
• Focus on positive qualities: The recommender should focus on the uplifting qualities of the applicant. Stating the applicant’s positive qualities can help the applicant stand out from other candidates. Focusing on the positive qualities of the applicant will also help strengthen the applicant’s resume. It is especially helpful for inexperienced applicants who are applying for a position for the first time.
• Keep it brief: It is advisable that the recommender ensure that it does not exceed one page. The recipient of the letter is probably dealing with applications from many candidates; therefore, they will be inclined to skip a lengthy recommendation.

A brief letter for personal recommendation will save time for both the recipient and the recommender.

• Avoid getting personal: It should not provide intimate details about the struggles the applicant has undergone. Intimate details about the applicant can make the recipient feel uncomfortable while reading it. The information provided by the recommender should be relevant to the position the applicant is seeking. A recommender that provides a candidate’s personal information is also viewed as unprofessional and therefore an unreliable reference.
• Be polite and professional: The recommender should be polite and professional. The recommender should avoid aggressive language because a recipient will not respond well to it, resulting in a negative impact on the candidate’s application. The recommender can demonstrate professionalism by writing the letter in the official business letter format . The recommender can also send the recommendation via email if they are on a tight deadline.
• Focus on relevant information: The information contained in it should be relevant. The recommender should not get carried away by unnecessary details that add no value to a candidate’s application. Irrelevant information that has nothing to do with the position can still damage a candidate’s application, regardless of its positive focus on the applicant.
• Include the contact information: The recommender should include an offer to answer any question or provide further information about the applicant by providing their contact information—an email address and a phone number—that the recipient can use to reach them.
• Proofread and edit the recommendation letter: The recommender should ensure that they proofread the letter to avoid seeming unprofessional if the recipient comes across grammatical errors.

Also, a few quick tips for this letter:

• Keep it professional and make no mention of personal relationships
• Absolutely no gossip or mention of anything that could hinder the person from obtaining their goal
• Stay truthful and accurate. Don’t include false praise or traits that the individual cannot live up to
• Always keep copies of each and every letter you’ve sent
• Never wait until the last moment to write the letter

Frequently Asked Questions

A recommender can end it by summarizing previously established qualities about the applicant and stating their official recommendation. The recommendation for the position should be straightforward and to the point.

Yes, a recommendation letter should have a date identifying when the letter was written. The date of the letter should be written after the recommender’s name and address.

It should be one page. The letter should be brief and to the point.

A strong recommendation letter should have a formal tone because the recommender and the recipient are not well known to one another. Also, it should be chronologically written to ensure it is an easy read for the recipient.

About This Article

Was this helpful?

Great! Tell us more about your experience

Not up to par help us fix it, keep reading.

Letters and Emails , Recommendation

20 business recommendation letter samples (how to format).

20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]

Recommendation Letter For Student From Teacher (Samples)

15 Sample Recommendation Letters for Internship

20 Sample Recommendation Letters From Manager

Letters and Emails

32 high school recommendation letter samples.

Letter of Recommendation Examples for Graduate School

10 College Recommendation Letter Samples (Free Templates)

Cover Letters , Letters and Emails

8 perfect samples for executive assistant cover letter.

Accounting Cover Letter Examples [How to Write] – Free Templates

Free Lease Default Letter Template (Notice of Rent Default)

Cover Letter for Internship: Format & Examples

Thank you for your feedback.

Your Voice, Our Progress. Your feedback matters a lot to us.

Ertugrul Portakal

Sep 19, 2023

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (with Real Examples)

Chosen to pen a recommendation letter? Honor their trust, showcase their excellence. Learn how to craft a high-quality letter with our guide!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

If someone asks you to write them a letter of recommendation, you should first of all be proud of their respect and trust in you. If you want to retain their trust and help them advance in their academic or professional careers, you need to write a high-quality letter of recommendation.

For a high-quality letter of recommendation, simply stating a kind tone of voice and stating that they are a great candidate is not enough. You also need to demonstrate their contributions to the company, position, academy, or program they are applying for.

In this article, we will explain what a letter of recommendation is and how you can write a high-quality one.

TL;DR - Summarized with TextCortex

• A Letter of recommendation is a reference letter in which you describe the candidate's qualifications and abilities to the target recipient.
• If you want to write a high-quality recommendation letter it is important to demonstrate the candidate's contributions and qualifications, rather than just stating that they are a great candidate.
• To write a high-quality recommendation letter, you need to stick to a format that includes a greeting, introduction, overview, personal anecdote, closing statement and signature.
• You can use TextCortex and its features to write a top-tier recommendation letter.

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a reference written honestly about the candidate, describing his/her skills and contributions to the position, company, or academy he/she is applying for. While stating all the information about the individual realistically, you should also write down the candidate's skills and qualifications.

Why are letters of recommendation important?

Writing a letter of recommendation for individuals applying for a program or job can significantly impact the acceptance of their application. While academic grades and work experience are important, alone they may not fully represent a candidate's abilities. By introducing a candidate who has competent skills in their field, you can provide valuable support for their career and state their value for the company they are applying to.

Letter of Recommendation Format

If you have been asked to write a letter of recommendation and you do not know where to start, you must first determine the outline. You can write a letter of recommendation by following these steps:

• A kind and formal greeting
• An Introduction with a recommendation statement and your professional title
• An Overview of the individual's skills, strengths, qualifications, and proficiencies
• A Personal Anecdote about the candidate's achievements
• A brief Closing Statement
• A Signature with your contact information such as email address or phone number

By sticking to this format, you can write a high-quality, informative, and formal letter of recommendation.

