resume letter of recommendation

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...

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

11 min read · Updated on August 25, 2022

Writing a letter of recommendation is an honor, but also a big responsibility. Take the guesswork out of creating something that can make or break a colleague or student's candidacy.

As a trusted colleague, boss, or friend, you may be asked to write a letter of recommendation. That says a lot about the esteem in which others hold you and you should take it as an honor. Because you want to do a good job to ensure the person you are writing about has the best shot at the position they want, you need to understand how to write a letter of recommendation.

But what exactly is a letter of recommendation and how should you go about writing one? There's no mystery. Once you understand what goes into a great recommendation letter and how you can compile one, you'll be equipped to help that star student or employee make their next life move.

In this blog we will detail the steps to take and the following:

What is a letter of recommendation?

Recommendation letter examples

Types of recommendation letters

Recommendation letter format

Tips for writing a letter of recommendation

Mistakes to avoid

A letter of recommendation is a formal introduction and reference for a person seeking a new job or academic role. Letters of recommendation are typically written by a former employer, professor, client, or colleague whose attestation to your skills and qualities will impress the reader.

If you are asked to write a letter of recommendation, you can be sure that the requester believes you will have good things to say about their professional qualities and why you believe they are an excellent candidate for this new role.

A great recommendation letter, like a great resume or cover letter, entices the reader to want to learn more about the candidate and to offer them an interview to discuss the opportunity further.

Not everyone who requests a recommendation letter is asking because they have entered the job market. An employee may be returning to school to get an advanced degree, or applying for a certification program or fellowship.

Each different purpose requires a slightly different letter-writing approach. There are two main types of letters of recommendation you as a supervisor, client, manager, teacher or other superior may be asked to write:

Academic 

Academic letter of recommendation

Colleges, universities, and other post-graduate programs often seek letters of recommendation as part of the application process. These letters may also play a role in whether a candidate receives a scholarship or other financial assistance.

Academic letters of recommendation should focus on who the applicant is as a person and what insight and dedication they will bring to the academic department or program. Your job as an academic letter of recommendation writer is to offer an unbiased perspective on the applicant's personality, but also on their ability to grasp new concepts and any other skills and attributes that will make them an excellent student.

Employment letter of recommendation

Typically written by supervisors, managers, or clients, employment recommendation letters are focused on the attributes that will make the letter's subject an excellent employee. If you are asked by a person you supervise to write a letter of recommendation and it is not against company policy, make sure you honestly believe the person is a quality candidate. Your name will be on the letter, too.Teachers, academic advisors, and university professors may also be asked to write employment recommendations, especially if their students are searching for their first job or first job in a new field.

Exercise caution

Be aware that many employers will not allow you to write a recommendation letter for a colleague. They will, instead, suggest that you refer the person to the Human Resources Department, which will merely confirm a person's tenure with the company.

Before you begin to write, it will help to understand what goes into a reference letter. Any letter of recommendation should follow a standard format. Here are the components you need to include:

Introduction

Closing statement and signature

You may also consider including a personal anecdote if you feel comfortable doing so and it illustrates a positive quality about the letter's subject.

You may be asking yourself, “How do I write a letter of recommendation?” Take it one section at a time. Below, we offer detailed information on what each section should contain and recommendation letter example text for each.

Since this is a formal letter, your greeting should also be formal, unless the person for whom you are writing the letter asks you to keep it casual. You can't go wrong with Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last name] since you are relying on the information given to you by the letter's subject. 

If you do not know who the recipient of the letter is, kindly suggest that a letter with a personalized greeting goes a lot farther than one with a generic greeting. Above all, avoid the stilted “To Whom It May Concern” if at all possible.

The beginning of a recommendation letter serves an important purpose: It tells the reader who you are writing about and why. Although it may seem less than creative, one of the best ways to start is simply by adapting the following letter of recommendation examples intro: 

“I am pleased to recommend Sarah Peterman for the financial analyst manager position at Holdfield Century Inc. I have supervised Sarah for four years at Rosano Industries and feel she would be outstanding in this role.”

This format works for a candidate applying for a university program by simply changing the job and prospective employer's name to the academic program and university's name. 

The overview comprises the bulk of your letter of reference; it is the middle two or three body paragraphs. This may be the most difficult section to write because it is here that you explain why you believe the candidate is worthy. To help guide you, try answering the following questions:

What words best describe the candidate's work style?

What qualities help them excel and make them right for the new role?

What project or achievement stands out from their tenure?

What story or personal anecdote can you tell that will illustrate the best of the candidate?

Peg each piece of the information you share with a skill or attribute necessary for the new role. Make sure you connect the dots and explain exactly how each quality builds a case for the candidate.

Here is a recommendation letter example for the overview:

“I remember when Sarah began working in my department. She was eager to learn and, in fact, quickly developed an understanding of business modeling and our proprietary accounting system. Sarah is not afraid to ask clarifying questions and is always ready to lend a hand to get the job done. 

“In the course of our four years of working together, Sarah has taken every opportunity to stretch and grow as a financial analyst. In fact, I believe she is ready to move into the role of financial analyst.

“Just last week, I entrusted Sarah with completing and presenting our five-year business forecast at the company's quarterly meeting. I offered her this opportunity because I knew not only that she would do a fabulous job, but also that she was outgrowing her role as my subordinate. She did not disappoint. Her presentation was flawless and her analysis spot-on.”

Closing statement

You've written a recommendation letter that makes a great case for the candidate. Now you need a few sentences that remind the reader that you believe they are ready for their next move and you believe they have chosen wisely.

Here is a letter of recommendation example for a closing statement:

“After having managed Sarah for four years, I can attest to her dedication, determination and knowledge of business processes and strategies. Holdfield Century Inc. would be lucky to have Sarah in the position of finance manager.”

Finally, sign off with Sincerely or Regards, your full name, your title, and the company for which you work.

“Sincerely,

Anna Chavez

Financial analyst manager

Rosana Industries”

Tips for writing a good letter of recommendation

When writing a letter of recommendation, there are some hints to keep in mind that will make the process easier and more fruitful for the candidate. After all, you wouldn't have agreed to write the rec letter unless you believed in the candidate and wanted to help them.

Here are some tips for writing a great letter of recommendation.

Make sure you don't waste a word. You have only a few paragraphs to convince a hiring manager or admissions officer that the person you have chosen to endorse is an excellent candidate. Unless it's relevant, don't take space mentioning that they love soccer or knitted you a beautiful sweater for your birthday.

If you link each sentence to a quality necessary for the position, you won't have any trouble with this.

Use descriptive words to make a strong case. If possible, ask the candidate for the job listing or requirements for the academic program. Incorporate necessary attributes into your sentences. If creativity falls high on the list of requirements and you can honestly say it's true, write a phrase such as “creative thinker” or “able to develop creative solutions to thorny business problems.”

Get specific. The best letters of recommendation offer pointed examples, not platitudes. They offer data, details, and reasons for your high praise. “Kenton is a great employee” pales in comparison to “Kenton has never missed a deadline and often turns in his high-quality work early.” If you're in a data-driven industry, cement the case with relevant figures.

Check the facts with the letter's subject. It's not your career you're writing about. Do a little research to make sure you don't miss a key fact or accomplishment. Don't be shy about double-checking the details or even asking the candidate to refresh your memory.

Now that you know what you should do, here are a few things you should not . 

Don't say yes to writing the letter if you can't make an honest recommendation. A tepid letter of recommendation may be worse than none at all. Perhaps your underling has learned from the mistakes she made during her tenure as your employee and just needs a fresh start. That doesn't mean you have to write a recommendation letter. It's OK to say no.

Damning with faint praise. This is definitely a case where a less than ringing endorsement will have the recipient reading between the lines. That old saw, “if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all” applies here. Certainly do not write an anti-recommendation letter. Instead, let the candidate's resume, cover letter, and interview stand on their own.

