A Letter of Recommendation is a document that endorses an individual’s professional or academic capabilities, providing a personal testament to their skills, achievements, and character to potential employers or institutions.
Key Elements
- Introduction: Start with a formal greeting, introduce yourself and your relationship to the candidate, and state the letter’s purpose.
- Candidate Overview: Outline the candidate’s relevant skills, achievements, and character traits.
- Personal Anecdote: Share a specific story where the candidate demonstrated exceptional abilities or character.
- Closing Statement: Summarize why the candidate is an excellent fit for the position or program.
- Contact Information: Include the writer’s official title and contact details for follow-up.
By Type (24)
A letter designed to illustrate an applicant's good moral characters to aid their immigration application.
Character Reference Letter for Immigration
A letter crafted to showcase the positive attributes of an individual, often used to influence sentencing or custody decisions.
Character Reference Letter for Court
A letter written to endorse them for a new role or promotion by highlighting an employee's positive qualities, skills, and achievements.
Employee
Support a teacher's application for a new role and emphasize their exceptional qualities, skills, and accomplishments in education.
Teacher
Bolster an intern's application by detailing their relevant skills and aligning their career goals with the internship's objectives.
Internship
Strengthen a student's scholarship application by highlighting their achievements, qualities, and unique character.
Scholarship
Enhance a student's college application by showcasing their unique strengths, character, and potential for academic success.
College
Endorse a student by detailing their distinctive talents, dedication, and suitability for a specific opportunity.
Student
Support a graduate school application by emphasizing the applicant's achievements, dedication, and suitability for rigorous academic pursuits.
Graduate School
Craft a compelling recommendation that showcase an applicant's strengths and fit for an MBA program.
MBA
Secure standout letters of recommendation for law school that highlight your academic strengths, personal qualities, and fit.
Law School
Showcase your tenant’s consistent on-time rent payments, excellent property care, and cooperative attitude.
Landlord-Tenant
Write a powerful medical school letter of recommendation to highlight your skills and dedication to the medical profession.
Medical School
Showcase your clinical experiences, academic excellence, and personal qualities that align with the PA program's values and goals.
Physician Assistant School
Highlight a nursing school applicant's core competencies, clinical experience, and values aligning with a specific nursing program.
Nursing School
Highlight how a potential member's strengths and qualities align with the fraternity's goals and values.
Fraternity
Highlight an individual’s character and traits relevant to their targeted opportunity.
Personal
Validate an applicant's qualifications for veterinary medicine and traits to succeed as a veterinarian.
Vet School
Showcase a volunteer's impact, skills, and personal growth for job, scholarship, or university applications.
Volunteer
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a document where a writer endorses a candidate’s skills, achievements, and character. Typically, the writer is someone who has closely observed the candidate’s achievements and can provide a detailed and positive account of their capabilities and potential.
These letters are often required when applying for jobs, college admissions, scholarships, internships, or other academic programs. A well-crafted letter can offer insights into the candidate’s personality and work ethic — information an admissions officer or potential employers cannot evaluate through resumes or transcripts alone.
Recommendation Letter vs Reference Letter
A recommendation letter specifically endorses your skills for a particular role or opportunity. Reference letters, however, offer a broad overview of your character and general capabilities, serving as a character validation rather than a targeted endorsement.
Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
The author of the letter should be a professional or academic who has worked closely with the candidate and is familiar with the candidate’s accomplishments, work habits, and character traits. This could be your former or current supervisor, professor, mentor, or coach.
Use these criteria to identify an ideal recommender:
- Is this individual well-acquainted with my responsibilities, skills, and contributions relevant to the opportunity I’m applying for?
- Can they provide specific examples of my achievements and qualities?
- Do they hold a respected position in my field?
- Are their insights current and reflective of my latest achievements?
- Will they provide a positive and enthusiastic endorsement?
- Have I received positive feedback or evaluations from them?
- Are they reliable and punctual with deadlines?
- Will their recommendation have a strong impact on my application?
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
It’s essential to deliver your request thoughtfully and respectfully to ensure a positive outcome. Here are actionable steps to guide you:
- Make the Request Respectfully: Reach out to your chosen individual in a non-intrusive manner, ideally by email, to allow them to consider your request on their own time.
