how to write a draft recommendation letter

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

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How to write a letter of recommendation (with examples)

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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.

Elevate your communication skills

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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.

Writing a resignation letter that’s effective and professional

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• Job References

How to Start & Write a Recommendation Letter

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 Approved

Sample Letters

Writing the letter, starting to write.

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 29 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 14,802,392 times.

Writing a letter of recommendation can be intimidating, especially because the person you’re writing it for is counting on you to pull through for them. Fortunately, there's a general formula you can use to write a letter of recommendation that is both professional and effective.

Writing a Strong Letter of Recommendation

Start the letter off with praise about the person. Then, detail your relationship to them and your qualifications. In the body of the letter, give specific examples of the person’s strengths and successes without exaggerating. Finish the letter by reiterating your recommendation of the person.

• Place your address on the top right, followed by the date—spelled out.
• Below that, on the left, place the recipient's name (if known) and address.
• Open the letter with a formal business greeting. Ex:
• Dear Ms. Smith,
• Dear Sir or Madam, (if you don't know the recipient's name)

• "It makes me extremely happy to recommend Michael for the position of Director of Development at XYZ Corporation."
• "Any company should count themselves lucky to have an employee as bright, friendly, and dedicated as Gina."
• "No matter what she does, Helena Bonham does it well."

• "As VP of Application Development, I was Michael's direct supervisor from 2009 through 2012. We worked closely together on several key projects, and I got to know him very well during this time.
• "I was both Gina's adviser and teacher throughout her time at Hamilton College. I watched her shine both in the classroom and in office hours, and had the joy of watching her meet and then exceed expectations with her thesis."
• "As the Dean of Students, I deal with many young people throughout the day. However, I was lucky to spend several hours a week with Ms. Bonham in her role as Committee President. In my 32 years as Dean, I have rarely been so impressed."

• "Michael's sophisticated grasp of database architecture, combined with an innate feel for UX design and a warm, personal approach to his in-company client base dramatically improved the productivity of our company's merchandising, creative, and editorial departments. His approach to managing application support, maintenance, and training was highly professional and greatly respected, both by end users and by the executive team."
• "Gina was always inquisitive but never pushy. Despite being able to answer almost any question, Gina would rather sit back and help others find the answer for themselves. Countless students, who I thought were doomed to struggle, happily told me how tutoring sessions with Gina helped them turn the corner. And I had many conversations, both as her professor and a peer, that I will remember happily for years."
• "When Ms. Bonham hears the word "no," you can almost see the gears start to turn. She is mover and a shaker -- interfacing with students, faculty, staff, and even outside agencies to find solutions to any problem."

• "Michael's output of completed projects has exceeded the combined results of all other development efforts I've witnessed during my 8 years at UVW Company."
• "The best students are ones that genuinely love to learn. A student that pushes themselves ever day to learn more and be better, and enjoys every minute. Gina is that kind of student.
• "I can say with confidence that my job working with the Student Committee was never easier, nor more enjoyable, than when I got to work with Ms. Bonham."

• "Despite coming in as a novice, Michael has worked hard to improve his documentation and commenting of scripts and processes, making it easier for those filling his shoes in the future to work effectively."
• "Gina is always on the move -- tutoring, taking classes, joining clubs, etc. -- and though her schedule is perhaps too tightly packed, she somehow manages it all with a smile on her face."
• "Of course, Ms. Bonham's determination and drive occasionally led to butting heads and conflicting opinions. However, though she is never one to shy away from conflict, Ms. Bonham passion was never mean-spririted or rude."

• Don't say "Over the course of the last couple years, I have been pleased to watch the ongoing development of Michael's talents." Say instead, "Michael's skills have grown rapidly in the last couple years."
• "Gina exhibits the drive and dedication of the best students. Her writing is clear and concise, a rarity among many young people but effortless for her."
• "Ms. Bonham fights for what she believes is right, even if it doesn't mesh with her own preferences. This clear-eyed and selfless attitude will catapult her far in life."

• For example, say, "For all of these reasons, I think Michael will make a fine addition to your team. Should you have any questions, I invite you to contact me at the number or address, above."
• "Gina is the kind of person I would love to hire to work for me, and I know she will be an incredible asset for you."
• "I have no qualms about giving Ms. Bonham the highest recommendation for the position. If you have any questions, please contact me."

• "Sincerely,"
• "Best regards,"
• "Thank you,"

• Your qualifications, how you know the candidate, general recommendation.
• Why they will be effective, productive workers. Examples of successes.
• Why they will be a great addition to work and office culture.
• Reaffirm your willingness to recommend them, offer contact information.

• For example, if the letter is part of a job application package, it should focus on the professional qualifications and conduct of the candidate.

• The more you know about the position, the better you will be able to tailor your letter to suit the needs of both parties.

Tip: You put your own reputation on the line when you write a letter of recommendation. If you feel you do not know the person well enough, or they are somebody you cannot in good conscience recommend, decline their request.

Community Q&A

• If you ask a candidate to write their own letter of recommendation, recognize that many people find it difficult to write about themselves in this way. Read the letter and make sure that you agree with what they have written before you sign it. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• Type the letter. It is more formal and businesslike—and your recipient won't have to decode your handwriting. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• The first time you name the candidate who is the subject of the letter, use his or her full name. After that, use either the first name or a title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and the last name, depending on how formal you want to be. Whichever you choose, be consistent. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2

• A letter of recommendation should focus on the key knowledge, skills, and abilities of an individual. Don't spend your time inflating your letter of recommendation with excessive positive tones, as this is generally overlooked by recruiters. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 5
• Decide carefully whether to give a copy of the letter to the candidate, particularly if you express reservations. A recommendation may hold more sway if the recipient knows that the views in it are candid, and not written for the gratification or flattery of the candidate. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html
• ↑ https://homes.cs.washington.edu/~mernst/advice/write-recommendation.html
• ↑ https://career.sites.clemson.edu/documents/faculty_writing_guidelines.pdf
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/07/14/job-seekers-use-recommendation-letters-to-give-yourself-an-edge/#9b81b868e9e3
• ↑ https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/applications/teacher-tips

About This Article

The best way to write a letter of recommendation is to start out with a formal greeting, or using "To whom it may concern" if you don't know the recipient. Follow the greeting with 2-3 sentences of praise for the person you’re recommending. Then, explain how you know the person and why you’re qualified to recommend them. Include specific examples of the person's qualifications and successes in the body of your letter, then end with a sentence affirming that you recommend the person for the job or position. For more tips, like why you shouldn’t exaggerate, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Reference Letter (With Examples)

What Is a Reference Letter?

