How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Template + Tips)

A letter of recommendation is a letter written on behalf of an applicant by someone who can vouch for that person’s educational or professional performance. This letter is typically sent to an admissions officer or hiring manager considering a candidate for admission, a scholarship, or employment. scholarship.

Letters of recommendation help round out an application by offering insight into an applicant’s personal qualities, such as integrity, intellectual curiosity, or leadership potential. Writing a strong letter of recommendation from a teacher, counsellor, manager, or co-worker can give an applicant an edge over their competition.

Letter of recommendation template

Use this template to get started on writing a properly formatted recommendation.

Letter of recommendation sample

Here’s an example of an recommendation letter written using the template above.

How to format a letter of recommendation

Different organizations have different recommendation letter requirements. Be sure to ask the requester to provide any specific guidelines. In general, a letter or recommendation can be broken down into the following sections:

• Date

• Recipient Name

• Recipient Title

• Recipient Address

• Greeting: Address the recipient by name if possible (Dear Ms./Mr.).

• Personal introduction: Begin the body of your letter by introducing who you are and your relationship to the person you are writing about.

• Recommendation: What makes the individual a good fit? Offer specific examples of skills or qualifications where possible.

• Anecdote or example: Include a personal anecdote about what it’s like to teach or work with the individual. Highlight any relevant workplace or people skills you’ve observed them to possess.

• Closing: Give an overview of why you recommend this person.

• Contact information: Provide your email address and phone number so the recipient can follow up.

• Signature

Tips for writing a letter of recommendation

When you’re writing a recommendation letter, you likely want the individual to have the best chance of a positive result. Here are some tips for writing a good letter that may stand out to admissions officers, potential employers, or anyone else reviewing the letter.

Do your research.

Find out what exactly the individual is applying for. Ask them to provide:

• A copy of the job description or academic program requirements 

• Their resume

• Any particular skills, achievements, or qualifications they’d like you to highlight 

Knowing what the recipient might be looking for can help you focus your letter on the skills or qualifications that are specific to the role the candidate is applying for. 

Be specific.

Feel free to use a template (like the one above) to guide your writing, but remember to make it personal. Use examples and specific details to illustrate why this person is someone you recommend. Choose strong, accurate adjectives over general terms or cliches. 

Try to anticipate what the person reading the letter might want to know. Include details or insight that wouldn’t necessarily show up on a resume or application. Your letter should help the recipient get to know the person you are recommending. 

Stay positive.

Your recommendation should confirm that this candidate is a strong contender for whatever they’re applying for. Demonstrate honest enthusiasm and avoid any comments that could be construed in a negative light. If you can make a superlative comparison between this person and others you’ve worked with (e.g., “She’s one of the best student aides I’ve had the pleasure to work with in my career as a professor.”), do so.

Keep your letter professional.

Use a business letter format with a 12-point font size in either Arial or Times New Roman font. Write your letter on your business or organization letterhead if possible. The recipient likely reads dozens if not hundreds of letters, so keep yours concise and to the point. Aim for at least one page but no more than two. 

Be concise. 

The recipient likely reads dozens, if not hundreds, of letters, so stick to the point. While you want to add specific details and give your audience a sense of the person you’re describing, you also want to be concise. Aim for at least one page but no more than two. 

Follow the instructions.

In vouching for this person be sure to follow any specific submission guidelines carefully. Get your letter in on time (or early). If your letter makes a positive impression, that will carry over to the candidate you’re endorsing.

Don’t be afraid to say no.

If you feel like you’re unable to offer a glowing recommendation for a candidate, it’s okay to say no. A mediocre endorsement can often do as much damage as a negative one. While it may feel uncomfortable, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline a request respectfully.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation

Chances are that you’ll be asked to provide letters of recommendation as part of an application you submit during your educational or professional career. This is particularly true when you’re applying for graduate programs. One or more letters of recommendation are almost always part of the application process. When asking someone to support you by writing a letter, consider sharing this article too!

Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription

Start 7-day free trial

• Get access to 10,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
• Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
• Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
• A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime

Start 7-day free trial