The flipside: Hyperbole. While you don't want to get negative, you also don't want to go over the top with your language. The statement, “Kayla's art is among the best in the world” may have the reader thinking, “Really? Compared to Frida Kahlo, Picasso, and Rembrandt?” Keep it real. “Kayla's graphic designs have helped our customers increase traffic to their websites by 20%” is much more realistic and offers a better idea of what Kayla can do.

To be asked to write a letter of reference is an honor. It says that the person trusts you and believes you know their best qualities.

Follow the structure above, using a professional tone. Make it clear that you highly recommend the candidate for that position.

Choose a personal, but professionally related, anecdote to illustrate the candidate's outstanding qualifications for the job or academic program.

It is better to say no than to write a letter of recommendation that doesn't praise the candidate.

Make sure you have all the details right by doing some research and double-checking your facts

Find more resume-writing advice in our related articles below or upload your resume for a free review from our resume experts! Recommended reading

How to Keep a Bad Reference from Ruining Your Career

The 5 Best Questions to Ask in An Interview

Our TopResume Career Expert Answers Your Burning Job-Search Questions

Related Articles:

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

What to Say When Emailing a Resume (with Examples)

How To Write a Sick Leave Letter (with Template and Example)

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Quick Navigation

• What is a letter of recommendation?
• How to write a letter of recommendation

Recommendation letter example

If you need to write a recommendation letter for someone you know relatively soon, or maybe you merely want to be prepared for future requests that require you to compose them. In cases like these, this how-to piece will help you write recommendation letters with confidence. This article will define what a recommendation letter is and show you how to write a letter of recommendation.

What is a recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter is a letter someone writes for a person applying for a role like a job, internship or volunteer position. Someone could ask you to write one if they are applying to a college or for a scholarship. 

Writing a recommendation letter starts with assessing how well you know the person and how to describe them using adequate, positive examples. The recommendation letter should contain your honest opinion, including character traits they display in a professional setting.

If someone asks you to write a recommendation letter, find out when you need to submit the letter to make sure you will be able to meet the deadline.

How to write a recommendation letter

Follow these steps to write a recommendation letter:

1. Firstly, format the page

Begin by typing your full name and address in the upper left corner of the page. Next, put the month, day and year in the upper right. Move the cursor down a couple of lines and type the recipient’s name and address on the left side of the page, if you know that information.

Using a consistent format for your recommendation letter conveys professionalism and attention to detail, which could show that you are credible to the reader.

2. Secondly, choose a formal greeting

Use a formal business greeting to address the recipient. Doing this shows them that you acknowledge the serious nature of the letter. If you know their full name, include it in the greeting. If you’re not sure of the person’s name, write: ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To Whom It May Concern.’ 

3. Thirdly, describe the purpose of the letter and your relation to the person you are recommending 

After greeting the recipient, build the body of the letter by explaining the purpose of the letter. For example, you could say: ‘I am extremely happy to recommend Bailey for the Customer Service Manager role at Smith Robotics.’ Then, say something straightforward and positive about the person, like, ‘Bailey is a diligent worker, and any company would be lucky to have them.’

Finally, state how you know the person, and how long you have known them and how long you have worked with them. You can explain your role and relationship to the subject of the letter. For example, ‘I’ve been the Camp Director at Chesterfield Summer Camp for three decades, and I had the pleasure of supervising Jules for the last four summers.’

4. Next, add specific examples of the recommended person and their work 

You can use several relevant, real-life examples to help the reader better understand the subject’s traits and abilities. Think of situations where the person stayed calm under pressure, showed their ability to be a team player or otherwise went beyond expectations.

For example, ‘Alex’s willingness to show leadership is especially impressive, especially considering they’re relatively new to the workforce and recently graduated college.’ Using that technique highlights how you noticed outstanding qualities, enabling the reader to create a richer mental picture of them.

The best examples will relate to the role that this person is applying for. Also, discuss character traits that you believe makes this person a good choice for a position or a workplace in general. You might mention how punctual the person is, how they were never late for a shift and were reliable.

5. Moreover, keep a balanced perspective

Keep your perspective as balanced as possible. You’ll show you can view the person’s characteristics by appreciating their strengths and not overlooking areas for future growth. You might say, ‘Carter’s strong work ethic meant that he sometimes took on too many tasks. He worked hard to set boundaries, and I noticed progress in that regard, especially within the last six months that I worked with them.’

6. Finally, complete the letter with a positive affirmation and an invitation to contact you 

In the last section of the recommendation letter, repeat your confidence that the person is the right person for the opportunity. You can summarize why you feel that way. For example, you could say ‘Due to the reasons mentioned above and others not listed here, I have no hesitation about giving Riley my highest recommendation for this position.’

End your letter of recommendation by inviting the recipient to contact you using the details at the top of the letter. Use a formal closing phrase like ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Best Regards.’ If you’re sending a physical letter, don’t forget to sign your name by hand above the typed signature.

To Whom it May Concern:

I am pleased to strongly recommend Jordan Smith for the Head Copywriter position at Morrison Marketing.

I am Avery Jones, a Copy Manager at Words Unlimited, and I have more than four years of experience in the copywriting industry. Due to my leadership position, I have supervised many young professionals. Jordan stands out for numerous reasons, including her outstanding work ethic and determination.

During her time at our organization, Jordan displayed an excellent understanding of how to write in the client’s voice and meet the audience’s needs. I was also impressed with how her understanding of search engine optimization updates grew over time, and how skillfully she applied that new knowledge to their copywriting work. It was in these areas that Jordan especially surpassed her peers. Although Jordan lacks the industry experience of some other team members at my company, she made up for it with consistent dedication.

Besides her excellent copywriting prowess, Jordan demonstrated a positive attitude, willingness to take on new challenges and attentiveness. Those things made them an asset to the company and its team members, as well as to me. 

Due to these reasons and the many other positive traits she possesses, I have no hesitation in saying that Jordan would be a great addition to the Morrison Marketing team. She has the background and skills the position requires, plus the soft skills that make her able to excel and thrive in this role.

If you need more information or examples to assist with your decision making, please get in touch with me using the contact details provided in the header of this letter.

Sincerely,  Avery Jones

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Letter of Recommendation Template (With Examples)

What to Write in a Letter of Recommendation

Heading and greeting, the body of the letter, summary, conclusion, and closing, recommendation letter template, more recommendation letter examples.

Ideally, when you're writing a  letter of recommendation,  it's about someone whom you feel merits praise, so all you have to do is write down your positive feedback on the candidate.

The process isn't always as easy as it sounds, though. It can be challenging to write a terrific recommendation letter. Also, there are standard things that you would want to mention in your endorsement of the candidate. 

Following a template can help ensure that you hit all the important points in your letter, so it will be as effective and informative as possible. 

Get more details on what to include in your letter, formatting tips, and a step-by-step look at a recommendation template with plenty of examples for inspiration. 

As you prepare to  write your letter of recommendation , make sure that you have  enough information to work with .

To make it easier, ask the individual you are assisting to provide you with their resume, a list of volunteer or extracurricular activities where they have held leadership roles, and a copy of all job postings to which they are applying.

You should also ask them to alert you when they have used your  letter of recommendation  so that you can be prepared to speak on their behalf should an employer call you for additional information. 

Your letter should follow a specific format to guide the reader through your relationship with the person you're recommending.

The heading and greeting should include your information and a greeting or introduction.

Your Contact Information Your Name Your Title Company or School Name Address City, State Zip Code

If you are writing a personal letter of reference, include a salutation (such as Dear Mr. Johnson, Dear Dr. Jameson, etc.).

If you are writing a general letter, use " To Whom It May Concern " or don't include a salutation. If you don't include a salutation, start your letter with the first paragraph.

The body is where you explain why you're a good reference, why the individual is qualified, and describe any of the individual's relevant skills. 

First Paragraph

The first paragraph of a recommendation letter explains your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them, and why you are qualified to recommend the person for employment or school.