• Types of References

Before Writing a Reference Letter

Request information for the letter, what to include in a reference letter, how to write a reference letter, letter length, format, and font, reference letter sample, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Ellen Lindner / The Balance

At some point in your career, you’ll probably be asked to provide a letter of reference for an employee, a friend, or a former colleague. They will likely request a letter when they are applying for a new job, and your support may make all the difference.

When the time comes, it will be important to know how to write an effective letter of recommendation (also known as a reference letter). You will want to include accolades from your time working together if that is relevant or provide a testament to their character if you are a friend or neighbor. Most letters are around two paragraphs and can be expanded depending on how long you have known the person. But remember, a good recommendation letter can help your contact achieve their dreams; a bad one is worse than no recommendation at all.

Key Takeaways

• A reference letter explains why the recipient should choose the subject of the letter for a job, academic program, volunteer role, or other opportunity.
• There are three types of reference letters: professional, personal, and academic. 
• If you can’t write a glowing reference, it’s better to decline the request for a recommendation than to write a lukewarm one. 
• Ask for a resume or CV and any guidelines set by the employer before writing your letter.

A reference letter is a positive endorsement of a person's skills and attributes, written by someone familiar with their work, character, and accomplishments. Reference letters are needed when applying for jobs, internships, volunteer positions, colleges, and graduate school programs.

The reference letter explains why the reader should select a candidate and what qualifies them for the opportunity for which they're applying. Letters may be requested by the organization that is considering the individual for employment or acceptance at an institution, or they may be offered by the job seeker or applicant.

Types of Reference Letters

Professional references.

A professional reference letter is usually written by a supervisor, colleague, client, teacher, or professor who is well-acquainted with a candidate's accomplishments in a work-type setting. It typically includes a description of their position and responsibilities, the duration of their time at the company, and their abilities, qualifications, and contributions to the organization.

Character or Personal References

A character or personal reference letter can be written by a family friend, mentor, or neighbor who can attest to the traits that would make someone a good candidate for the position they are seeking. This type of letter explains how the writer knows the candidate and discusses their personal attributes as they would apply in a job or academic setting.

Academic References

An academic reference is written by a teacher, professor, or advisor. This type of reference discusses the candidate's educational background and academic achievements.

Before agreeing to write the letter, make sure you feel that you can write a positive letter of reference for this person. If you do not know the person well or do not think you can speak highly of the person’s skills or abilities, it is fine to decline the request for a recommendation .

You can be vague when you turn down the request, simply saying, “I do not feel I would be the best person to write you a recommendation.” If possible, suggest someone else they might ask.

It is better to say no to writing a recommendation rather than to write a negative reference for the person.

It is a good idea to ask the person for a copy of their resume or CV even if you have known them for a long time. They may have new accreditations or achievements that merit highlighting, and you should provide as much current information as possible. This will also help give you guidelines to use when composing the letter.

If the reference letter is for a specific employment opportunity, also ask for a copy of the job posting. Similarly, if the reference letter is for a specific school or program, ask for some information about the school. The more information you have, the easier it will be to write the letter.

Along with asking for information about the candidate, get all the information you need about how to submit the letter. Ask to whom you should send the letter, when the deadline is, and what format the letter should be in. Also, ask if there are any particulars that the school or employer wants you to include in your letter.

Unless the candidate gives you a form on which to write your recommendation, following a proper business letter format is appropriate. This includes listing your contact information, the date, and the contact information for the person receiving your letter (typically, the hiring manager) at the top of the letter.

However, if you are emailing this letter, you do not need to include any contact information or the date at the top of the letter. Instead, list your contact information after your email signature. A reference email letter should also have a clear, concise subject line that lists the candidate's name, the job they are applying for (if applicable), and the purpose of the letter. For example, a subject line might read:

Subject: Recommendation for Firstname Lastname - Human Resources Assistant Job

To get an idea of what to write and how your letter should read , here are some general guidelines to consider before writing your letter.

Begin your letter with "Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name." If you do not know the employer's last name, simply write, "Dear Hiring Manager." If the candidate is applying to an academic program, you can write "Dear Admissions Committee." If you are writing a general letter, you could write " To Whom It May Concern " or simply start your letter with the first paragraph.

First Paragraph

The first paragraph of the reference letter explains your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them, how long you've known them, and why you are qualified to write a reference letter on their behalf. Be sure to include the name of the company, job, school, or opportunity for which the person is applying. For example, "I have been James Smith's supervisor at XYZ Company for the past five years. I am pleased to recommend him for the position of head accountant at ABC Company."

Second Paragraph (and Third, and Fourth)

The middle paragraphs of the reference letter contain information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified, and what they can contribute. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details. Be specific and share examples of why this person is a qualified candidate. If you can, relate specific instances where you observed the person successfully using the skills required for the position.

Try to describe qualities and skills that relate to the specific job, school, or opportunity.

For example, if the person is applying for a job as a manager, focus on the person's leadership and communication skills.

Letter Closing

In the closing paragraph, offer to provide more information and include your contact information (phone and email) to demonstrate you are available to give a verbal recommendation or answer further questions if necessary. You might also reiterate that you recommend this person “wholeheartedly” or “without reservation.”

End the letter with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

The style of your reference letter is almost as important as the content of the letter. Here are some tips on how long your letter should be and how to format it.

Length: A letter of recommendation should be more than one or two paragraphs; a letter this short suggests you either do not know the person well or do not fully endorse them. However, you want to keep the letter concise and focus on a few key points, so avoid writing more than one page. Three or four paragraphs that explain how you know the person and why you are recommending them is an appropriate length.

Format: A letter of recommendation should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use about 1-inch margins for the top, bottom, left, and right of the page, and align your text to the left (the alignment for most documents).

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points so it's easy to read. Adjusting the font size is a good way to keep your letter to a single page.

Proofread your letter before sending it. You can have someone else edit the letter, but conceal the candidate's name to preserve their privacy.

You can use this reference letter example as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Melissa Bradley 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321 555-555-5555 melissa@abmedia.com

July 9, 2023

Jim Lee Human Resources Saber Marketing & PR 321 Business Ave. Business City, NY 12345

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am thrilled to recommend Sarah Jones for the digital marketing manager position at Saber Marketing & PR. As the marketing director at A & B Media, I had the pleasure of working as Sarah’s supervisor when she was employed​ here as a marketing associate. ​Responsible, punctual, and extremely bright, ​Sarah was among the best talent at A & B ​ Media​, and I absolutely endorse her qualifications and her skill set.

I was continuously impressed by the knowledge she brought to the table and her dedication to staying on top of the latest developments in the field. Sarah​ combines sharp analysis skills with strong intuition, and I always knew I could rely on her to meet deadlines and exceed ​our ​expectations. During her two years with us, she achieved numerous accomplishments, from increasing our social media engagement by 20% to lowering our website bounce rate by 10% and increasing our ROI on digital campaigns by 15%. 