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

If you need letters of recommendation to advance your academic or professional career and don't know who to ask, don't worry we've got you covered. To obtain a useful letter of recommendation, there are a few important steps to follow. First, it's essential to identify the purpose of the letter and why it's needed. Once you know this, the next step is to identify someone qualified and can consider you objectively.

If you’re asking for an academic letter of recommendation, you can ask:

• Current or former professors
• Academic mentors
• Thesis Advisor
• Academic Coach 

If you’re asking for a professional career letter of recommendation, you can ask:

• Current or former employers
• A Supervisor
• Professional Mentor
• Experienced Coworkers
• Former Professors

Letter of Recommendation Templates

There are different recommendation letter types for different purposes. We have listed examples of the 5 most frequently used letter of recommendation types for you. You can create a letter using these examples or generate a unique and personal letter of recommendation using ZenoChat .

Letter of Recommendation Example for Students

In this example, let's assume we are writing a letter of recommendation for Emma to be accepted into a student exchange program. You can make the letter more unique and personal by adding specific information about Emma and her skills.

Letter of Recommendation Example for College

In this example, we assumed that we, as David's high school teacher, wrote a letter of recommendation to accept him into the Academy of fine arts. You can generate a more unique letter of recommendation by adding David's skills and qualifications to your prompts.

Letter of Recommendation Example for Coworker

In this example, there is a generic letter of recommendation for a coworker. You can generate a more detailed template by adding the specific skills and qualifications of the coworker.

Letter of Recommendation Example for Internship

In this example, let's assume that we are Alice's academic mentor and recommend her for an internship at XYZ company.

Letter of Recommendation Example for a Job

In this example, let's assume that we wrote a recommendation letter for Julie to be accepted as a front-end developer at a different company.

TextCortex AI: Your Writing Assistant

If you are looking for aid that will facilitate the process of all your writing tasks, including the recommendation letter, TextCortex is an AI assistant designed for you. TextCortex is available as a web application and browser extension. Its browser extension is integrated with 10.000+ websites and apps, so you can continue using it anywhere and anytime.

TextCortex Writing Templates

TextCortex can generate text-based outputs such as letters, emails, articles, and paragraphs in a human-like, high-quality, and consistent manner. Additionally, by using our 100+ writing templates , you can complete tasks that would take hours to do manually, in seconds. The most popular TextCortex templates include:

• Paraphrase your text in 25+ different languages.
• Change your text's tone of voice.
• Rewrite your text with simple, creative, fluency options.
• Expand your text in 25+ different languages.
• Summarize your text in 25+ different languages.
• Utilize 100+ templates for pre-made content forms.
• Translate your PDFs, DOCXs PPTXs, text, etc. in seconds.
• Fix the spelling and grammar of your text in 25+ languages.
• Read your text aloud with text to speech feature.
• Communicate with AI using prompts.
• Write emails from bullet points.
• Create essays and blog posts in 25+ language.
• Product Description (with features) generator. 
• Support or Sales Email Generator

ZenoChat – Generate Recommendation Letters in Seconds

TextCortex comes with the best conversational AI called ZenoChat . By entering prompts into ZenoChat, you can generate recommendation letters or improve your existing letter in seconds. Moreover, ZenoChat can generate output in 12+ tones of voice, including formal. So, you can rewrite your letters in a formal tone or write them from scratch.

ZenoChat can generate error-free output in 25+ languages or translate between languages. If you need to write a recommendation letter in a different language, ZenoChat is always ready to support you.

Customize Your AI

You can train ZenoChat to generate output in your tone of voice and writing style. With our Individual Personas feature, you just need to provide 3 pieces of written content to determine ZenoChat's personality and tone of voice. No coding skills or technical background required.

You can also upload or connect the data set that ZenoChat will use to generate output by using our Knowledge Bases feature. So, you can adapt Zeno to complete your personal and text-based tasks at 12x speed.

Interested in adopting AI across your organization?

Teams using TextCortex save 3 work days a month per employee and achieve up to 28x ROI.

Did you like this article? Explore a few more related posts.

5 Types of Knowledge Bases to Organize Your Business

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication

Data vs. Information: What's the Difference?

Questions  answers..

TextCortex is a powerful AI-powered writing tool that can help you reduce your writing time, handle big tasks, and create high-quality content without errors. With its customizable platform, personalized intelligence experience, advanced writing and research capabilities, and error-free content, TextCortex is the perfect tool for creative professionals who want to be a creative force in their industry.

Our AI copilot learned how to write from more than 3 billion sentences and has the ability to create unique content. However, fact-checking is something which still requires a human approval.

TextCortex supports more than 25 languages including English, Dutch, German, Ukranian, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian.

Yes, TextCortex is completely free to use with all of its features. When you sign up, you receive 100 free creations. Then you will receive 20 recurring creations every day on the free plan.

Yes, we have a Text Generation API, please talk to us directly to implement it. You can reach out to us at [email protected]

Account sharing is not allowed. If you have a need for more than 5 seats for an account, you can directly contact us at [email protected]

Yes, TextCortex offers 14-day free trial for users to try out all features extensively with higher number of generations. But keep in mind that you can already try everything with the free plan. There is no feature that is locked behind a premium plan.