I met Susan when she was a Freshman in my Introductory Economics course at WVU. Throughout her studies in my department, I had the opportunity to work with her on several research projects where she acted as my assistant.

Second Paragraph

The second paragraph of a recommendation letter contains information about the individual you are writing about, including why they are qualified for a position, what they can contribute, and why you are recommending them. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.

Bill graduated with honors in Philosophy, and was always focused on how his future would progress. He knew he wanted to pursue a doctorate very early on, and has worked independently, in groups, and as a research assistant. I believe that Bill would be an asset to your department, as he brings a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm to his studies. He is a very bright and qualified individual, and a pleasure to work with.

Third Paragraph

When writing a letter recommending a candidate for a specific job opening, the recommendation letter should include information on how the person's skills match the position they are applying for. Ask for a copy of the job posting and a copy of the person's resume so you can target your letter accordingly.

I believe that Christine would be an excellent addition to your international sales team. When I worked with her at XYZ, I was impressed by her ability to communicate the effectiveness of our products to our clients and close a sale. During the two years I worked with her, she was personally responsible for adding several new clients in Asia and Africa.

This is where you finalize your recommendation with specific wording that should highlight your enthusiasm for the person.

This section of the recommendation letter contains a brief summary of why you are recommending the person. Use phrases like "strongly recommend," "recommend without reservation," or "candidate has my highest recommendation" to reinforce your endorsement.

During my acquaintance with Joanne, she has been efficient, professional, organized, and a fantastic team leader. She has my highest recommendation for the position of office manager at DEF, Inc.

The concluding paragraph of your recommendation letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph, and provide the phone number again and your email address in the return address section of your letter or under your signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Recommender Name Title Email Address Phone Number

Download a recommendation letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word) or read the example below. This letter template shows the format of a typical letter of reference for employment or educational purposes. The format is appropriate for an employment reference, as well as a reference for college or graduate studies.

Recommendation Letter Example (Text Version)

Elaine Chang Office Manager CBI Industries 123 Business Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 elaine.chang@email.com

March 21, 2022

Jessica Smith Office Manager Acme Corp 680 Main Boulevard, Ste. 300 Ocean City, CA 93650

Dear Ms. Smith,

I’m writing to recommend Mary Thompson for the position of administrative assistant at Acme Corp. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mary for the past few years at CBI Industries, and have been consistently impressed with her diligence, efficiency, and ability to get things done.

Most recently, Mary has worked for me directly as a receptionist in our main office. In this role, she performed many administrative tasks in addition to greeting customers and other visitors and organizing team events. For example, she currently manages our executive team’s schedules and organizes their appointments, as well as coordinating travel and expense reporting. 

I believe that Mary would be an excellent addition to your administrative staff. I’ve been consistently impressed with her organizational skills and grace under pressure. In our industry, as you know, every position is a customer service position. Mary constantly seeks to learn more about our products and programs so that she can help serve our clients and mitigate issues as they come up. She’s also a quick learner who picks up new technology with great speed.

I strongly recommend Mary for the position of administrative assistant at your company. She’s organized, detail-oriented, effective, and committed to getting the job done. She’d make an excellent addition to your team.

Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 if you have any questions.

Elaine Chang

 Need more samples? Review examples of different types of letters of recommendation, including letters for employment, academia, and character and personal reference letters.

Key Takeaways

• Ask the person who requested the letter of information to share background information on themselves and any role at hand—this will make it simpler for you to know what to write. 
• Follow the standard format of a letter of recommendation, so it meets the expectations of the people reading the letter. 
• Make sure the recommendation letter includes details on your connection to the person, why you recommend them, their relevant skills, and the best way to reach you for more insight. 

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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.

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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Writing a Letter of Recommendation: Full Guide

• Jan 30, 2024

Constructing a letter of recommendation is a big responsibility. You are given the power to endorse your recommendee's skills and qualifications to help them land an opportunity.

Therefore, you need to do your best to craft a thoughtful and meaningful letter that accurately reflects the qualities and accomplishments of the person you are recommending.

"Your network is your net worth." Porter Gale

This article will provide tips for both parties: the recommendie and the recommender. In the end, you will find recommendation letter templates and examples for creating a complete picture of how to write this professional document.

What is a letter of recommendation?

A recommendation letter is a document that supports an individual's candidacy for a job, admission to educational institutions, or other opportunities. This correspondence is typically penned by a person knowledgeable of the individual and can assure of their character and credentials.

The letter's composer should be able to give valuable insight into the candidate's capabilities and talents that would not be simply procured through a resume or other documents.

A reference letter can provide a more exact depiction of the person's qualifications and experiences, allowing them to be distinguished from others.

It is also important to remember that the letter of recommendation should be honest and genuine . Regardless of the relationship between the recommender and the recommendee, the letter must authentically attest to the job seeker's expertise.

Recommendation letter samples

To better prepare you for writing a recommendation letter, below are a few letters of recommendation examples composed for different occasions. Use them as a reference when constructing yours.

Sample letter of recommendation for job application

Recommendation letter sample for internship

Dear Ms. Jefferson, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for John Wilson's application for the Assistant Manager's position. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of working closely with John and can confidently attest to his outstanding qualities. John is not only a dedicated professional but also an exceptional team player. His quick grasp of new concepts and impressive problem-solving skills make him stand out. His passion for work is evident in his strong commitment to completing projects promptly with precision and organizational prowess. John excels in handling multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure without compromising quality. His interpersonal skills are exceptional, fostering effective collaboration within the team. Reliable, punctual, and selfless in prioritizing the team's needs, John is a valuable asset. I wholeheartedly recommend John for any position requiring strong organizational skills, precision, and the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment. In conclusion, John Wilson has been an indispensable contributor to our team. I endorse his application for the Assistant Manager's position and encourage you to consider him for this role. I wish John the very best in his job search. Best regards, Alisa Stones

Sample letter of recommendation for graduate school application

Dear Admission Committee, I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Henry Brown for admission to the MBA program at the University of Texas at Austin. My name is Peter Wescott, and I am honored to serve as an Assistant Professor of Business at Arizona State University. Over the course of four years, I have had the privilege of teaching and advising Henry, and it is with great confidence that I express my endorsement of his application. Henry is an exceptional student, exemplifying high motivation and unwavering dedication to his academic pursuits. His enthusiasm and diligence have not only propelled him to graduate with top honors in his undergraduate degree but also contributed to his impressive research experience. Throughout his college tenure, Henry showcased robust analytical skills, acquiring a profound understanding of the subjects we explored. Beyond his academic prowess, Henry distinguishes himself as an outstanding communicator. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity during our meetings at the Entrepreneurship Center was consistently impressive. Moreover, he proved to be a collaborative force within the team, fostering creativity and effective teamwork among peers. In addition to his scholastic achievements, Henry has garnered practical experience through internships with Lone Star Bank & Trust. This hands-on knowledge equips him with a real-world perspective that seamlessly aligns with his intended studies at the graduate level. In summation, I am unequivocal in my belief that Henry is an exemplary candidate for your MBA program. His combination of passion, intelligence, and unwavering dedication positions him as a perfect fit for the academic environment at your institution. It is with utmost confidence that I strongly recommend Henry Brown for admission to your esteemed program. Sincerely, Peter Wescott

Recommendation letter template

Formulating a letter of reference can be challenging. However, it is an integral part of the job search process . Here is a letter of recommendation template to help you get started.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am pleased to write this letter in support of [Name]'s application for [Position]. My name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Title]. I have known [Name] for [length of time], as we worked together at [Company].

In my role as [position], I had the opportunity to observe [Name] closely. I was consistently impressed by her hard work and dedication to the job. She always approached tasks with enthusiasm and was eager to learn new skills.

[Name]'s commitment to excellence was evident in all aspects of her work. She was highly organized, with great attention to detail. She also had excellent problem-solving skills and was quick to develop creative solutions.

[Name] is a true team player, and I found her easy to work with. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and share her knowledge with others. On top of that, she has an engaging personality and can build relationships easily.