While Sarah’s professional acumen was immensely valuable to A & B Media, she was also a wonderful team player. Optimistic, engaging, and easy to get along with, Sarah was a true joy to have in the office and fostered many positive relationships within our department, as well as throughout the company.

With that said, I am highly confident in my recommendation and believe that Sarah would be a great fit for Saber Marketing & PR. If you would like to speak further about my experience working with Sarah, please email me at melissa@abmedia.com or call me at 555-555-5555.

Melissa Bradley Marketing Director, A & B Media

What should I say to give a good reference?

To give a good reference, be specific, positive, and enthusiastic. Provide examples of times when the person you’re recommending exceeded expectations. Use phrases like “wholeheartedly recommend” or “recommend without reservations.” 

How should I start a professional reference letter?

A professional reference letter should follow the standard business letter format. If you are sending a hard-copy letter, begin with your name and contact information, the date, and the recipient’s name and contact information. 

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (With Templates)

Table of Contents

What is a letter of recommendation, tips for writing a letter of recommendation, how to ask for a letter of recommendation, letter of recommendation templates , frequently asked questions.

A letter of recommendation is a snapshot of a person’s strengths, talents, and qualifications for potential employers. Typically requested from past supervisors, managers, and professors, these letters carry significant weight in hiring. The more personalized these letters are, focusing on a job seeker’s abilities, the more effective they become.

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While employing a suitable template is helpful (and encouraged), here are some tips on how to make them effective.

Discuss the Letter With the Candidate

Clarifying the letter’s purpose up front helps shape your approach. If it’s for a character reference, you can emphasize the person’s qualities that showcase their integrity and trustworthiness.

For job applications, focus on achievements related to the role. Sharing a story about project leadership or successful client interactions makes a compelling case, and it will increase the job seeker’s chances of getting an interview.

The person requesting the letter should share supplemental information with you, such as their most recent resume, contact information for the recipient, the job description, and any specific details they want to include. You should also know of any deadlines so the letter can be sent accordingly.

Do Your Own Research

You may need to review your firsthand experiences with the person requesting the letter, mainly if it’s been a while since you shared a professional relationship with them. If you have access to employment or educational records, they can be a valuable source of information and may inspire some helpful talking points. 

If you don’t have these documents, reflect on your relationship with the person. Consider any projects or tasks they may have worked on with you. From there, pinpoint a few highlights, such as developing a novel solution to a challenging problem or completing a task before the deadline.

Personal attributes can also strongly impact recommendation letters. Remember to recall the person’s outstanding qualities, such as interpersonal skills.

Format Your Letter for Maximum Impact

There are specific details to include in your letter to make the best impression:

• Start with a welcome 
• State the purpose of the recommendation
• Include reasons for your support
• Share how the candidate has made an impact
• Wrap up the letter with an endorsement
• Add your contact information
• Close with a formal sign-off

How to Spot and Avoid Job Scams

Job seekers are often excited to apply for new job openings. However, there are some dishonest individuals who take advantage…

There are factors to consider for job seekers deciding who to ask for a letter of recommendation. The person should be well acquainted with you and your professional output and view your contributions favorably. While not mandatory, recommendation letters are more effective when they come from a supervisor or another authority figure. 

When requesting a letter of recommendation, politeness matters—mentioning specific qualities you admire in the person, such as solid leadership skills, can strengthen your request.

Also, give the person ample time to research and write the letter. The ideal time to discuss recommendation letters is when you leave a job or graduate from college. 

Also, remember that some people may not have the time or feel comfortable writing a letter. In this case, sincerely thank them for their time. Remember, empathy and understanding matter, especially when receiving news you don’t like.

How to Cultivate a Positive Company Culture

What sets your company apart from the rest? If your thoughts instantly jump to “company culture,” you’re on the right…

Below are two recommendation letter templates, each thoughtfully designed to help you articulate the job seeker’s strengths and achievements. These templates provide a solid foundation you can personalize to suit different purposes.

1. Template for Job Seekers

[Recipient Name]

[Recipient Title]

[Recipient Company/Organization]

Dear [Recipient Name],

Please accept my enthusiastic recommendation of [Candidate Name] for [Job Title/Position] at [Company/Organization].

My name is [Your Name], and I [worked/collaborated] with [Candidate Name] at [Company] for [length of time]. During that time, I [explain your professional relationship with the candidate] and was genuinely impressed by the contributions [they] made to the workplace.

[Candidate Name] exhibited [one to two qualities] and played an essential role in [work task/project]. Because of [their] contributions, [Employer/Organization] was able to [specific achievement], which might not have been possible without [Candidate Name’s] assistance.

Additionally, [Candidate Name] exhibits [specific quality] and proved to be a significant asset to [Employer/Organization]. I can easily say that [Candidate Name] is among the most [specific qualities] of all the [employees/collaborators] with whom I’ve been professionally acquainted.

Based on my experience, I’m confident that [Candidate Name] would make an outstanding addition to your [Company/Organization]. Please feel comfortable contacting me at [phone number] or [email] if you’d like to learn more about [Candidate name] and [their] impressive achievements.

[Your Name and Title]

2. Template for Students

Recipient Name]

Please accept my enthusiastic recommendation of [Student Name] for [Job Title/Position/Opening] at [Company/Organization]. 

My name is [Your Name], and I am [Title] at [Academic Institution]. [Student Name] was my [description of academic relationship] for [length of time]. During that time, I was genuinely impressed by the contributions [Student Name] made to [Academic Program/Project].

[Student Name] consistently exhibited [one to three qualities] in my class. While working on [Academic Program/Project], [they] was responsible for [specific achievement] that set the bar relatively high for other students working on [Academic Program/Project].

Additionally, [Student Name] stood out among my pupils thanks to [their] [specific quality/qualities] and remained a bright point of my academic career. I would be overjoyed to collaborate with [Student Name] in the future, and I know they’d make an outstanding addition to your team. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me via [phone number] or [email] if you have further questions or want more information. 

Sincerely, 

 [Your Name and Title]

A well-crafted letter of recommendation provides concrete evidence that an applicant has made noteworthy achievements in professional or academic settings. It also illustrates that the person has forged lasting connections, which speaks to their character. These letters and a strong resume can boost a job seeker’s chances of snagging an interview.

It’s essential to consider the source when obtaining recommendation letters for a job application. While letters from co-workers can undoubtedly speak to your teamwork abilities, it’s best to seek out letters from managers or individuals in positions of authority whenever possible. These sources are better suited to provide a comprehensive assessment of your skills and job performance, which can be invaluable for hiring.