Overall, TextCortex AI has over 1000 five-star reviews on reputable review sites such as G2, Trustpilot and Capterra.

TextCortex learns and adapts to your unique writing style and knowledge, making it easier for you to write high-quality & personalized content.

Your premium features will be available until the end of your subscription date, then your account plan will be set to Free plan.

General Questions

Your ai copilot is ready to collaborate with you..

Connect your knowledge, customize the style and start collaborating with your AI copilot.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

Personal Recommendation Letter Examples

What Is a Personal Recommendation?

Who to ask for a recommendation, how to ask for a personal reference, what to include in your letter.

• Writing Recommendation Letters
• Personal Reference Letter Template

After You Send the Reference

Maddy Price / The Balance

What's a personal recommendation letter? When do you need one, and how should you write it? Writing a personal recommendation letter or character reference can be a challenge. After all, these letters are generally required for important opportunities or big life events, such as getting a new job, buying a home, or gaining admission to a program or school.

Tailoring the letter's content to highlight the applicant's specific qualities and experiences is crucial for making a compelling recommendation. Below, you'll find tips and insights to help write or secure an impactful recommendation letter, along with samples of strong letters to consider.

A personal recommendation , sometimes called a character reference, comes from someone who knows you personally, rather than knowing you professionally from a current or former job. Jobs often require professional recommendations; however, if you're new to the job market, you might not have many established professional connections who can vouch for your abilities. In such instances, personal references can still shed light on your work ethic and potential contributions.

Personal recommendations and  character reference  letters can be written by teachers, neighbors, business acquaintances, clients, vendors, and other recommenders who can attest to an applicant's skills and abilities.

If you’re the person requesting a reference, be sure to provide the writer with clear instructions on what information you need them to include, and give them a resume or list of your skills and experiences. You might send a letter sample to the writer to help guide their own letter. Here's advice on how to ask someone to give you a reference .

A personal reference letter should provide information on who you are, your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the  specific skills  they have that you are endorsing. It should also include specific examples of times they demonstrated these skills. Review this template for ideas and suggestions on what to write and how to provide a compelling reference:

When writing a character reference letter, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Jones, Dear Ms. Matthews, etc.). If you are writing a general letter, say " To Whom It May Concern " or don't include a salutation and simply start with the first paragraph of the letter.

Paragraph 1

The first paragraph of the character reference letter explains how you know the person you are recommending and why you are qualified to write a  recommendation letter  for employment, college, or graduate school.

Paragraph 2

The second paragraph of a reference letter contains specific information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a reference letter. Use specific examples of times the person demonstrated these skills or qualities. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.

This section of the reference letter contains a brief summary of why you are recommending the person. State that you "highly recommend" the person, "recommend [them] without reservation," or something similar.

The concluding paragraph of a reference letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number and/or email address within the paragraph, as well as the return address section of your letter (for hard copy letters) or in your signature (for emails).

Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Name Title

If you're sending an email recommendation, list your contact information in your signature.

Tips on Writing Personal Recommendation Letters

A recommendation letter should be tailored to both the person being recommended and the position or responsibilities involved.

It's important to tailor your letter to fit the particular person you are recommending and to incorporate the information he or she asks you to include. Be sure to focus on how the person is qualified. Sharing examples is a good way to show what the person can accomplish.

Your letter should describe how you know the person and explain why you’re recommending them.

• Think carefully before saying yes.  Only say you will write the recommendation if you can recommend the person without reservation. If you're asked to write a reference and don't feel comfortable giving one, it's appropriate to politely decline  the request for a reference.
• Follow a business letter format.  Use the official business letter format  when writing your letter. If time is of the essence, you might consider sending a  recommendation email  instead of a letter. Review this list of the information that should be included in a recommendation letter.
• Focus on the job description.  Ask the person for whom you’re writing the letter for a copy of the job description. This way, you can focus on the requirements of the position. Try to include language from the job description in your letter. Even if you are writing a more general recommendation, you can still ask the person about the types of jobs they will be applying for.
• Explain how you know the person , and for how long. Begin your letter with this basic information. If you have known the person for a long time, be sure to emphasize this.
• Focus on one or two traits.  In the body of your letter, focus on one or two qualities that make this person a good fit for the job or opportunity. Provide specific examples of ways in which the person has demonstrated these various traits in the past.
• Remain positive.  State that you think this person is a strong candidate. You might say something like, “I recommend this person without reservation.” You want to help this candidate stand out from the other applicants.
• Share your contact information.  Provide a way for the employer to contact you if they have further questions. Include your email address, telephone number, or both at the end of the letter.
• Follow the submission guidelines.  Ask the person for whom you’re writing the letter how to submit it. Make sure you follow any requirements, especially about where and when to send it and its requested format (for example, PDF, physical letter, etc.). If there is a submission deadline, be sure to submit it before the due date.

Also, review  how to write a reference letter for a friend if you're writing a personal letter.

Here are samples of personal reference letters you can use as a starting point for your correspondence:

• Character Reference Letter
• Personal Reference Letter for a Friend
• More Personal Reference Letter Samples

If an application asks you to list references, be sure to ask permission before putting someone's name down. Here’s a sample letter you can use for your request:

• Letter Requesting Permission to Use a Reference

Personal Reference Letter Template

This is a personal reference letter example. Download the personal reference letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or see below for more examples.