Overall, I believe [Name] would add value to your organization. I can confidently recommend her for the position and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Who to ask for a recommendation letter?

A good letter of recommendation may make all the difference when getting the job you want. But how do you know who makes a good reference?

Letter of recommendation - examples of references:

• Employer or colleague. Your manager from the previous job is usually the best reference. They have worked with you directly and can offer detailed insight into your abilities. They can also speak to your reliability and professionalism.
• Professor or mentor. If you don't have any work experience or are applying for a position in academia, a reference from your educational journey is an excellent choice. They can talk about your academic performance, noteworthy accomplishments, engagement in extracurricular activities , and ability to take initiative and collaborate with peers.
• Supervisor from a volunteer organization. Volunteering can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to the greater community . Having a coordinator who worked in such an organization serves as a reference and allows potential employers to see these qualities in action.

Ultimately, having reliable references is key to ensuring that a potential employer learns about you as much as possible. While many people may be willing to serve as references, not everyone will have the capacity to provide a detailed assessment of your skills or character.

Some hiring managers may consider recommendations from mutual connections or colleagues to be influential in their hiring decisions. This is why networking is important.

Choosing the right references helps ensure that your recommendation letter will make a great impression on hiring managers.

Tips on how to ask for a letter

Acquiring a letter of recommendation could be daunting as you may feel nervous or afraid of rejection. Use these hints to help you ask confidently and politely.

1. Reach out in person or by phone

Contacting your recommender via phone or a personal meeting is better than email. It also gives a space for a conversation to talk about the details to be included in the letter.

2. Provide information

Give the chosen recommender your resume , list of accomplishments, job description, and other details to help them boost their letter with facts . Ensure they receive all the necessary materials to write the letter, such as a link to a submission form.

3. Set expectations

Let the chosen person know when the recommendation letter is due, who should receive it, and any other relevant details .

4. Follow up

Contact your recommender when you hear back from the company or school regarding their decision. Share the updates or any new details as they become available.

5. Show your appreciation

Send a thank-you note after they write the letter to show your gratitude for their effort. Regardless of the outcome, be grateful for their willingness to help you achieve what you desire.

As you reach out to your potential recommender, be polite and professional . Make sure you request a recommendation letter well in advance to allow enough time to write it.

Be prepared that someone may not be able to commit to composing a supporting letter for you at the time. Hence, have a backup of who else you may ask for a letter of recommendation.

Types of recommendation letters

Letters of recommendation hold significant weight in the hiring process. Most employers value them as an essential factor in their decision-making process.

With such weight that is put on your shoulders, you may see the task of writing a recommendation letter as a challenge. Especially if this is your first time being a recommender. However, it does not have to be.

Letters of recommendation provide employers with information about a candidate's character and qualifications. There are several types of letters of recommendation, each with its purpose.

A letter of recommendation is a valuable part of the job application process. Different types of letters offer unique insights about the candidate. Understanding each type can help you choose the best letter for your needs.

Recommendation letter format

The letter of recommendation format is similar to other professional letters, such as a cover letter or letter of interest.

Below are some suggestions to help choose the proper recommendation letter format for easy and effective delivery. Use a professional font . A standard font like Times New Roman of a font size 12 is the most common choice. Align your text to the left margin , and leave adequate space between the lines and paragraphs. Include the date at the top of the letter. This will facilitate the organization. If possible, use the organization/company's letter blank to add credibility. Keep your letter to one page of 4-5 paragraphs long.

By taking note of these guidelines, you will indeed compose a recommendation letter that is pleasant to read.

Tips on writing a recommendation letter

A recommendation letter is an important document that can help someone get their dream job or university acceptance.

"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities." Michele Jennae

Writing a great letter of recommendation is not always easy. Use the following advice to craft an excellent letter of recommendation.

• Use an appropriate salutation. Start with "Dear Mr/Ms/Dr [Last name]" if you know the person, or "To Whom It May Concern" if you don't know whom you are addressing.
• Introduce yourself. Tell who you are and detail your relationship with the individual. State how long you have been acquainted, how you met them, and why you are capable of outlining your reasons for providing a letter of endorsement.
• Highlight Qualifications and Credentials. Indicate the unique attributes of the individual whom you are recommending. Describe any accomplishments they have achieved and special skills they possess. Illustrate other successes that make them great candidates for the job or university program.
• Be Specific. Give concrete illustrations of the person who has excelled in their previous roles or studies. This will give your letter more credibility and provide substantial evidence to support your recommendation. Discuss any challenges they might have faced and how they overcame them.
• Keep it Positive. While being honest about the person's abilities is important, keep your letter focused on their positive qualities and using active language . Talk about the applicant's character traits, such as reliability, commitment, hard work, and dedication.
• Remain professional. Do not incorporate overly emotional language or funny stories that do not relate to the person's job performance or qualifications. These can hurt their chances of being taken seriously.
• Restate your recommendation in the end. Close by summarizing your recommendation and expressing confidence in their success. You can also offer to provide additional information if needed.
• Sign the letter. Finish with a closing like "Sincerely" followed by your full name, contact information, and signature.
• Proofread. Read your letter multiple times to ensure it reads clearly and accurately reflects your opinion of the person. Double-check for typos and other mistakes.

By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing a concise layout, you can construct a highly persuasive letter of recommendation. You will be sure that it will provide the person you are advocating for an advantage over others.

Writing a quality letter of recommendation isn't easy, but it is critical to helping a person in their professional pursuits. A glowing letter of recommendation can mean the distinction between being successful and forgotten.

In this article, you learned how to write a recommendation letter. With the right effort, you can help them make a great impression and secure the ideal job opportunity.

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want" Zig Ziglar

It is vital to remember that the letter's content needs to be tailored to the particular applicant and reflect their unique strengths and skills. By following the outlined above steps, you can guarantee your letter of recommendation will be remarkable in every way.

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Other relevant articles

As you help your recommendee by providing a reference letter for them, direct them to these useful articles:

• How to write a cover letter to leave a lasting impression.
• How to organize resume sections in the most effective way.
• How to prepare for a STAR job interview to present yourself in the best light.

With the help of these resources and our online resume builder and cover letter creator, they will surely succeed in their job search.

Amanda Baker

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Amanda Baker is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career coach with over a decade of experience crafting compelling resumes and career marketing tools. As a black resume writer, Amanda brings a distinctive perspective to her work, guided by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of job seekers. Her ultimate goal is to equip young professionals with the skills and knowledge to confidently navigate the competitive job market.

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Write a Standout Letter of Recommendation: What to Include

A letter of recommendation is a document written by someone who has personal or professional experience with an individual and wishes to vouch for their abilities, character, or accomplishments. These letters are commonly used by job seekers, college applicants, or individuals seeking admission or promotion within organizations.

The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to provide an assessment or evaluation of the person being recommended, highlighting their strengths and qualifications. Such letters can help the recipient make informed decisions about the candidate, as well as provide third-party validation of the person’s abilities and accomplishments.

However, not all letters of recommendation are created equal, and the importance of crafting a standout letter cannot be overlooked. A well-written letter can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of the candidate’s application or job search. A standout letter can provide context and insight into the candidate, helping to differentiate them from other applicants and make a compelling case for why they are the right choice.

In this article, we will explore what to include in a standout letter of recommendation, from the key elements to the tone and language used. With this guide, you can learn how to write a letter of recommendation that truly stands out and showcases the strengths and potential of the individual in question. So without further ado, let us dive into the essentials of writing a standout letter of recommendation.

Know Your Audience

Writing a letter of recommendation isn’t just about endorsing someone’s skills or achievements, it’s also about understanding your audience. Knowing who will read your letter, why they are reading it, and what they hope to gain from it can help you craft a more effective and targeted recommendation.

Who is the letter for?

First and foremost, consider the person or organization that will receive your letter. Is it a potential employer, academic institution, or professional association? Is it an individual or a committee? Understanding the context of the recommendation can inform the tone, content, and format of your letter.