It’s perfectly acceptable to submit a letter of recommendation via email. In this case, double-check the email address to ensure the letter goes to the correct person. Perform the same due diligence if sending the letter in the mail, and make sure you have the correct suite or office number for the recipient. 

Stacie Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for topics affecting modern workplaces, especially topics relevant to the restaurant and food industry. She’s written extensively on legal issues affecting businesses, including discrimination, contractual disputes, and safety code violations.

Stacie Adams

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, a great college recommendation letter template.

Letters of Recommendation

While the best recommendation letters are unique to each student, they all share certain key features that make them effective. This guide provides you with a structure to help you produce an outstanding letter of recommendation.

Not only will this recommendation letter template guide you through the writing process, it'll also assist you in determining whether you’re able to truly recommend a student for admission to college. Before outlining the steps, let’s consider what goes into a good letter of recommendation.

What Makes for a Good Letter of Recommendation?

The best recommendation letters are enthusiastic and highly positive about a student. They’re not just filled with compliments, though. They dive deeply to illuminate a student’s key intellectual and personal qualities. Additionally, these letters give specific examples to back up what they have to say.

Rather than tell admissions committees everything they could ever want to know about a student, strong rec letters are focused on a specific narrative. You don't have to cover a broad range of qualities, but rather you can focus in on the most significant ones, especially as they relate to your relationship with the student.

You should start every recommendation letter by brainstorming the qualities you wish to highlight and examples you want to give. If you find you haven’t come up with much that’s positive or personal, then you might ultimately decide that you’re not the best person to write that student a recommendation letter for college.

Let’s look more closely at this first stage in the rec letter writing process: brainstorming .

The Brainstorming Stage

There are a few main considerations in the brainstorming stage. First, how do you feel about recommending the student and why? Second, what key qualities do you intend to communicate in your letter? And third, what stories can you share to illustrate your points? Read on to consider each of these thoughts individually.

How Do You Feel About the Student?

Before delving into specifics, you should pause here and ask yourself how you feel about recommending the student. Are you able to genuinely provide a positive endorsement? If you feel relatively neutral, do you need more information from the student? In the case that you feel negatively towards a student, you may suggest that she ask another teacher to provide her with a letter.

A lukewarm or negative letter would not be useful, or could even hurt, the student’s application. Admissions officers have a discerning eye when it comes to reading letters. They’ll be able to tell if you wrote your letter with reservations.

If this is how you feel, then you may have to do the difficult thing and inform the student that you’re unable to provide a recommendation letter. If the student still wants you to fulfill the requirement, she should know that your letter may not do much to boost her chances of admission.

In all three cases, you should root out the reasons behind your evaluation of the student. What qualities of the student have stood out to you?

What Qualities Do You Plan to Highlight?

Considering the features mentioned above, what intellectual and personal qualities of the student have you noticed or been impressed by?

Intellectual qualities you could highlight include problem-solving skills, analysis, curiosity, creativity, communication, collaboration, and foreign language skills. Some personal qualities you could emphasize might be strength of character, honesty, integrity, courage, humor, thoughtfulness, maturity, cultural awareness, and compassion for others.

Once you’ve narrowed down the key qualities you want to present, you can think about stories and examples.

What Anecdotes Can You Share?

After considering what qualities you plan to highlight, you should think about what specific anecdotes you can share to illustrate your assessment and help the student come alive in the eyes of the reader.

These stories can be based on your interactions with and observations of the student. They may also be informed by the student herself, through discussions and her “brag sheet.” The student should provide you with her thoughts on her goals and significant experiences that have shaped who she is today. These reflections can be helpful reminders, but ideally you also know the student well enough to write an insightful letter based on your familiarity with her academic work and personal character.

Some potential anecdotes include times when the student you're writing the letter for showed exceptional intelligence, compassion, motivation, tenacity, leadership skills, and/or teamwork abilities. Once you’ve come up with a list of what you want to focus on and how to back up your evaluation, you can begin to draft.

The Drafting Stage

After brainstorming, you can start to shape your thoughts into the typical structure for a recommendation letter. It's usually a full page consisting of four paragraphs: the introduction, body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, and conclusion. 

Let's look at what should be included in each paragraph, and how a teacher and counselor might write their first body paragraphs with different ideas in mind. You can choose to start your letter as creatively as you wish, but all introductions should include certain key information , as you'll see in the next section.

Introduction

What does the reader want to know when she starts reading your letter? One, she wants to know who the letter is about. Just as importantly, she wants to know who you are , along with what makes you qualified to assess this student.

Logistically, you should answer the latter question by providing your name, school, and contact information in official letterhead at the top. In your introduction, furthermore, you should explicitly state who you are and how you know the student. If you’ve taught the student in more than one class or gotten to know her in other contexts, like as the advisor of a club, then you should include that as well. The better you know the student, the more weight your recommendation carries.

Here are a couple examples for starting out your recommendation.

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my pleasure to recommend Judy, whom I taught in my 11th grade honors English program.

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am delighted to recommend the multi-talented Eduardo for admission to your undergraduate program. As Eduardo’s 11th grade music teacher, as well as his chorus leader throughout all four years of high school, I've watched him grow into an outstanding and dedicated musician.

Your entire introduction should be three to five sentences. After stating who the recommendation is for, who you are, and how you know the student, you may add about two sentences describing the student and introducing what’s to come. If you’re customizing your letter to a specific program or college, then you’ll mention that here too.

Once you’ve introduced the student and yourself, you’ll move onto the first body paragraph. If you’re a teacher, you may focus on the student’s intellectual qualities and academic work. If you’re a counselor, you may speak more to a student’s growth throughout high school and role in the school community. Let’s start out by considering the first body paragraph that a teacher might draft.

Body Paragraph 1 (Teacher)

Your first body paragraph should consist of four to six sentences. As a teacher, you may use this paragraph to hone in on the student’s key academic strengths and interests. In your brainstorming, you should have come up with the main qualities you want to describe, along with a meaningful anecdote to back up what you’re saying.

Make sure to use enthusiastic and vivid language that will make the letter interesting and memorable to an admissions officer, who might be reading through hundreds of teacher rec letters . If the student especially impressed you, you might use a statement of high ranking, calling her, for example, one of the best students you’ve taught.

This example uses a statement of high ranking and will go on to focus on Bella’s writing talent.

Bella is one of the most talented writers I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in my ten years at Forks High School. She demonstrates a nuanced understanding of literature and is comfortable within spaces of ambiguity and interpretation. She produced a particularly thought-provoking thesis paper on spirituality in Native American literature...

This second example focuses more on Dave’s strong interest in the subject of computer science.