Personal Reference Letter Sample (Text Version)

Elizabeth Smith 1 Oak Street Anytown, CA 99999 555-555-5555 elizabeth.smith@email.com

March 10, 2024

Jane Jones Human Resources Acme Corp 10 Main Street Anytown, CA 99999

Dear Ms. Jones,

It’s my pleasure to offer my unreserved recommendation for Megan Brown for the position of intern at Acme Corp.

I’ve known Megan for over 20 years, having lived next door to her since she was a child. She’s always demonstrated responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit. When she was a teenager, she started a snow shoveling business in our neighborhood and wound up managing a team of five other kids from the street. I’m fairly certain they pulled in enough money to buy their own plow… if any of them had been old enough to operate it.

Since then, I’ve watched with interest as she’s pursued her education and interest in business. Of course, you know from her transcripts and professional recommendations that she’s been unusually successful throughout her early career, but what you might not know is the joy she gets from solving problems and making business ideas work. It’s truly inspiring to see her tackle something and make it a success.

Megan would be an asset to any organization, but I know that she has a particular passion for your company. I’d be happy to answer any questions or discuss my recommendation further. Please feel free to call me at 555-555-5555.

Elizabeth Smith (signature for hard copy)

Elizabeth Smith

Once you've mailed, emailed, or uploaded your reference letter, let the person you're writing it for know that it's been submitted. 

If someone wrote you a reference, don't forget to send a thank-you note or email to your reference providers.

Accessibility Tools

Highlight links, change contrast, increase text size, increase letter spacing, readability bar, dyslexia friendly font, increase cursor size, a student's guide to letters of recommendation.

• Oct 9, 2023
• Estimated Read Time:

Written by: Bella Livingston, Pre-Health Peer Advisor 

What are letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation (in the context of applying to a professional school) are letters written by other people, which support your application. They’re written by your professors and people that know you best (coaches, bosses, and any other professional that you’ve developed a relationship with). Admissions committees use them to learn about you as a student, but also to learn about your personal qualities (the transcript can tell them how you are as a student). Recommenders may highlight your intellectual curiosity, energy, relationships with peers, and impact on the classroom/work environment. It is important to ask for recommendations from people who know you well or people willing to get to know you.

Who do I need to ask?

Schools have varying requirements for recommendation letters, which can range from 2-5 letters (so be sure to research your specific schools of interest!)

The most commonly requested number of recommendation letters is three. When applying to most schools, you will need the following three individual letters: 

• Two letters from science professors
• One letter from a non-science professor or other professional

In order to cover all possibilities, especially when you aren't yet sure where you want to apply, we recommend asking for letters from the following people: 

• 2 science faculty members who have taught you in a class
• 1 non-science faculty member who has taught you in a class
• 1 professional in your desired career field
• 1-2 additional letters from individuals who can speak to your qualifications based on work, volunteer, or research experiences (managers/bosses, faculty, etc.)

How do I send my letters?

Schools will require you to connect your letters directly to your primary application (AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, CASPA, PharmCAS, PTCAS, OTCAS, or OptomCAS). This is done by entering the names and contact information of the people that will evaluate you on your application. An email will then be sent to them and the status of their upload will be updated on your application. 

Some schools will give the option of a letter packet or committee letter instead of individual letters. MSU does not send letter packets or committee letters. This will not affect your application or ability to get accepted, you simply will submit individual letters instead. 

Interfolio, Inc. is also a great option to collect all of your letters confidentially. Have your writers send their letters to this credential file only if you want them collected before the application opens for the cycle when you’re applying (otherwise you can just wait until you can access the application, which will not hinder your potential admission).

Where do I find someone to write a letter for me?

If you have any smaller class sizes, start there, as your professors are more likely to know your face and have some familiarity with your work. 

• Do: Choose a professor that you have rapport with, or who is involved in some way outside the classroom (perhaps they are involved in research or they interact with you while you assist in teaching).
• Don’t: Choose a professor just because you aced their class. If the professor doesn’t have anything interesting to say about you, even though you did well in their class, it would be better if you picked another option as the letter may come off as superficial or lacking the intended context (more info about who YOU are).
• Go to office hours , ask professors about their academic history and develop a conversation where you can discuss their experience in school while sharing your goals. Give them unofficial transcripts, bullet points about your experience and extracurriculars, and more bullet points about what you want to do and why.

Go to a manager or advisor for a job/research/activity you’ve participated in recently over the years.

• Normally these writers will have a lot to say about you as you may have spent a lot of time interacting with them on a weekly basis.

Shadow a professional and gain rapport with them.

• Many health professionals are open to writing letters of rec if approached respectfully and given time. Even after only 2-3 meetings (depending on the length of time and amount of conversation) a person may be willing to write about you if given the opportunity.

What will make my letters of recommendation strong?

When you ask a person to write for you be sure you:

• Write an email/letter explaining what program you’re applying to, why you’re applying to it, and why you’re asking them specifically for the reference (maybe include something you learned in their class, something you aspire to do professionally based on their career, etc.).
• What is unique about you as a person/candidate?
• Make the material you give them succinct, focus on specific areas of your background that you want them to include in your letters, and be accurate. 

If you're asking a professor, keep in mind that: 

• Faculty want to help but are spread thin, so use their time meaningfully. Every faculty member who teaches has office hours, and very few students show up, which is why this is a great time to talk.
• * I know personally how awkward a conversation about a letter of rec can be. Many professors or professionals get asked for several letters each semester and they’re used to students popping the question (the best you can do is ask and then move on if they aren’t comfortable or able to write for you).*

Okay, I asked for a rec and they said yes. Now what?