What is their purpose for reading the letter?

Next, think about why the recipient is reading your letter. Is it to evaluate the candidate for a specific job or program? Are they looking for reassurance about the candidate’s abilities or potential? Do they want to know about the candidate’s character, work ethic, or leadership skills? Clarifying the recipient’s purpose can help you focus on the most relevant aspects of the candidate’s background and tailor your language to meet their expectations.

What are their expectations?

In addition to understanding the recipient’s purpose, it’s important to consider their expectations. What level of detail or specificity do they require? What format or structure do they prefer? What qualities or qualifications are they most interested in? Answering these questions can help you strike the right balance between showcasing the candidate’s strengths and addressing any concerns or weaknesses.

How well do you know the person you are recommending?

Finally, it’s crucial to assess your own relationship with the candidate. How long have you known them? In what capacity have you worked with them? What specific experiences can you draw from to support your recommendation? If you don’t know the candidate well enough to provide a meaningful recommendation, it may be better to decline the request or suggest that someone else write the letter.

By taking the time to consider your audience and how they will use your letter of recommendation, you can increase the chances of your candidate standing out among other applicants. Keep these factors in mind as you write, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a standout recommendation that does the candidate justice.

What to include in the introduction

When writing a letter of recommendation, the introduction is the perfect opportunity to set the tone and provide context for the reader. Here are three key elements to include in your introduction:

The reason for the letter

Begin your letter of recommendation by stating the purpose for writing it. Explain why you are recommending this person and what specific skills or qualities you believe make them an excellent candidate. Be clear and concise in your explanation, as this will set the foundation for the rest of the letter.

Your relationship to the person you are recommending

It’s important to establish your relationship to the person you are recommending. Are you a former supervisor? A colleague or collaborator? A mentor or advisor? This context is crucial for the reader to understand the perspective from which you are evaluating the candidate.

How long you have known them and in what capacity

Finally, provide an overview of your experience with the candidate. How long have you known them? In what professional or personal capacity have you interacted with them? Be specific, focusing on the types of projects or situations where the candidate has demonstrated their skills or qualities.

By including these three elements in your introduction, you can set the stage for a standout letter of recommendation that truly showcases the strengths of the person you are recommending.

Specifics to highlight in the body

When writing a letter of recommendation, it is important to not only provide general information but also highlight specific examples of the person’s skills and accomplishments. This helps to demonstrate to the reader that the individual truly stands out from others in their field.

One great way to showcase someone’s abilities is to provide specific examples of projects or assignments they excelled in. This not only highlights their skills but also shows that they are capable of delivering quality work on a consistent basis. It’s important to give specific details about the project or assignment and how the individual contributed to its success.

Additionally, it’s crucial to explain how the person stands out from others in their field. This could be their unique perspectives, approaches, or techniques that have made an impact in their industry. Providing concrete examples of how they differentiate themselves helps to paint a more vivid picture of their abilities and accomplishments.

Finally, it’s important to highlight how the individual has grown and developed over time. This could be in their skills or knowledge, or even in their approach to work and problem-solving. Showing that the person has evolved and improved over time demonstrates that they have the ability to learn and adapt to new situations, which is extremely valuable in any field.

When writing about someone’s skills and accomplishments, it’s important to be specific, detailed, and provide concrete examples. By highlighting specific projects or assignments they’ve excelled in and explaining how they stand out from others in their field, you can help to create a standout letter of recommendation that truly showcases the individual’s unique abilities and accomplishments.

Addressing any weaknesses

It’s important to acknowledge that no candidate is perfect, and it’s okay to discuss their weaknesses or areas for improvement in a letter of recommendation.

One of the weaknesses I have observed is that the candidate struggled with presentation skills. In the past, they had difficulty conveying their ideas effectively in front of a group. However, they recognized this weakness and have taken intentional steps to improve. They have attended public speaking workshops, participated in Toastmasters, and sought feedback from colleagues. As a result of their hard work, I have seen significant improvement in their presentation skills.

Another area for improvement is time management. The candidate has a tendency to take on too many projects at once, which can lead to missed deadlines and overwhelmed feelings. However, they have recognized this weakness and have made changes to their approach. They have created a prioritization system to ensure that they are focusing on the most important tasks first. Additionally, they have begun delegating tasks to others on their team, which has helped to alleviate some of their workload.

Lastly, I have noticed that the candidate has struggled with accepting feedback in the past. However, they have actively sought out feedback from colleagues and superiors, and have made a concerted effort to receive it with an open mind. They have shown a willingness to improve based on the feedback received, and have taken the necessary steps to implement the changes suggested.

While the candidate may have weaknesses or areas for improvement, it’s important to note that they are actively working to improve in these areas. They are committed to their personal and professional development, and have taken steps to address their weaknesses head-on. As a result, I am confident that they have the potential to excel in any position they may be considered for.

Personal qualities to highlight

When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s important to highlight the person’s character and personality traits. Admissions officers, hiring managers, or scholarship committees look beyond academic or professional qualifications. They want to know what makes the person stand out from the rest.

Highlighting person’s character and personality traits

Start by identifying the characteristics and personality traits that set the person apart. Whether it’s their kindness, creativity, resilience, or leadership skills, these traits should be emphasized in the letter.

For instance, if the person has a positive attitude even in difficult situations, explain how this trait helped them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. If they have strong intuition or empathy, show how they have used these traits to connect with others and create positive relationships.

Examples of their work ethic, dependability, and teamwork skills

It’s also essential to provide concrete examples that illustrate the person’s work ethic, dependability, and teamwork skills. The following are some examples:

Work ethic: If the person is known for their strong work ethic, explain how they have consistently gone above and beyond what was expected of them. For example, perhaps they took on extra projects or stayed late to ensure a project was completed on time.

Dependability: If the person is reliable and trustworthy, mention how they have consistently shown up on time and met deadlines. You could also talk about how they have taken the initiative to ensure that things are running smoothly and that others can count on them.

Teamwork skills: If the person is an excellent team player, provide examples of how they have collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Talk about how they have contributed to the team’s success and how they have helped others improve their skills.

Highlighting the person’s character and personality traits, as well as their work ethic, dependability, and teamwork skills, can help create a standout letter of recommendation. Remember to provide specific examples and to use a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout the letter.

Specific examples

A letter of recommendation can make or break someone’s job application or academic admission. Thus, it’s vital to personalize it with specific examples that demonstrate your subject’s strengths and potential. Here are some tips on how to choose the right examples for maximum impact.

1. Identify the key qualities

Before looking for examples, it’s essential to understand what traits the letter recipient is looking for. Is it leadership, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, communication, or something else? Read the job description or admission criteria carefully, and talk to your subject to determine the most relevant skills or experiences to highlight.

2. Use stories or anecdotes

The best way to showcase someone’s abilities is through vivid and unique stories or anecdotes. Don’t just list their achievements or skills; explain how they manifested in a real-life situation. For instance, instead of saying that your subject is a skilled writer, narrate how they wrote an impressive report that won a client or a contest.

3. Be specific and quantifiable

Avoid vague language or generalizations that could apply to anyone. Use specific details, such as names, places, dates, and outcomes, to give credibility to your examples. Also, try to quantify your subject’s impact, wherever possible. For instance, instead of saying that your subject improved customer satisfaction, state how much (e.g., increased it by 30%).

4. Choose recent and relevant examples

While it’s tempting to mention every positive experience you’ve had with your subject, it’s better to choose the ones that are recent and relevant to the job or program they’re applying for. Focus on the experiences that show your subject’s growth, versatility, and potential. Also, avoid examples that are too personal or private, as they may not be appropriate or applicable.

5. Balance strengths and weaknesses

A letter that only praises someone’s strengths could sound biased or insincere. It’s essential to acknowledge potential weaknesses or areas for improvement, too, but in a constructive and supportive way. Instead of criticizing or dismissing the flaws, show how your subject is aware of them and actively working on them. Balance the critique with positive feedback and encouragement.