Dave has developed an avid interest in computer science. Not only was he an excellent student throughout the year, but he also worked on developing an app that would use a school-wide crowdsourcing strategy to clean up the school grounds…

As mentioned above, a teacher will draw on her experience with the student from class. A counselor, on the other hand, may speak more clearly on a student’s development over the years and/or participation in the greater community.

Body Paragraph 1 (Counselor)

While a teacher interacts with a student every day in the classroom, a counselor has a different relationship with the student. Rather than speaking to their work as a student, the counselor may talk about the student’s maturity, development, community service, and interactions with other students and faculty.

As with a teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation should hone in on a few specific qualities and give an insightful example. In the following examples, the counselor touches on one student’s school leadership and on the other's growth throughout high school.

Rory brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to her fellow students and teachers. As Class President, she organized fundraisers and events that both raised money for class projects and were enjoyed by all. Last spring, she set up McKinley High’s version of The Sing Off, complete with spinning chairs for the judges to scoop up contestants for their teams. The entire performance was recorded and is available on our new YouTube channel, which Rory and her fellow student council members set up and have added to throughout the year.

Michael has impressed all of us at Washington High School with the incredible progress he’s made over his four years. While he arrived in 9th grade with limited English, he’s grown his language abilities in leaps and bounds. Now he actively participates in his classes and contributes to the school newspaper. His latest article on college planning for ELL students, in which he shares his personal story and family background, has been shared among faculty and counselors here at the school.

While the teacher and counselor may start out their recommendations by focusing on different aspects of the student, their second body paragraph may share more similarities. Here you might discuss the student’s impressive personal qualities.

Body Paragraph 2

In the second body paragraph, you might focus on revealing the student’s personal strengths and personality. You could talk about traits like integrity, honesty, compassion, courage, and resilience, to name a few.

Admissions officers want to know if the student has overcome any particular challenges in life, or if there are any special family circumstances that have affected the student. Apart from shedding light on the student’s personal journey, you also want to consider how you can add to her application. What has she already shared, and how can you both complement and add to her story?

Whatever you choose to share, it should be something that you can speak in some depth about. In the following example, the recommender speaks about Jamie’s strong value of integrity.

Not only is Jamie an outstanding history student, but he also displays exceptional strength of character. When you speak to any of his teachers about Jamie, the first word that comes up is "integrity." He’s an honest and caring young person committed to upholding these values in our school community. When administrators revised the school handbook last year, Jamie volunteered to review and give input into the section on academic integrity and plagiarism. He helped promote the ideas throughout the school and stayed after for discussion groups on what leads students to turn to cheating.

Once you have two strong body paragraphs, you’ll finish your letter with a succinct and memorable conclusion.

In the conclusion of your letter, you should reiterate your support for the student’s application to the college or program. You can add a concluding statement of her strengths and assets, making sure to reinforce the points you made above while still adding fresh language.

On top of this, your conclusion may offer a vision of how the student will perform in the future , both in terms of personal achievement and contributions to her college community. Finally, finish up by inviting admissions officers to contact you for any further information. Most letters end with the salutation of “Sincerely,” followed by your name, position, and school.

Outside of this overall four-paragraph structure, there are a few formatting points to keep in mind.

Format of Your Recommendation Letter

Your recommendation should be a full page in length. Any less may look that you didn’t have much to say about the student. Any more is unusual and not necessary apart from exceptional circumstances.

Use official school letterhead and include all the necessary contact information described above. Ultimately, you’ll upload your letter to the Common Application or a college’s individual application portal.

In closing, let’s review the structure to follow when brainstorming, drafting, and revising your recommendation letter.

Following the Recommendation Letter Template

As you brainstorm exactly what you want to communicate in your letter, keep in mind how you can structure your thoughts according to the recommendation letter template described above. To review, let's go over the key elements you should include:

• Introduction:  Here, you'll state your support for the student, describe how you know the student, and touch on her key strengths and achievements.
• Body Paragraph 1: In your first body paragraph, you may speak about a student's academic strengths and interests, along with an anecdote to back up your assessment. If you're a counselor, you may focus more on the student's community involvement in this first body paragraph.
• Body Paragraph 2: In the second body paragraph, you can reveal the student's impressive personal qualities, ones that admissions officers may not know about from the rest of her application. Make sure to include a meaningful example to back up your assessment.
• Conclusion:  Restate your support of the student, and provide a vision of her future success. Invite admissions officers to contact you with any questions.

While letters will vary in terms of writing style and emphasis, the best ones will include these key elements. To write an effective letter, as well as to make sure that you can genuinely recommend a student, you should take the time to plan and map out your letter according to this template.

You can include meaningful anecdotes based on your interactions with the students and discussions with her about her college plans and application strategy. By gathering thoughts from the student herself and informing yourself about how to structure your rec letter, you'll be poised to write a memorable letter that will both impress admissions officers and help them get to know the student better. Your letter can reveal meaningful insight into the student's academic and personal strengths and thereby make a significant impact in improving her chances of admission to college.

What's Next?

Now that you've learned about a template you can use to structure your recommendation letter, check out these sample recommendation letters. Here you can read 4 great teacher recommendation letters , plus 3 examples of bad teacher recs .

Beyond this structure, what else do you need to know about writing a letter of recommendation? This complete guide discusses how to write a strong letter of recommendation , from how to choose powerful language to the common traps to avoid.

Are you a counselor writing a letter of recommendation? Check out our guide that includes three excellent examples of counselor letters of rec to give you some ideas.

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.

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How to Write Your Own Recommendation Letter

Published: Sep 13, 2012

So you’ve developed a great relationship with your professor, mentor or supervisor, and it’s time to ask for a letter of recommendation. While the standard practice is for references to write their own recommendation letters, it’s becoming increasingly common for time-strapped individuals to ask you to pen the first draft of a letter yourself. This is a great opportunity for you to make sure that you get a stellar recommendation letter that highlights the most relevant skills and experiences you have to offer. Here, some tips for writing your own letter of recommendation:

• Prepare an outline of your letter by making a list of your strengths, abilities and skills. Choose several of these to highlight in your letter. You should also select two or three specific examples of your performance to which your recommender can attest (i t doesn’t make sense for your college professor to talk about the details of your summer job performance). At least one accomplishment discussed in your letter should be directly related to your experience with the recommender: for example, the A+ term paper you wrote or your lively class participation. However, it’s okay to touch upon related activities that weren’t directly supervised by your reference. In other words, it’s plausible that your professor would know about your involvement with student government even if he or she didn’t serve as the organization’s advisor.  
• Use the correct voice. It might feel a bit odd, but remember that the letter must be written in the voice of your recommender. This means you will have to refer to yourself in the third person.  
• Begin the letter by stating the purpose of the letter and the capacity in which your reference knows you. For example, “It is my pleasure to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your graduate program. I have known Jane for nearly four years, during which time she was my student as well as a teaching assistant for my introductory psychology course.”  
• Don’t be shy. The purpose of a recommendation letter is to highlight your best qualities in the most positive light possible. Now is not the time to be modest; your recommender can dial down the tone if he or she sees fit. Be specific about skills and, where possible, provide comparative metrics of your accomplishments. For example, instead of writing, “Jane was a great student in my Clinical Psychology Seminar,” try, “In a class of nearly 50 students, Jane earned the highest grade in Clinical Psychology.”