• Let your recommenders know what schools you are applying to, as well as the earliest deadline.
• Follow up with your recommender as the deadline gets closer. Ideally, your recommender will get it in before the deadline, but following up ensures that you don’t stress if they submit it the day of or even later than you wanted.

For more information

The pre-health website has a section related to letters of evaluation (you can also make an individual appointment with a pre-health advisor).

The AAMC Guidelines for Letter Writers is a great resource to send to potential writers.

• This document also includes core competencies that schools are looking for in applicants. To form a more convincing email/request for a recommendation letter you can explain how you think the class or work you’ve been doing has helped develop one or multiple of these competencies. Try brainstorming which ones you feel confident in and you can explain to a professor how their class helped you grow.

Latest News

Recommendation Letter Strengths and Weaknesses Examples

A recommendation letter is a written assessment. In it, a supervisor or teacher describes an individual’s qualifications, character, and capabilities. This description is based on their knowledge of the individual.

It is a critical document because it offers a third-party perspective to an applicant’s profile. It often highlights achievements and personal qualities that may not be evident in resumes or personal statements.

In order to portray a transparent and balanced view of the applicant, you should include both strengths and weaknesses in the recommendation letter.

Adding strengths and weaknesses will increase the recommendation letter’s authenticity and credibility.

The following sample strengths and weaknesses show how to strike this balance effectively.

Recommendation Letter Strengths Examples

1. leadership abilities:.

• She has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. She effectively guided teams toward achieving common goals and inspired others to perform their best.

2. Problem-Solving Skills:

• She is adept at identifying problems and implementing creative solutions under tight deadlines.

3. Communication Skills:

She possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills and can convey ideas clearly. Also, she is known to build strong relationships with all stakeholders.

4. Adaptability:

• She shows remarkable adaptability, quickly adjusts to new situations, and maintains high performance in evolving work environments.

5. Work Ethic:

• She has a great work ethic. She consistently goes above and beyond in her duties and shows dedication to outperform.

6. Team Collaboration:

• She is a strong team player, known for contributing to a collaborative work culture and supporting team members to enhance the overall effectiveness of the group.

7. Strategic Planning:

• She has a strategic mindset and excels at long-term planning, contributing to the success of projects and organizational goals.

8. Enthusiasm:

• She is enthusiastic about her work. That being said, she positively influences the workplace atmosphere and motivates coworkers.

9. Conflict Management:

• She handles conflicts calmly and diplomatically. In fact, she finds amicable solutions that satisfy all parties.

10. Dependability:

• She has proven to be highly dependable. She delivers on promises and maintains reliability in all her professional commitments.

Recommendation Letter Weaknesses Examples

While it is important to focus on the strengths of an individual in a recommendation letter, it can also be helpful to mention areas where they have room for growth.

Here are 10 examples of weaknesses that can be presented in a constructive manner in a recommendation letter:

1. Attention to Detail

• Although extremely proficient in her overall tasks, she sometimes overlooks minor details. These details can be important in the larger scope of her projects.

2. Self-Criticism

• Her self-criticism, while a sign of self-awareness, occasionally hinders her confidence in decision-making processes. Balancing her introspection with confidence could propel her professional growth.

3. Overcommitment

• She tends to take on too many projects out of a strong desire to contribute, which can lead to overextension. Learning to gauge workload according to her capacity would improve her work-life balance and productivity.

4. Reluctance to Delegate

• Although she is very capable, her reluctance to delegate sometimes prevents others from contributing and developing. Embracing a team approach can elevate the entire group’s performance.

5. Adaptability

• She is very proficient in structured environments but could benefit from being more adaptable to rapidly changing scenarios, which are common in our dynamic industry.

6. Direct Communication

• While she is always polite, she could further develop her assertiveness. Communicating her ideas more directly would enhance her leadership capabilities.

7. Perfectionism

• Their pursuit of her perfection is admirable but can occasionally lead to inefficiencies. Finding a balance between quality and timely delivery is an area for potential growth.

8. Technical Proficiencies

• She possesses a solid grasp of the required skills. However, she remains in a position to further refine her technical proficiencies. She should do this to stay ahead in a constantly evolving tech landscape.

9. Networking Skills

• She has shown she can perform well independently, yet building stronger networking skills could significantly enhance her opportunities and industry presence.

10. Openness to Novelty

• While very focused on her methods, being more open to experimenting with novel ideas and innovative approaches could further enrich her already substantial contributions.

1. What strengths should be included in a recommendation letter?

• Include strengths like leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, adaptability, work ethic, team collaboration, strategic planning, enthusiasm, conflict management, and dependability.

2. Why mention strengths in a recommendation letter?

• Mentioning strengths provides a clear understanding of the candidate’s capabilities and qualifications for the role or program they are applying to.

3. Can weaknesses be included in a recommendation letter?

• Yes, including weaknesses offers a balanced and honest evaluation, showing a realistic perspective of the candidate.

4. What weaknesses might be appropriate to mention?

• Mention weaknesses like attention to detail, self-criticism, and overcommitment. Also, mention reluctance to delegate, adaptability, and a direct communication style. Include perfectionism, technical proficiencies, networking skills, and openness to novelty.