- Provide Helpful Materials: Offer a draft of the letter or bullet points highlighting your achievements and other relevant information. This preparation helps them craft a more personalized and compelling letter.
- Discuss Your Request: If possible, talk in person or over the phone to explain why you’re asking for a recommendation from them specifically. Discuss any important details about the position or program you’re applying for.
- Give Adequate Notice: Request the letter at least two weeks before the deadline to give the recommender sufficient time to write the letter.
- Follow Up Graciously: Always review the completed letter if it is shared with you. Thank the writer sincerely for their effort and support. Keep them updated on the outcome of your application.
Email Sample: Letter of Recommendation Request
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation for [purpose] Dear [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for [purpose]. Given our positive collaboration on [project/task], I believe you could provide valuable insights into my skills and contributions. I’ve attached my resume and details about the [job/program] for your reference. Thank you for considering my request. Best regards, [Your Name]
Email Sample: Thank You Letter
Subject: Sincere Appreciation for Your Recommendation Letter Dear [Recommender’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to extend my deepest gratitude for taking the time to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. Your endorsement has undoubtedly strengthened my application, and I am optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in my potential. I will keep you updated on my progress and look forward to sharing future successes with you. Warmest regards, [Your Name]
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
A strong letter usually includes:
- A concise introduction;
- One to two body paragraphs highlighting the candidate’s abilities and achievements;
- A closing statement reiterating the writer’s recommendation.
Step 1: Introduction
The introduction of a recommendation letter should include:
- A formal greeting that addresses the recipient by their correct title and name.
- A self-introduction of the writer, including their professional title and their relationship to the candidate.
- The purpose of the letter, whether it’s to endorse the candidate for a job, academic program, or other opportunities; and
- The writer’s reason for recommendation, which explicitly explains why the writer believes the candidate is suitable for the specific opportunity they are applying for.
Here’s the introduction of a recommendation letter example for graduate school application:
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Jane Doe, who is applying for the Master’s program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. As the Senior Project Manager at XYZ Corporation and Jane’s supervisor for the past three years, I have witnessed her professional growth, dedication, and passion for sustainable development. Her outstanding research skills and commitment to environmental conservation make her an exemplary candidate for your program.
Step 2: Body Paragraphs
In the body paragraphs, provide a concise yet detailed assessment of the candidate’s most relevant skills, achievements, and character. The letter should focus on the qualities that best align with the opportunity in question and include specific examples to highlight their suitability.
Additionally, sharing a personal anecdote where the candidate demonstrated exceptional abilities or character can significantly enhance the letter’s impact. These stories provide tangible evidence of the candidate’s qualities and differentiate them from other applicants.
Remember, while templates can provide a starting point, the writer should personalize the letter to reflect their genuine assessment and relationship with the candidate.
An example of body paragraphs from a professional recommendation letter is as below:
Linda Thompson, as our Director of Product Development at TechSolutions Inc., has significantly impacted our market share and product innovation, leading to a 30% rise in sales revenue for our flagship products.
A standout moment under Linda’s leadership was our best-selling software suite’s on-time launch amidst technical challenges and tight deadlines. Her direct involvement led to a breakthrough in problem-solving, resulting in the software not only meeting but surpassing our quality benchmarks. This project directly contributed to a 40% increase in sales within the first quarter post-launch.
Can you get into trouble for providing falsified information in a recommendation letter?
Yes. Providing falsified information in a recommendation letter can lead to serious consequences, including legal action for fraud or defamation, especially if the misinformation results in financial loss or damages to others.
Step 3: Closing Statement
The closing statement of the recommendation letter should include:
- A summary explaining why the candidate is an excellent fit for the position or program;
- The writer’s official title and contact information for follow-up; and
- The writer’s signature to confirm its authenticity.
Below is a recommendation sample of the closing statement from a landlord reference letter:
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend David Thompson as a tenant. Throughout his tenancy, David has consistently demonstrated responsibility, respect for property, and timely payment of rent. His care for the apartment and how he has maintained it in impeccable condition is commendable. I have no doubt that David will be an exemplary tenant for any landlord fortunate enough to have him. Should you have any further questions or wish to discuss David’s tenancy in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Previous Landlord
012-345-6789
[Signature]
Writing Tips
Be Specific
Instead of just saying someone is good at what they do, provide concrete evidence and comparisons. Quantify their achievements if possible.