Have you written your own recommendation letters? Share your strategy in the comments below!

How to Write Your Own Letter of Recommendation

Requesting  medical school recommendation letters  from professors or former bosses can be a daunting task, but it could get worse if they ask you to write your own. This is why you need to learn how to write your own letter of recommendation. Even if you’ve been in several of their courses, submitted multiple projects to them, spent time with them in office hours, and exchanged basic pleasantries with them, it can be hard to feel confident in their evaluation of you. Students – even (or perhaps especially) top students – are notorious for their self-doubt. That’s not always a bad thing, as it keeps you striving to do more and do better, but it can lead to a significant under-evaluation of your successes, accomplishments, and overall standing as a student.

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Article Contents 10 min read

So, when you send that request for a letter of recommendation, it may be done with bated breath and a sense of uncertainty – What if they say no? What if they laugh at your request? What if they’ve just been being nice to you? Well, first things first: Relax. The latter two of these are highly unlikely, and if the former happens, it’s not necessarily the end of the world. You should be asking for letters from professors with whom you’ve been building rapport for some time – those in whose classes you’ve done well, those who have evaluated your work, and so on – and if you’ve built that rapport, there’s very little chance that they’ll say no. If you’re desperate for, say, a third letter-writer and are reaching out to any and every prof you’ve ever met, well, then you may get a “no”. But, unless you just completely bombed a course, those negative responses are often in your best interest. A professor will usually only refuse to write a letter if they feel they simply don’t know you and your work well enough to write you the kind of recommendation you need to actually succeed. You’ll need to search for someone else at that point, but that’s better than a poor or ineffective letter of recommendation! In any case, all of this points to the need to find quality letter-writers and build relationships with your professors throughout your time in university.

At this point, you may assume that your request for a letter of recommendation will be met with one of two answers: “Yes, happy to!” or, “No, sorry”. Well, things are actually a bit more complicated than that. Imagine seeing that reply to your request hit your inbox, taking a deep breath to brace yourself before opening it (“Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes…”), and then seeing this:

Hi! Sure, happy to help! Go ahead put together a draft and I’ll review and sign it.

“Um…. What?!”

For many, the response to such a request would be abject horror! You may think that this is some kind of test of your ethical sensibilities, or an indication that your professor doesn’t really want to act as a referee for you. Relax, it’s neither. If you’ve never seen a request like this before, it’s okay – it’s not all that uncommon, and it doesn’t reflect negatively on you. In fact, it likely indicates two things: 1. That your prof is over-worked, but still wants to support you, and, 2. That they trust you to provide an honest self-evaluation.

In some ways, this request to write your own letter of recommendation can actually be a positive thing. Generally, letters of recommendation aren’t accessible to students – back when they were sent exclusively in hard copy, students and professors had to go to considerable lengths to demonstrate that the student had not accessed the letter, like submitting it in a sealed envelope with the professor’s signature across the seal. This meant that you had no idea what the professor had said about you, and that’s still largely the norm (though some professors may still send their student an open copy of the letter, but that depends on the individual professor and their relationship with the student).

However, if you’re contributing to the letter, then you at least have some idea of what it says, and you have the opportunity to include specifics and ensure the things you want mentioned or highlighted have a good chance of making it into the final draft. Of course, your professor will retain the right to modify the letter in whatever way they want, and you may not get access to that final draft, but you do have a say, which is more than many students have had in the past. So, think of this as an opportunity, and be thankful that your professor thinks highly enough of you to trust you with this task!

Be humble, but acknowledge your accomplishments

By definition, a letter of recommendation is a document that highlights your strengths, assets, and accomplishments. You should be clear and honest about the ways in which you excel academically, and the contributions you’ve made through your research, service, and extra-curriculars (to the extent that this professor is aware of things like your extra-curriculars, volunteering, etc.). A lot of students are uncomfortable discussing themselves in a positive light, but you should be able to objectively acknowledge the things you do and have done well, and those things should be the basis of your letter.

Think about it this way: if you’re asking for a letter of recommendation, that means you’re applying to a competitive program that requires excellence of its applicants (grad school, med school, law school, etc.). You wouldn’t be applying to such a program if you didn’t think you had what it takes to put together a competitive application, right? So, what has led you to consider yourself a viable candidate for that program? Make a list of those qualities, achievements, and strengths that helped you decide to apply, and then determine which of these this professor has witnessed. That will give you some key themes around which to construct your letter. If you’re not sure which kinds of qualities to emphasize, look at the qualities valued by the profession you’re pursuing and use these as a guide. Academic excellence is a constant in all fields, of course. As well, resilience, dependability, community service, intellectual inquisitiveness, critical and creative thinking, and collegiality are all valued in a wide variety of fields.

Just be sure to retain a measure of humility. While you're likely an outstanding student, you wouldn't want to claim that you are "by far, the most impressive, hyper-intelligent, and promising student" your professor has ever taught, for example. First, that's just not language used in a letter of recommendation. Second, that content isn't actually very useful, as will be discussed further shortly. Finally, unless you can say without a doubt that you are the top student of all the thousands of students your professor has known, that would be an excessively bold claim to make.

The above said, you likely won’t be able to discuss every single strength, asset, or accomplishment, so after making that list, you’ll need to narrow it down. Briefly discuss some of the most note-worthy contributions you’ve made in this professor’s courses, including significant projects or papers you’ve completed for them, or any work you’ve done together. You’ll likely end up with 2-3 major themes or qualities to emphasize, supported by a few examples. A letter of recommendation is usually around 1 single-spaced page, so use that length as a guide for how much content you should include.

Avoid clichés

When I was a graduate student, I was on a hiring committee for my department. I remember sitting in the massive office of our department chair, reviewing files and letters of recommendation with others on the committee. As we read through one candidate’s letters, the chair let out a hearty laugh, “Oh dear, ‘a hard worker’? Talk about the death knell for your application!” Everyone else laughed knowingly, and I sat there very, very confused. When I asked why being a “hard worker” was such a bad thing, they explained it to me: it’s not that there’s anything wrong with being a “hard worker”, it’s that the term is cliché and very imprecise. Essentially, if the best praise someone can give you is that you’re a “hard worker”, that’s seen as quite unfortunate. So, avoid cliché phrases like this and aim for clear demonstrations of your skills and abilities. If you do consider yourself a “hard worker”, then offer examples of times when you went above and beyond expectations or successfully juggled multiple pressing responsibilities. This will be much more effective.