A letter of recommendation that includes specific stories or anecdotes can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. By following the above tips, you can choose the right examples for maximum impact, showcase your subject’s strengths and potential, and help them stand out among other applicants. Remember to proofread your letter and seek feedback from your subject before submitting it. Good luck!

Formatting and tone

When it comes to writing a standout letter of recommendation, the formatting and tone you choose can make a significant impact. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

Choosing the right tone for the letter

It’s important to strike the right tone when writing a letter of recommendation. You want to come across as professional and knowledgeable, while also conveying enthusiasm and support for the candidate. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be positive: Regardless of the specific context, it’s important to convey a positive outlook and attitude throughout your letter. Use upbeat language, express your confidence in the candidate, and highlight their strengths and abilities.
• Use specific examples: To back up your claims and paint a vivid picture of the candidate’s skills and character, try to include specific examples or anecdotes. This can help personalize the letter and make it more compelling.
• Tailor the tone to the position: Depending on the nature of the role or opportunity the candidate is applying for, you may need to adapt your tone accordingly. For example, if they are applying for a creative position, you may want to emphasize their artistic flair and out-of-the-box thinking.

How to format the letter for maximum readability and impact

In addition to the tone of your letter, the way you format it can also influence the reader’s perception of your message. Here are some best practices for formatting your letter of recommendation:

• Start with a clear introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the candidate. This can help establish your authority and credibility as a recommender.
• Use a professional font and style: To enhance readability and maintain a professional look, choose a clear and easy-to-read font (such as Times New Roman or Arial) and align the text left.
• Organize your thoughts logically: To avoid rambling or confusing the reader, organize your thoughts into clear sections (such as background, strengths, and examples).
• Use bullet points and subheadings: To break up long paragraphs and make skim-reading easier, consider using bullet points and subheadings to highlight key points.
• End with a strong conclusion: Wrap up your letter by reiterating your support for the candidate and summarizing the main points you’ve made.

By following these tips for formatting and tone, you can create a standout letter of recommendation that supports the candidate’s goals and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Emphasizing the person’s potential

When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s important to not only focus on the person’s past accomplishments but also their potential for future success. Here are some tips on how to emphasize the person’s potential:

• Use specific examples.

When highlighting the person’s strengths, it’s important to use specific examples of when they demonstrated those strengths. For example, if they have excellent leadership skills, provide an example of a time when they led a successful project or team. By using specific examples, it’s easier to see how their strengths will translate to future opportunities.

• Discuss their goals.

Ask the person what their career goals are and then discuss how their strengths and potential can help them achieve those goals. This not only shows that you care about their future but also highlights how they can succeed in the industry or field they’re interested in.

• Focus on their potential.

When discussing the person’s accomplishments, make sure to also discuss their potential for future success. This can be done by highlighting how their accomplishments have contributed to their growth and development, and how they have shown a willingness to learn and take on new challenges. By focusing on their potential, you’re showing that you believe in them and that they have what it takes to succeed.

• Be specific about future opportunities.

If you know of specific opportunities the person is interested in, discuss how their strengths and potential make them a great fit for those opportunities. By being specific about future opportunities, you’re showing that you’ve thought about the person’s future and believe they have what it takes to excel in those roles.

When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s important to not only discuss the person’s past accomplishments but also their potential for future success. By using specific examples, discussing their goals, focusing on their potential, and being specific about future opportunities, you can highlight the person’s strengths and demonstrate how they will translate to future opportunities.

Closing the Letter

End your recommendation letter by summarizing your key points and reiterating your endorsement of the candidate. This summary should highlight the candidate’s strengths and specific accomplishments that make them a great fit for the opportunity at hand.

Additionally, offer to be available for any further questions or to provide additional information that may be helpful in the decision-making process. This shows a level of investment in the success of the candidate and the opportunity they are pursuing.

Remember, your letter of recommendation should be sincere and truthful, highlighting the unique qualities and experiences that set the candidate apart. With a strong closing, you can leave a lasting impression and help the candidate stand out in a competitive field.

Example Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation provides insight into a candidate’s personal and professional qualities, making it a crucial factor in the selection process. Here’s an example of a letter that effectively highlights the candidate’s strengths:

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am pleased to recommend Sarah Johnson for enrollment in your esteemed institution’s graduate program. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for three years, during which I have seen her grow into a committed, dedicated, and hardworking individual.

As Sarah’s supervisor, I have had the opportunity to witness her exceptional ability to take on immense responsibilities with ease. Her unwavering attention to detail, coupled with her outstanding organizational and time-management skills, has consistently enabled her to effortlessly manage multiple projects while delivering stellar results.

Furthermore, Sarah’s exceptional interpersonal skills and warm demeanor have made her a valuable asset to our team. She effortlessly collaborates with her colleagues, fostering teamwork, and engendering a positive workplace culture. Her openness to feedback and eagerness to learn have enabled her to make significant contributions to our team’s growth and success.

Sarah’s insatiable thirst for learning and her natural curiosity have motivated her to continually keep improving her skills. With her commitment and work ethic, I am confident that Sarah will be a valuable asset to your institution.

Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.

Sincerely, John Smith“`

Detailed Annotations:

• The letter begins with a formal greeting, addressing the Admissions Committee directly.
• The writer emphasizes his professional relationship with the candidate and his extensive experience working with her.
• The letter is structured to highlight the candidate’s key strengths, starting with her exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• The annotations use specific examples to bolster the writer’s assertions about the candidate’s abilities, providing credible evidence to support a strong recommendation.
• The writer further emphasizes the candidate’s interpersonal strengths, highlighting her ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• The letter concludes strongly, with the writer’s unequivocal recommendation of the candidate.

Using this letter as a guide for your own recommendation:

When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s critical to provide specific instances of the candidate’s skills, work ethic, and character. This letter, for instance, highlights the candidate’s strengths effectively, providing the evidence required to support its claims.

As you draft your letter, be sure to:

• Address the recipient formally, using their correct name and title.
• Use examples to illustrate the candidate’s specific talents, skills, or accomplishments.
• Make your letter stand out by drawing attention to the candidate’s personal qualities that make her or him unique.
• Close your letter with a clear and strong statement of recommendation for the candidate.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be sure to write a standout letter of recommendation that effectively highlights the candidate’s skills, abilities, and personal qualities.

Tips for Success

A letter of recommendation can make all the difference in a student’s or job applicant’s future, but how do you make sure your letter stands out and makes an impact? Here are some tips for success:

Tips for Making Your Letter Stand Out

• Use specific examples: Provide specific instances that showcase the applicant’s skills and qualities. This adds weight to your recommendation and helps paint a picture of the applicant’s capabilities.
• Highlight unique characteristics: Mention any standout qualities or traits that make the applicant stand out from others, such as a unique work ethic, leadership abilities, or dedication to their field.
• Be personal: Adding a personal touch to your letter, such as a memorable interaction or inside joke, can help the applicant stand out and make your letter more memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague language: Using vague language or cliches can weaken your recommendation and make it seem less genuine. Instead, be specific and provide concrete examples to back up your statements.
• Focusing on weaknesses: While it’s important to be honest about the applicant’s weaknesses, focusing too much on them can detract from your overall recommendation. Instead, frame weaknesses as areas the applicant can improve upon.
• Lack of enthusiasm: Make sure your recommendation comes across as enthusiastic and supportive of the applicant. A lukewarm recommendation may not have the desired impact.

How to Make Sure Your Letter is Effective and Impactful

• Tailor your letter: Customize your letter to the position or opportunity the applicant is applying for. This shows that you understand the requirements of the position and can endorse the applicant’s suitability for it.
• Consider the audience: Who will be reading your letter? Make sure you speak to their interests and concerns, and format your letter in a way that is appropriate for them.
• Proofread and edit: Finally, make sure your letter is error-free and well-written. Typos and grammatical errors can detract from the impact of your recommendation, so take the time to proofread and edit your letter before submitting it.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make sure your letter of recommendation is effective, impactful, and helps the applicant stand out from the crowd.