5. How should weaknesses be presented?

• Present weaknesses constructively with suggestions or examples of how the candidate is working to improve upon these areas.

6. Why include weaknesses in a recommendation letter?

• Including weaknesses shows authenticity and highlights the candidate’s self-awareness and commitment to personal growth.

7. Can mentioning weaknesses harm the candidate’s chances?

• When presented constructively, mentioning weaknesses is unlikely to harm the candidate’s chances and can enhance the letter’s credibility.

8. How to choose which strengths and weaknesses to include?

• Choose those most relevant to the candidate’s experiences and the position or program they are applying for.

9. How do specific examples enhance a recommendation letter?

• Specific examples provide tangible evidence of strengths and weaknesses, making the letter more engaging and credible.

10. What is the impact of balancing strengths and weaknesses?

• Balancing strengths and weaknesses creates a well-rounded, honest, and compelling narrative.

Final Thought

The art of crafting a compelling recommendation letter lies in balancing the portrayal of an individual’s strengths. It also involves highlighting areas for growth. By focusing on specific examples that showcase the candidate’s notable attributes and providing constructive feedback for their weaknesses, you can create a well-rounded and insightful letter.

• 20 Strengths and Weaknesses for Residency Interview – Examples
• Sample Strengths and Weaknesses of an Employee
• Teacher Assistant Strengths and Weaknesses Examples
• Strengths and Weaknesses of a Teacher for Interview

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

How to write a letter of recommendation

You’ve summarised all your  skills and achievements in a well-written resumé, but if you want to add credibility to your job applications, nothing beats a letter of recommendation. It can be the deciding factor that sets you apart from other applicants, coming from a trustworthy source who can vouch for your abilities and character traits. 

A letter of recommendation can highlight your strengths, provide examples of your accomplishments, and help a hiring manager see your potential. Knowing how to request and write a professional letter of recommendation is important if you want a letter that hits all the right notes. 

What is a letter of recommendation?

Why are recommendation letters important?

Letter of recommendation templates

Letter of recommendation examples

How to request a recommendation letter?

What is a letter of recommendation?    

A letter of recommendation, also known as a  reference letter , is a formal document written by someone who has knowledge of your skills, character and achievements. This person is usually a current or former employer, professor, or  mentor who can vouch for your abilities. They can be used in a number of circumstances:

Applying for a job:  recommendation letters strengthen your application by providing a credible endorsement of your skills and work ethic. Employers often use these letters to gain insight into how you have performed in previous roles and how you might fit into their organisation.

Applying for a promotion:  recommendation letters are also essential when  looking for a promotion within your current company. A strong recommendation from a supervisor or colleague can help demonstrate your contributions to the team and highlight your readiness to step up. 

Applying for a scholarship or internship: these letters are also important when applying for academic programs, scholarships or internships, as they provide evidence of your academic achievements and potential for future success.

Types of recommendation letters  

There are different types of recommendation letters for different situations. Here are some different types to keep in mind. 

Professional recommendations

A professional recommendation letter is written by someone who has worked with you in a professional setting, such as a current or former employer, supervisor or colleague. These letters are typically used when applying for jobs or promotions. The letter will focus on your job performance, specific skills, accomplishments, and contributions to the team or organisation. 

Academic recommendations 

An academic recommendation letter is written by someone who has seen your performance in an educational setting, such as a professor. These letters are often required for applications to academic programs, scholarships, or research opportunities. They will highlight your academic achievements, dedication to studies, and potential for future success. 

Character recommendations 

A character recommendation letter, also known as a  personal reference , is written by someone who knows you personally and can vouch for your character and personal qualities. This kind of letter can be used when applying for volunteer positions or community service roles. They focus on personal attributes such as honesty, trustworthiness and reliability. 

Why are recommendation letters important?    

A single vacant position might have several applicants who all meet the basic qualifications for a role, so a solid recommendation letter can help you stand out. It adds a personal touch and a deeper level of insight into who you are as a professional. A reference can also highlight specific instances where you demonstrated skills that your resumé can’t. 

When a respected professional vouches for your abilities and achievements, it adds weight to your application. Knowing that someone else, especially someone with a reputable background, believes in your potential can be what gets you over the line in the hiring process.

Writing a reference letter    

If you’re asking your manager or supervisor to write a letter of recommendation for an employee (i.e. you), here are some elements to ask them to include.

A strong recommendation letter highlights specific qualities   

A strong recommendation letter should provide concrete examples of your skills and achievements in action. It should include specific soft skills and hard skills with examples.

For example, rather than saying you “ improved sales ,” it’s far more impactful to say you “ increased sales by 15% over six months by implementing a new merchandising strategy ”. 

Use positive language   

The language used in a recommendation letter is also very important. Try to get the person writing your letter to steer clear of any ambiguous language, sticking to strong  ‘action’ verbs and adjectives. 

Phrases like ‘ highly motivated ’ ‘ exceptional leadership ’, and ‘ exceeded expectations ’ give plenty of confidence in your abilities. 

Tailor to the position  

Your recommendation letter should be tailored to the specific job that you’re applying for. For example, if the job calls for strong  project management skills , the recommender should highlight relevant achievements in that area.

For example, the following sentence “ Jan has been a valuable member of our team and has always performed her duties well ,” doesn’t clearly address your skills. Instead try, “ Jan has consistently demonstrated exceptional project management skills, successfully leading our team through dozens of high-budget projects in the last 18 months. ”

Credibility and endorsement   

A strong recommendation letter validates your qualifications from a trusted source. For example, a recommendation from a senior executive can carry significant weight in your job application. An endorsement like this shows you are trusted and valued by respected professionals. 