Concrete figures
Adam’s leadership significantly contributed to a 25% increase in team productivity and a 50% reduction in project turnaround times, setting a new benchmark for operational efficiency within our department.
Vague description
Adam continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership skills.
Be Relevant
Tailor the letter by highlighting the qualities and achievements of the candidate most relevant to the position or role they are applying for. This shows that the writer understands the role and that the candidate has the specific skills and accomplishments to excel in that role.
For example, if you are recommending Emma for a graphic design position:
Most relevant achievements
Emma’s innovative design work not only met tight deadlines but also played a pivotal role in boosting client engagement by 30%, highlighting her exceptional creativity and efficiency.
Less relevant traits
Emma continues to demonstrate great teamwork skills.
If the candidate is applying for a job, the writer can refer to the job title and description to address the position’s requirements in the recommendation letter.
Be Concise
Aim to condense your insights and endorsements into one page. This approach respects the reader’s time while ensuring your message is clear and impactful. Focus on the candidate’s most impressive achievement.
Focused
John’s leadership in redesigning our workflow directly resulted in a 40% increase in operational efficiency, showcasing his exceptional problem-solving skills.
Undirected
John has been an invaluable member of our team for over five years, during which he has worked on numerous projects, including A, B, and C. He has also contributed in D, E, and F…
Be Unbiased
Offer an objective view of the candidate’s abilities by focusing on direct observations rather than inferences or potentially biased descriptions.
Instead of relying on generic or subjective adjectives that may inadvertently reflect gender or racial biases, emphasize specific and observable achievements.
Evidence-based assessment
Anna showcases her warmth and caring nature by volunteering to tutor underprivileged children at the local community center, providing both educational support and compassionate mentorship.
Unclear descriptors
Anna is a warm, compassionate, and dedicated student, known for her hard-working nature.
Letter of Recommendation Sample
Copy the free sample or download a customizable letter of recommendation template below.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
_______________, 20_____
Dear ________________________ [Recipient’s Name],
My name is ________________________ [Referrer’s Name], and I’m writing to support ___________________ [Applicant’s Name] for their application for ___________________ [Position Applied]. Having been ___________________ [Applicant’s Name]’s ___________________ [Relation to Applicant] at ___________________ [Name of Entity] for ___________________ [Length of Time], I have witnessed firsthand their commitment, growth, and exceptional achievements.
A standout moment under ___________________ [Applicant’s Name]’s ___________________ [Personal Trait] was their involvement in _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s Achievement]. As a result of their commendable effort, _________________________________________________ [Result of Achievement]. ___________________ [Applicant’s Name] further showcased their ___________________ [Personal Trait] by playing a pivotal role in __________________________________________________________ [Applicant’s Achievement]. Thanks to them, _________________________________________________ [Result of Achievement]. Additionally, ________________________ [Applicant’s Name] made a significant contribution to _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s Achievement]. Because of ___________________ [Applicant’s Name], ________________________________________________________ [Result of Achievement]. ________________________ [Applicant Name]’s accomplishments have not only underscored their ability to excel in a collective environment but also demonstrated their potential to thrive in dynamic situations.
I wholeheartedly endorse ________________________ [Applicant Name]’s application for ___________________ [Position Applied]. Throughout my interactions with _______________________ [Applicant’s Name], I have consistently witnessed their profound dedication and positive influence on those around them. I am confident that ________________________ [Applicant’s Name] will prove to be an invaluable asset in the new environment they become a part of.
hould you have any further questions or wish to discuss ________________________ [Applicant Name]’s application in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
____________________________________ [Referrer’s Signature]
________________________ [Referrer’s Name]
________________________ [Referrer’s Title]
________________________ [Referrer’s Entity]
________________________ [Referrer’s Phone Number]
________________________ [Referrer’s Email]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my letter of recommendation be?
It should ideally be one page long. It’s important to be concise while providing enough detail to support your recommendation.
Can a letter of recommendation be from a family member?
Typically, letters of recommendation should come from professional or academic contacts rather than family members. Recommendations from family can be seen as biased. It’s best to choose someone who can objectively assess your skills and accomplishments.
Is a letter of recommendation signed?
Yes, it should be signed by the person writing it. A signature adds a personal touch and authenticity, making the recommendation more credible to its recipient.