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How to Use a Letter of Recommendation Template

Being asked to write a letter of recommendation for someone can be both a compliment and a curse if you’re not sure what to say. There are a lot of letter of recommendation templates out there to help you, but now you have to learn how to use them, too. It may be tempting and seem easier just to tell the person no.

Before you do, though, try using this article to guide you on the basics of writing a letter of recommendation. You might just find it’s not quite as difficult as you initially imagined!

What is a Letter of Recommendation Used For?

If you’ve never written one of these before, you need to know a little background on the importance of them before you start writing. It’s quite possible you’re holding the requester’s career future in your pen (or keyboard), so if you have agreed to take on this responsibility, it’s important to take it as seriously as the person for whom you are writing the letter.

A letter of recommendation is commonly called a letter of reference. It’s a bit of a bonus that someone can turn in with their resume, during a job interview, or with a college application that helps them get the odds of being selected weighted a little more in their favor.

These letters are most often written by someone who has experience with the applicant in person and can knowledgeably write about their character and attributes. This is usually a close friend, teacher, boss, or a coworker.

Letters of reference are most often in the format of a recommendation for employment, a college or university recommendation, or a character reference. Submitting a strong letter of recommendation with your application can push you to the top of the pile for the next step in the acceptance process. It’s an important document, and you should feel flattered that this person entrusted you with such a delicate but critical matter to them.

Yet, for some people, you may find it difficult to recommend them because your own character reputation hangs in the balance of their future actions. This is a very common problem that people asked to write these letters run into.

The right thing to do is to decline the opportunity to write the letter and suggest someone comparable that might be able to help the applicant, rather than delay the job or put a subpar effort into doing it because you just couldn’t give them the shining recommendation they needed.

But if you do take on this challenge, here is everything you need to know about writing a reference letter.

What is Each Letter of Recommendation For?

The first type of letter is a job reference. This can be requested for one of two reasons: either the job requires a reference or the person is trying to increase the attractiveness of their resume. You need to ask them which one they fall under because it will help you know what to write.

If they need a strong reference because they are already being considered for an important position, it may help them if you know what the position entails and can directly point out attributes in the individual that will showcase these skills.

If they are just adding more to their resume, you can write about general character traits that will work for just about any job. You can use a letter of recommendation template for either of these situations, but again, knowing the specifics can help you tailor it to the person’s needs.

The second type of letter of recommendation is written for students applying for universities or scholarships. Just about every university has a requirement for all applicants that they must submit a minimum of two letters of reference with their applications.

Even more stringent is the criteria that these letters should be written by someone familiar with your academic standing and capabilities, such as a teacher or professor. It may even be written by a guidance counselor or coach.

These letters are used by the admissions department to get an overall picture of the applicant. Sometimes their grades are subpar compared to other applicants, but a letter of recommendation can highlight the person’s performance, diligence, and potential. Sometimes the grades are high, but a strong letter of recommendation can help the applicant stand out among others with just as high or higher grades.

If you are expected to write this kind of document, you can use a scholarship letter of recommendation template to guide you through the process.

The final type of letter is a personal or character reference. This is written by someone who has a good understanding of an individual, such as a coworker, a friend, a teacher, or anyone who can give an overall opinion of the person without being considered too biased. A parent would not generally be considered a good character reference, for example.

This type of letter is used by some employers as a way to learn about a potential hire before they decide to officially accept them. They use it, in addition to the other employment references and documentation, to make a final decision as to whether someone would be a good fit for the position and the company.

Formatting a Letter of Recommendation Template for a Student or Employee

Most letter of recommendation templates are easy to follow, but there are a few basic instructions that will help this process be much more streamlined for you, no matter how many reference letters you need to write in your life. They can all follow this same procedure.

The first thing to do to get started is to set your overall formats. You want to appear professional to these people who do not know you, so set your letter up in such a way that you look like you know what you are doing.

To create a professional letter of reference, you need to set your document up with the following formatting guidelines:

• Margins: Margins should be between 1” to 1.5”. Granted, the general expected length for a letter of recommendation is no longer than one page, so you may have to slightly adjust your margins to fit this, but try to keep them as close to these numbers as possible. Two pages is acceptable, but anything longer is excessive.
• Font: Your text should be a size 12 legible font. Size 11 is acceptable if you are trying to limit your page length, but don’t go below that or above a 12. Basic, clean fonts such as Arial and Helvetica should be used.
• Alignment: Set your alignment up for a left alignment to keep an organized, readable flow of your text through the entire document.

Now that you’ve got a professional format ready to go, you can insert the template you have decided to use to walk you through the letter or simply follow this guide to ensure you include all of the essential parts of a letter of recommendation:

• Contact information/ letterhead: If you already have a professional letterhead that you use, that can be your header. Otherwise, create one that includes your name, address, and contact information that you would like any potential employer or admissions director to use. This information should go above the date and on the left side at the top.
• Purpose: Underneath the heading, the date should be placed, followed by the person you are writing to, their title, the company they work for or the name of the school, and that address. It is also acceptable to include “RE:” to inform the recipient of who or what the letter is about before they start reading.
• Greeting: Keep this specific and professional. If you know the person who is receiving the letter, use their name and title as the salutation. Otherwise, you can use “To Whom it May Concern” if you are unsure what else to use.
• Paragraph One - Introduction: Explain who you are and why you are writing the letter. This should include your relationship with the individual you are recommending, how long you have known them for, and why you are recommending them.
• Paragraph Two - Achievements: In this paragraph, you should highlight any relevant achievements that you know this person has attained. You may include academic, personal, and professional strengths. Include specific examples.
• Paragraph Three - Personal Attributes: In the third paragraph, give a well-rounded summary of the person’s traits and characteristics that make them a strong applicant. Avoid anything that can be construed as negative or unnecessary.

If you are writing a letter of recommendation of employment for a previous employee, you may want to include why they left your company if it is an understandable reason (moving to a new location, an updated education, furthering their career path, etc.)

• Conclusion: Paraphrase your recommendation and inform the reader that they can contact you with questions or concerns.

It’s Over and You Did a Good Deed

Now that you’ve confidently finished writing your letter of recommendation, you can give it to the individual or mail it to the recipient and relax - it’s over! You helped someone attempt to achieve their next goal in life and you did your good deed - and really, was it as difficult as you’d thought it would be?

• Career Development

Recommendations and Reviews: Should You Include Them on Your Resume?

16 min read

Your resume is the most important tool in your job search toolkit. To maximize its potential, you need to ensure that it properly conveys your potential value to any employer. 

Naturally, you will want to include every bit of relevant information that sells that message. But what about important testimonials like recommendations and reviews? Should they be included in your resume as well? After all, what could be more compelling than an endorsement from those who have worked with you in the past?

In the following guide, we will take a look at why including recommendations or reviews on a resume may be a bad idea and how you should display them instead. Let’s take a look at some of the core considerations here, plus an easy way to strengthen your application.

Don’t include recommendations or reviews on a resume

While recommendations and reviews are important, you should never include them in any resume. Sure, that might seem counterintuitive. But there are some very good reasons for omitting them from that essential document. Let’s take a look at some of the things you may not have thought about when it comes to including these additional snippets. 

Recommendations and reviews take up valuable space

Resume real estate is highly valuable. The most important reason for leaving recommendations and reviews out of your resume is that they take up space that you could put to better use. You need to be selective when deciding what to include.

Remember, your resume is supposed to focus on showcasing your qualifications and potential value as an employee . To do that, you need to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements. More importantly, you need to do that in a condensed format that is no longer than two pages. Use that space wisely.

Recommendations and reviews may not be necessary

Of course, there’s a good chance that the employer may not even want recommendations and reviews. Many of today’s companies understand that employers are increasingly reluctant to provide useful testimonials – largely due to fears about lawsuits.