Quantify impact   

Instead of simply listing duties and responsibilities, ask the recommender to provide examples of the quantifiable impact you’ve made in their previous roles. 

For example, instead of saying, “ Jon was responsible for overseeing branding campaigns ”. It’s more impactful to say,  “Jon led the branding campaigns to achieve a 10% increase in brand lift in our target audience within one year” .

A well-structured template can make the process of writing a recommendation letter much easier. Below are two templates you can adapt to suit your needs, whether for professional, academic or character recommendations. Below is a sample recommendation letter for a professional and academic recommendation. 

Professional letter of recommendation example

[Referee name] [Referee title] [Company name] [Company address] [City, state, postcode] [Email address] [Phone number]

[Recipient name] [Recipient title] [Company/Organisation name] [Company address] [City, state, postcode]

Dear [recipient name],

I am writing to highly recommend [applicant] for the [position or program] at your organisation. I have had the pleasure of working with [applicant] at [company name] for [duration], during which time they served as [applicant job title].

During their time at [company name], [applicant] demonstrated exceptional [specific skills or qualities] role. For example, [provide a specific instance or project where applicant excelled, including quantifiable metrics, if possible, such as “increased sales by 15%” or “led a team to complete a major project three weeks ahead of schedule”].

[Applicant] is highly [positive qualities, such as motivated, dedicated, a team player], and has shown remarkable [specific attributes, such as leadership, problem solving, communication skills]. 

I wholeheartedly endorse [applicant] for this opportunity and believe they would be an invaluable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

[Referee name] [Title] [Company name]

Academic recommendation letter template

[Referee name] ⁠[Referee title] ⁠[Institution name] ⁠[Institution address] ⁠[City, state, postcode] ⁠[Email address] ⁠[Phone number]

I am writing to provide a strong recommendation for [student], who has been an exemplary student in my [course or subject] class at [institution name]. I have known [student] for [duration] and have observed their strong academic performance and dedication to their studies.

[Student] has consistently demonstrated outstanding [specific academic skills or qualities, such as analytical thinking, research capabilities, or creativity]. For instance, in their [specific project or coursework], they [provide specific examples, such as “developed a comprehensive research paper”].

Beyond their academic achievements, [student] is [positive qualities, such as hardworking, enthusiastic, a collaborative team member], and actively participates in [extracurricular activities, student organisations, or community service]. 

I am confident that [student] will excel in [specific program, course, or position they are applying for]. I highly recommend [student's name] and am available to provide any additional information you may require.

[Referee name] [Referee title] [Institution name]  

How to request a recommendation letter?   

Requesting a recommendation letter is an important step in your application process. How you go about asking can make all the difference to the response you receive.

Identify the right person  

Choose people who can genuinely vouch for your skills and experiences relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. These should be people who have directly seen your work and can provide detailed, meaningful insights into your abilities. People who know you well and are familiar with your work are more likely to write compelling, personalised recommendations.

It’s better to have one strong recommendation from a credible source than several generic ones. A well-written, detailed letter from a respected professional will have far more impact than lots of vague endorsements.

Time your request 

Give your recommender plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter. Ideally, ask for a recommendation at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure they have enough time to prepare. A considerate approach will increase the likelihood of receiving a positive response.

How to write an email request for a recommendation letter   

When requesting a recommendation letter, it’s important to send a professional email that clearly outlines your needs and provides all necessary information. Here are the things to include:

The position you are applying for:  clearly state the job title and company name.

Deadline for the recommendation: provide the due date to ensure timely submission.

Context reminder:  briefly remind the recommender of your work together and any relevant experiences.

Gratitude:  express your appreciation for their time and consideration.

Supporting document: offer a one-page document highlighting your relevant skills, accomplishments and contributions to make their job easier.

Subject: Request for a Recommendation Letter

Dear Carlo, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request your support in writing a recommendation letter for me as I apply for the data analyst position at Tech Innovators Company.

Our work together at Innovate Solutions was incredibly valuable, and I believe your insights into my analytical and  time-management skills would greatly strengthen my application. The deadline for the recommendation is June 15 2024, and I would be grateful if you could provide the letter by then.

I have attached a brief document highlighting my relevant skills and accomplishments to assist you in crafting the letter. Thank you very much for considering my request. Your support means a lot to me.

Best regards,

James Harvey

Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Dear Tanya,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me as I apply for the assistant store manager position at Retail World. Given our work together at Trend Store, I believe your perspective on my  leadership skills and customer service expertise would be incredibly valuable.

The application deadline is July 7 2024, so I would appreciate it if you could complete the letter by that time. I have included a one-page summary of my relevant experiences and accomplishments to provide you with additional context.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Your recommendation would greatly support my application, and I am very grateful for your help.

Warm regards,

Emily Turner    

Having strong recommendation letters will aid credibility to your job applications. Remember to identify the ideal people to write your letters, time your requests appropriately, and provide clear, supportive information to your recommenders. Taking these steps can help you receive compelling endorsements that set you apart from other applicants. Reach out to your network and ask for the right recommendations that will help you get the job you're aiming for.  

Who should I ask for a recommendation letter? 

Ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your relevant skills and experiences, such as a current or former employer, supervisor, professor or mentor. Choosing someone who can provide specific examples of your achievements will make your recommendation letter more impactful.