Show, don’t tell

Brief anecdotes that demonstrate your strengths are always more effective than lists of qualities or accomplishments, and letters of recommendation often include such stories. Using specific examples of exceptional projects, meaningful interactions, or professional observations, and use narrative that shows the reader your excellence in action, rather than just telling them that you are a stand-out student.

Ensure the grammar and style are impeccable

While your professor will still review and edit the letter, you want to be keenly aware of your grammar and style as you’re writing. Remember, you’re not writing in your own voice; you’re writing as your professor. So, use a semi-formal but professional style, and proofread, proofread, proofread. Your writing should be impeccable, both for the letter itself and for you to continue demonstrating your compositional prowess to your professor.

You can think of a letter of recommendation as similar to a short essay, with an intro and “thesis”, body, and conclusion. The “thesis” is that you’re a strong student who will succeed in the program to which you are applying, and the support for that thesis comes in the specifics of the work you’ve done for and with your professor.

The introduction is the opening paragraph, where you should include a clear statement of support (e.g., “I am happy to write in support of [Student’s] application to [program]”), as well as an indication of your relationship with the professor, the time you’ve known them, and the capacity in which you’ve worked together (e.g., if they’re your supervisor, if you’ve worked for them as a teaching or research assistant, etc.). Include specifics like the courses or projects you’ve had together, and anything else that demonstrates how well they know you and your work – the better they know you and your work, the better they are able to evaluate your potential for future success.

The body would consist of 2-3 paragraphs with specific examples and anecdotes that support the “thesis”. Again, you can discuss courses you’ve completed, projects you’ve submitted, professional exchanges, discussions of your volunteer or extra-curricular work (if your professor is familiar with these), and any other aspect of your professional relationship with your letter-writer.

The conclusion wraps up the letter, often using this opportunity to reflect a bit on personal attributes, as opposed to professional accomplishments (e.g., inquisitiveness, collegiality, confidence, etc.), and emphasizing enthusiasm for writing the recommendation. As well, an invitation to reach out for any additional information traditionally ends a letter of recommendation, often with the professor’s email address and – if they’re comfortable doing so – their home phone number (this final detail, in particular, emphasizes the letter-writer’s enthusiasm for recommending the student – an invitation to call them at home suggests they’re particularly invested in the student’s success).

If you simply cannot bring yourself to write a letter of recommendation for yourself, there are a couple of options for you.

First, you can always say no. The request to write your own letter of recommendation is just that, a request – not a demand. But this is probably no a good idea and you don't want to antagonize or argue with someone who you hope to paint a positive picture of you. It is highly unlikely that saying no will result in you not getting a letter at all from this person. If this is the case, arrange to meet in person to discuss your concerns and reservations. To this meeting, you should bring materials to help your professor write the letter quickly, easily, and effectively. So, bring your proposal or personal essay from your application, your CV/resume, and a brief write-up of the key qualities you think this professor can speak to, including your courses with them, the projects you’ve completed for them, and your marks in those courses. Remember, your professor likely has hundreds, if not thousands, of other students, so you want to make this easy for them. It’s much easier for you to compile your own individual information than it is for your professor to go back through possibly years’ worth of courses and student information to isolate your specific connections with them. But at the end of the day nothing is easier than you writing the letter for them and letting them edit it. So try not to say "no". 

That said, many students would be just as uncomfortable saying no to their professor as they would be writing their own letter of recommendation. So, you can always propose something in between writing the full letter itself and the above suggestion of saying no but offering materials for reference. If you’re not ready to write something all the way from “Dear Selection Committee” to “Sincerely, Professor Z”, you can work primarily on what would be the body of the letter. Assemble some bullet points, specific examples of you demonstrating your strengths in connection with this professor, notes on the work and projects you’ve done that you think could be highlighted, and some discussion of what you hope the professor can speak to in their letter. Again, thinking of the letter as a brief essay, compile the “research” for them, to make finalizing the letter itself easier.

However you decide to move forward after receiving a request to write your own letter of recommendation, remember that the letter-writer will still have final say. While you want to put sincere effort and thought into framing the draft you compose, if there’s anything they feel is missing, anything they think should be worded differently, anything that doesn’t represent their voice, they will edit it and make it what it needs to be. So, consider taking this opportunity to ensure that your letter of recommendation does and says all the things you hope it will do and say!

Image credit: John-Mark Smith

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How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (Templates + Examples)

3 key takeaways

• A well-structured email can help get your letter of recommendation request accepted. 
• Getting a great letter of recommendation from the right person can support your academic and professional career.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder and job email templates will help your application stand out.

Gone are the days of the generic reference list on a resume . Many hiring managers prefer a recommendation letter in addition to a list of references.

Your role as the job seeker is to ask for a letter of recommendation. Doing so effectively will improve the strength of your application.

This article will help you approach the right person, at the right time, with the right message—with examples and templates to guide you along the way. 

Struggling to land interviews with your resume?  Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

Why do you need a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a formal document written by someone who can attest to your abilities, work ethic, and specific achievements. It’s typically created for a job application, college application, or other formal process.

When someone else can vouch for you, it holds a lot more weight with employers than your own self-assessment. A bad, generic, or neutral recommendation can sink your application.

This is why it’s crucial to get a “yes” from the right person who can speak highly of your job-specific abilities.

The letter of recommendation is not to be confused with a general reference letter. Need more help deciphering the difference? Check out this blog post on a reference letter vs a  recommendation letter .

Who to ask for a letter of recommendation

Your letter of recommendation should be written by someone who can provide insights into your work style, skills, and character. 

Here’s who to ask for a letter of recommendation, depending on the goal:

For a job opportunity

• Former managers or supervisors, ideally someone with a job title relevant to the opportunity.

For a university program

• Former teacher, professor, or guidance counselor, ideally in the same field as the program
• Former or current colleague, if you’re entering or returning to school

For residency or fellowship

• Physician and faculty, ideally in your chosen specialty
• Physician you worked with during rotations
• Physician who supervised your residency

Tips on who to ask for a letter of recommendation

• Make a list : Have backups in case your top choice doesn’t get back to you in time.  
• Focus on quality : Only ask people you are sure will leave you a positive reference. It’s better to have someone less “ideal” who gives a glowing review than someone with an impressive job title who writes a generic letter.
• Prepare a summary : Keep in mind the letter writer may not know how to write a letter of recommendation —or they don’t have time. To lessen the burden, you can create a list of your achievements using Teal’s AI achievement generator to send to them.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation (template)

You know who to ask, so now you may be wondering how to formally ask for a letter of recommendation. There are two scenarios in which you may ask someone: in person or via email. Here’s how to ask for a letter of recommendation from your employer, teacher, or mentor. 