As a result, companies that want such references will generally ask for them. If they don’t, there’s no benefit to providing that extra information. More importantly, even if they do ask for them, there are better ways to present those endorsements. Take the time to consider how you want to convey your professional talents to the hiring manager here.

Recommendations and reviews can dilute your resume’s message

Recommendations and reviews won’t strengthen your resume message anyway. While they may reflect how previous employers viewed your work, they won’t answer the company’s most basic question: “Is this person right for this job?” 

In fact, including those endorsements may detract from your overall focus on qualifications, achievements, and potential value. When you are writing your resume, you want to make sure that every piece of information is important. Start throwing in extras — such as reviews and recommendations — and your reader may lose focus on the main point.

The solution: Use LinkedIn, not resume recommendations

Want to showcase your reviews and recommendations? We are not suggesting that you ignore them entirely. Those endorsements do have value, after all. Your resume is just not an appropriate place to share that information.

Fortunately, there is a platform that can provide a perfect way to share those endorsements with potential employers and others: LinkedIn. 

LinkedIn is the ideal forum for showcasing your recommendations and reviews. You already know how to showcase your skills here. So why not add something extra? You can rely on your LinkedIn page during a job search as a supplement that enhances your resume with recommendations.

How to list recommendations and reviews on LinkedIn

Wondering how to showcase resume recommendations on LinkedIn? It’s easier than you might imagine. You may already have your resume on LinkedIn or at least have a stable profile. Either way, curating a strong review section is a breeze. 

Let’s take a look at the steps that you need to take to get this part of the process right: 

Step 1: Gather LinkedIn recommendations

LinkedIn allows you to show off reviews from previous employers. You can request recommendations from your connections in three easy steps:

Go to their profile page

Click ‘More’ 

Then click on ‘Request a recommendation’ 

LinkedIn will then send them a notification to say that you have asked them to write a brief review of your work.  

You should only ask professionals with whom you have worked directly. For example, you might ask your old manager or a team leader to write you a quick testimonial. Ahead of sending them the request, consider what response you are likely to get here. Ensure that your resume recommendations are relevant to the position you’re seeking. You also want to be certain that you’re only directing attention to truly positive reviews. 

Step 2: Draw attention to your reviews 

Want to make sure that the hiring manager doesn’t miss your resume recommendations? Okay. First up, you should polish your LinkedIn summary and perhaps include quotes from your resume recommendations within that text if they add value. For example, you might say the following at the top of your LinkedIn profile:

“I was honored to have Alpha Corp Marketing Director Tom Thompson praise my ‘innovative strategic mind and commitment to excellence as team leader.’”

The reader can then scroll down to the bottom of the page where your resume recommendations are listed. Think of this approach like giving the hiring manager a sneak peek of what’s to come. If they are simply scanning your profile, this mention means that they are more likely to go down to the end to see the reviews there.

Step 3: Create a custom URL on LinkedIn

You can mention your LinkedIn resume recommendations on your next application. To do so, you will need to create a custom LinkedIn URL that you can cite in your contact information. For example, you can add your first and last name to the end of the URL instead of a bunch of numbers. It will look like this: www.linkedin.com/in/firstnamelastname/.

Follow the advice from LinkedIn on how to create your own custom URL in seconds. If you have a popular name, chances are your ideal URL is already taken. That’s okay. Simply make sure the URL you choose is professional and easy to understand. Don’t try to do anything too creative, as you could put the hiring manager off. 

Step 4: Feature your URL on your resume

You want the hiring manager to check out your LinkedIn (and see your resume recommendations!). So, the next step is to include your LinkedIn URL after your email address in the contact information section of your resume. That way, when they are checking out your application, they can dig deeper and take a look at your LinkedIn profile too. 

Step 5: Mention your resume recommendations

While you may not want to add the verbiage from the resume recommendation to your application, you can mention them. One of the easiest ways to draw attention to your LinkedIn testimonials is to talk about them in your cover letter and perhaps include a brief quote from one of those endorsements.

What if your employer requests resume recommendations?

It is rare that an employer will ask for resume recommendations. However, sometimes, they will include a request for references in a job listing. There is a right and a wrong way to respond to this type of request.

Some job seekers may be tempted to respond by including resume recommendations on the document itself. Resist that temptation. Instead, continue to rely on your LinkedIn profile for recommendations and reviews. You can direct the employer to your profile if needed. 

In addition, you may choose to create a separate list of references that you can send along with your cover letter and resume. Three professional references are standard in those cases. Include the person’s name, job title, company, phone, and email address. You should let your reference know that you will be doing this ahead of sending out your resume. It’s also a good idea to give your references an idea of the job you’re applying to and how you want them to respond to the reference request.

A right and wrong way for everything, including references 

Resume recommendations can provide a great boost to your efforts to land an interview and job. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to showcase those endorsements, and your resume is definitely the wrong choice. Use LinkedIn to better highlight those references and focus your resume on selling your qualifications, skills, and achievements.

It takes a certain level of finesse to turn a hiring manager’s head. Use our free resume review too lnow and make sure that your application is hitting the mark. 

Recommended reading: 

Professional References and The 4 Best People to Use

How to Craft a Compelling Letter of Recommendation (Template + Expert Tips)

Please Find Attached My Resume: How to Use This Phrase

It takes a certain level of finesse to turn a hiring manager’s head. Use our free resume review tool now and make sure that your application is hitting the mark. 

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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The need to create more equitable, antiracist schools ranks high among the United States’ most significant current challenges. Too often, poorly funded schools are minority-majority institutions located in economically challenged areas. A 2021 White House briefing noted a $23 billion annual funding gap between white and nonwhite districts and similar gaps between impoverished and well-to-do districts: “While 87 percent of low-poverty schools provide calculus, only 45 percent of high-poverty schools do. Lack of access to and preparation for success in mathematics and science coursework ultimately has a negative impact on the outcomes achieved by Black and Latino students in high-paying, in-demand STEM fields.”

The Economic Policy Institute has reached the same conclusion . In 2022, the think tank issued a report observing that “districts in high-poverty areas, which serve larger shares of students of color, get less funding per student than districts in low-poverty areas, which predominantly serve white students, highlighting the system’s inequity.” That report identified several significant consequences of inadequate school funding: 

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Education leaders who want to help correct these inequities may wonder what steps they can take. Earning an Antiracist Administration, Supervision, and Leadership (ARASL) certificate , like the one from American University, provides a starting point. What is an ARASL certificate, and why is it valuable to educators? Do you need a degree in a particular area to qualify? Is professional experience required? This article explains what applicants need to qualify for AU’s ARASL certificate program.

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The ARASL certificate program at AU aims to uproot racism in education at its source. It equips education leaders with the content, knowledge, and mindset shift to dismantle racist practices and policies across the board in classrooms, schools, and districts.

No travel is required. The 18-credit program combines rigorous academic work with actual practice. Graduates earn eligibility for state leadership certification in Washington, D.C.

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Submitting Your Best ARASL Application 

AU’s ARASL certificate program aligns experienced education professionals with like-minded individuals committed to positive change. An online application must include:

• One letter of recommendation
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Certificate Prerequisites 

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• A master’s degree from an accredited institution, or master’s degree in progress at American University’s School of Education;
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Current AU MEd students must apply and be accepted to the certificate program to be eligible for Administrator certification.

Tips: Letter of Recommendation 

Solicit your recommendation from someone who knows you well, respects your work and can attest to your commitment to antiracist principles. A supervisor or professor is a good choice. They should be able to speak to your skills, qualifications, research and writing abilities, and academic capabilities. Solicit your recommendation well ahead of the application deadline. 

Tips: Statement of Purpose 

Your Statement of Purpose represents your best opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee. Use it to explain how your values align with the school’s mission and the central goals of the ARASL certificate program, i.e., education equity and antiracism. Explain how the program will help you achieve your career goals. Keep your statement concise, sticking to the 500-word limit. Copyedit and carefully proofread your statement. Consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it as well.

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Tips: Resume 

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