What do you write in a letter of recommendation? 

A letter of recommendation should include:

An introduction outlining the relationship between the recommender and the applicant 

Specific examples of skills and achievements 

Positive language to highlight strengths 

A conclusion endorsing the applicant for the position

What is the main purpose of a letter of recommendation? 

The main purpose of a letter of recommendation is to provide a credible account of an applicant’s qualifications, skills and character from someone who has firsthand knowledge of their work. It validates the applicant’s capabilities and helps set them apart from other applicants.

What is the best opening sentence of a letter of recommendation? 

The best opening sentence should clearly state the purpose of the letter and the relationship between the recommender and the applicant, such as: “ I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [applicant’s name], who has worked under my supervision at [company/institution] for [duration]. ”

What not to say in a letter of recommendation? 

You should avoid vague statements, critical comments, and any negative or irrelevant information in a letter of recommendation. Do not  exaggerate or lie about the applicant’s abilities, and steer clear of personal information that is not related to their professional qualifications.

How far in advance should I request a recommendation letter? 

You should request a recommendation letter ideally four to six weeks in advance. This gives the recommender plenty of time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter without feeling rushed.

What if my potential recommender doesn't remember me well? 

If your potential recommender doesn’t remember you well, remind them of specific projects you worked on together, your achievements and any relevant details. Consider giving them a summary of your experiences and accomplishments to jog their memory and make it easier for them to write the letter.

Can I use the same recommendation letter for multiple job applications? 

Yes, you can use the same recommendation letter for multiple job applications, but it’s best to tailor it to each specific position. A generic letter is less impactful than one that highlights skills and experiences relevant to the job you are applying for.

Is it okay to ask a colleague for a recommendation letter? 

Yes, it is okay to ask a colleague for a recommendation letter, especially if they have directly observed your work and can provide specific examples of your skills and accomplishments. 

What should I do if my recommender says no to writing a letter for me? 

If your recommender says no, thank them for their consideration and move on to another potential recommender. It’s important to respect their decision and find someone who feels confident in providing a strong and positive letter. 

Top search terms

Explore related topics, subscribe to career advice.

Graduate School

Personal Statement

Applicants will be required to upload a personal statement with the admission application in the space provided. Prior to submitting, please review file upload requirements .

Requirements

Princeton is strongly committed to welcoming students with diverse experiences. Describe a personal experience that influenced your decision to pursue graduate study. Explain how the lessons from this experience would enrich Princeton’s residential scholarly community.

The essay must be written in English and should not exceed 250 words. No specific formatting is required.

Review your final statement before uploading and submitting the admission application. If you submitted an application and need to revise your essay, you may upload the corrected version through the checklist before the deadline. After the deadline, no revised essays will be accepted.

• Book a Coaching Appointment
• Create a Resume, Cover Letter, or CV
• Choose a Career Field
• Search for a Job/Internship
• Build a Professional Brand
• Pursue Funding Opportunities
• Negotiate an Offer
• Network with Professionals/Find a Mentor
• Prepare for an Interview
• Prepare for Graduate School
• Collaborate with CPD
• Earn Academic Credit for an Internship
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Faculty and Staff
• Parents and Families
• Transfer Students
• Prospective Students
• Affinity and Identity Resources
• Accounting, Business Management, Consulting, and Finance
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Entertainment, TV and Film
• Engineering
• Fine Arts and Performing Arts
• Marketing, Communications, PR and Media
• Education, Counseling, and Human Services
• Health Professions and Research
• Energy, Environment, and Sustainability
• Computer Science, Data, Gaming, and Technology
• Non-Profit and Social Impact
• Legal Professions, Government, and Public Policy
• Career Fairs and CPD Career Weeks
• Career Treks
• Casual Career Conversations
• Meet the Team

How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

• Share This: Share How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) on Facebook Share How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) on LinkedIn Share How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) on X

Asking a professor for a letter of recommendation (LOR) can be an anxiety-producing experience. However, if you follow the protocol below, you can rest assured that your actions are professional and appropriate.

Sample Email to Request a LOR

Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently a [Your Year] majoring in [Your Major] at [Your University]. I have greatly enjoyed and benefited from the classes I have taken with you, particularly [Class Name], and I appreciate the insights and guidance you have provided.

I am writing to request if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am applying to [Program/Position/Opportunity], and your recommendation would be incredibly valuable given your knowledge of my academic abilities and dedication.

If you are able to assist, I would be happy to provide any additional information you might need, such as my resume, a draft of my personal statement, or details about the program. The deadline for the recommendation is [Deadline Date].

Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

How soon should I ask a professor for a LOR?

• You should give your professor at least one month to write and submit your LOR.
• If your deadline is close to the holidays/winter break (November-January), two months advanced notice is preferred so they have time write your recommendation around their vacation time.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Make it clear the deadline for your LOR, any special instructions they need to submit your LOR, and plan to remind your recommender at least a week before the deadline.

How can I help my professor write a strong LOR?

• Provide your professor with a resume and/or portfolio of your work to help them learn more about your experience and work
• Share the job/program description along with why you are interested in the opportunity and anything specific you want them to highlight about your qualifications

Pre-Law Students

Once someone agrees to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, you need to register their information and email address on the LSAC.org website. LSAC.org will contact your recommender directly by email and their letter will be uploaded to the LSAC.org website.