How to ask for a letter of recommendation in person

It can be nerve-racking to ask acquaintances for something this important in person. Preparing ahead of time can help you feel more confident. 

Consider the following letter of recommendation template to get started:

I wanted to speak with you briefly about a new opportunity. I'm currently in the process of pursuing/applying to [describe your journey e.g., applying to medical school, applying to jobs]. As you know, I value your expertise, and have come to rely on your insights throughout [brief description of your relationship/time together].  As I prepare to interview for [specific role/moment, e.g., application at X University, position at Y], I need a letter of recommendation. Would you be willing to write one for me? I understand if you're unable to commit due to your busy schedule, but your support would mean a lot to me.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation via email

If the person you plan to ask for a recommendation no longer lives in the same area, email is your best option for quick, professional communication. Email a formal written request to each individual who you feel confident would provide a positive letter of recommendation.

Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to request a recommendation letter from you for [specific purpose]. I have greatly valued your [specific trait] and I believe that your perspective on my [skills/achievements/characteristics] would provide valuable insight for [the opportunity or career path I am pursuing]. [Optional: Briefly mention why you are seeking this opportunity and how it aligns with your personal qualities and aspirations.] I have attached my resume/transcripts to the email, along with a description of the opportunity. I understand this task can be time-consuming, so if there are specific aspects of my performance/character that you would like me to highlight, please let me know. The deadline for submission is [specific date].  Thank you very much for considering my request. Your support continues to be deeply appreciated. Warm regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

How to ask your boss for a letter of recommendation

Asking an employer—boss, manager, or supervisor—is a common request. Reference the example below and create your own request.

Dear James, I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the Creative Lead position at Walt Disney. Throughout my time at Creative Co., I greatly valued your open-door policy, hands-on approach, and your ability to foster creativity within our team. Your leadership style challenged me to think outside the box and brought out the best in my creative abilities. As my most recent superior, I believe you could offer insight into the range of key skills needed for the Creative Lead role, particularly highlighting my ability to foster teamwork within cohesive campaigns. The deadline for submission of the recommendation letter is Friday the 20th, so I would be grateful if you could provide a review at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for considering my request. Your guidance and support have played a significant role in shaping my professional journey. Warm regards, Mike Ruiz

How to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation

If you haven’t yet entered the workforce, you may want to ask a teacher, professor, or guidance counselor for a recommendation letter to assist your entry-level job application. 

Here’s how to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation:

Dear Professor Gold, I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the position of Payroll Administrator at Balanced Business in Pasadena, California. During my time at Obsidian University, I found that your ability to break down complex economic theories with passion and ease left a lasting impression on me. As I transition from academia to the workforce, I am excited to apply the knowledge I gained from your classes into the real world. I believe that your perspective on my technical skills would add an invaluable weight to my application. Attached to this email, you will find a job description and my cover letter. The deadline for submission of the recommendation letter is Monday, June 30. Thank you very much for considering my request as I embark on my career journey. Warm regards, Michael Day

How to ask for a letter of recommendation for college

College applications typically require one to three recommendation letters. 

Here’s how to ask for a letter of recommendation for college or graduate school:

Dear Mrs. Alba I trust this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the Biology Program at Oregon State University. Throughout my academic journey, your mentorship has been invaluable to me. Your dedication to safeguarding marine life through climate change inspired me to pursue a career in marine biology. I have attached my transcripts, test scores, and a description of the course descriptions for the academic year to provide you with more context. The due date is June 18, so I would be grateful if you could deliver before then at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for considering my request. I am truly grateful for your support in this next step of my studies. Warm regards, Jake J. [Your Contact Information]

How to follow up on a letter of recommendation request

Always thank the person writing for their time. Considering that the final recommendation letter will be sent via email, email is an appropriate way to follow up on a request for the letter.

Use the example below to create your own thank you note.

Dear Mr. Evans, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to write me a recommendation letter for my college applications. Your invaluable endorsement of my endeavors mean a great deal as I pursue an MFA at Chapman University. Thank you again for your kindness and support. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to reciprocate your generosity. Warm regards, Nancy Berry 

When to ask for a letter of recommendation

Ask for a recommendation when the specific opportunity has arrived. Here are a few examples of when you may consider acquiring letters of recommendation:

• When applying for a role at a new company
• When applying for an internal promotion
• For your college application

Tips on when to ask for a letter of recommendation

• Ask early to give plenty of time to respond—such as two weeks before the submission due date. 
• Don’t ask too much of the same person. For example, don’t ask for a LinkedIn recommendation and a letter of recommendation at the same time. 
• Ask when you are leaving an opportunity and your skills are fresh in the person’s mind, such as leaving a job or at the end of a semester.

How to use AI to write a letter of recommendation

To make sure you walk away with a good recommendation letter, provide the letter writer with key points to include using Teal's AI Resume Achievements feature. Teal's AI will help you craft metric-rich accomplishments that stand out.

Use these achievements to not only write recommendation letters but also highlight accomplishments on your resume for a stand-out application.

Remember to also send your resume to the letter writer to ensure it aligns with your resume. This will help them easily craft a strong letter of recommendation that appeals to the job description or program requirements.

Propel your academic and professional career with recommendation letters

Whether it's to a professor, guidance counselor, or old boss, you’re now equipped with the etiquette knowledge and templates to request a recommendation letter. 

The task can seem daunting—but it’s well worth the time investment. Remember, providing the person with a “brag” sheet of your achievements can help them write a great letter for you. ​​You can use Teal's AI Resume Achievements feature to create those achievements for your brag sheet and your resume in a matter of seconds.

Sign up for Teal for free to create a resume today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How late is too late to ask for a letter of recommendation.

A same-day or even same-week recommendation request may be too late. Try to give the person two or more weeks to complete your request. 

How do you ask for a recommendation via email?

Open with a clear request, followed by why you’ve chosen this particular person. Conclude your email with any additional information to help them complete your request.

How do you follow up on an email asking for a recommendation letter?

In a follow-up email, be sincere, gentle, and respectful of the letter writer’s time. You can include something similar to “I know you’re busy. I just wanted to remind you that the upcoming deadline for [application summary] is [date].”

Is it okay to email asking for a letter of recommendation?

While in-person is best, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a letter of recommendation via email.

How do you ask for a recommendation in one sentence?

Every letter will include one formal sentence, along the lines of “Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for [specific purpose]?"

Kaleena Stroud

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General Project Planning Recommendation Letter

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