resume with 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.

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation in 6 Steps (+5 Templates)

Júlia Mlčúchova ,
Updated July 24, 2024 9 min read

You must be really good at your job if someone has asked you to write a recommendation for them. But here you are, googling 'how to write a letter of recommendation,' in search of the ultimate guide or template to help you craft the perfect letter.

All because your favorite coworker emotionally blackmailed talked you into writing one.

Of course, you want to do your best. Especially when you realize that your letter of recommendation might be just the thing that tips the scale in their favor.

But with great power comes great responsibility. And a great amount of stress, am I right? So, why don't you just relax and let us do the explaining.

In this article, you'll find:

What is a letter of recommendation;
How to write one in 6 steps;
Letter of recommendation template(s);

Click on a section to skip

What is a letter of recommendation?

Why do employers ask for letters of recommendation, how to write a letter of recommendation in 6 steps, letter of recommendation example, letter of recommendation template (copy & paste), flip the script: asking for a letter of recommendation, key takeaways: how to write a letter of recommendation.

A letter of recommendation is exactly what it sounds like — a recommendation letter. Its main purpose is to have a professional vouch for the skills, qualifications, character, and expertise of a job applicant in the form of a formal document .

People often mistake letters of recommendation with references . And while both serve to endorse a job candidate, they are quite different.

These are the key differences between a reference and a recommendation :

Reference. A reference is usually included in the resume in a professional references section. It contains a reference's name, job, and contact info.
Letter of recommendation. On the other hand, a letter of recommendation is a written document that delves deep into what exactly makes the candidate a perfect fit for the job.

In other words, if you're listed as a reference on someone resume, you can expect a call or an email from an employer to speak about the person's credentials.

While if you're asked to write a letter of recommendation, you can prepare a letter beforehand, and dive deeper into the person's skills and qualities.

When can you be asked to provide a letter of recommendation

You might be wondering, "When would I actually need to write a letter of recommendation?" Well, it happens more often than you think.

Here are some common scenarios:

Job applications. If a colleague or employee is applying for a new job, they might ask you to write a letter to help them stand out.
Academic admissions. Similarly, students often need recommendation letters when applying to colleges, universities, or grad schools.
Internships. Letters of recommendation are especially valuable for recent graduates seeking to land their first internship.
Volunteering position. Lastly, you may even be asked to write a letter for someone who's trying to get into volunteering. Organizations want to know they're bringing in dedicated and trustworthy people, and your letter can help paint that picture.

At first, you were probably taken aback when you were asked to vouch for your colleague's credentials. But looking at this list, you’re probably more surprised that nobody has asked you to write one before.

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But why do employers still ask for this kind of assessment of their candidates? After all, isn’t their resume enough?

Well, not quite. A recommendation letter offers something a resume can’t: a personal touch. It’s a way for employers to get a deeper look into how well they perform in a real work setting.

Here are reasons why employers might ask for letters of recommendation:

To verify a candidate's skills and experience. When you list skills and accomplishments on your resume, they sound great on paper. But employers want to hear from someone who’s seen those skills in action. And a letter of recommendation from a credible source provides that extra layer of validation.
To learn about their work ethic. While resumes highlight your achievements, they don't really show how you go about your work. So, a recommendation letter can give employers insight into your work ethic, reliability, and dedication.
To get an insight into their character. Beyond skills and qualifications, employers also want to know who you are as a person! Are you a team player? Or, do you handle stress well? Are you someone who contributes positively to the work environment?
To assess cultural fit. Let’s not forget that every company has its own culture. And if the letter shows you mesh well with the company’s values, you're one step closer to landing the job.

The point is, you need to understand exactly what employers are looking for. How else would you know how to write a letter of recommendation that can actually make a difference?

So, you've been asked to write a letter of recommendation. Congrats! This gesture means that the person asking you for this favor thinks highly of you.

And when the first wave of excitement finally washes over, you’re a bit unsure of where to start. But no worries!

Here’s a detailed, 6-step guide to help you craft a letter of recommendation that’s clear, impactful, and gets the job done:

So, no “Hello there!” or “How's it going?” You need to make sure your greeting matches the level of formality required in a professional setting. Stick to “Dear Mr. Smith,” instead.

Next, you need to explain who you are and how you know the person you’re recommending. So, mention your position and the nature of your relationship with the candidate — whether you’re their supervisor, colleague, or professor.

Here’s where you dive into the candidate’s qualifications. Focus on their key strengths, skills, and accomplishments. And don't forget to use specific examples and evidence to back up your claims.

But make sure it's relevant and appropriate. There's a fine line between humanizing and humiliating the candidate! Always highlight their strengths! For example, if they went above and beyond to help a team member or tackled a difficult project with ease.

What contributions did they bring to the table? Positive ones, of course. And go into detail. Because their future employer must understand the value this person can bring to their company.

In the previous chapter, we've shown you all the necessary steps that will lead you to an outstanding letter of recommendation.

And now, it's time to put all the pieces together and look at a specific example .

Dear Mr. Crane,

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Robert for the past three years as his supervisor at KinsCorp.

Robert is an exceptional project manager. He led a team that successfully completed a major project ahead of schedule and under budget. His leadership and problem-solving skills were instrumental in this success.

I remember a time when he stayed late to troubleshoot a major issue that came up unexpectedly. His dedication ensured that our client’s deadline was met, and he even took the time to train the team on the solution.

Robert’s innovative approach to project management significantly improved our team’s overall efficiency. His strategies led to a 20% increase in productivity and enhanced client satisfaction, resulting in several new business opportunities for our company.

Based on my experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Bob for the position of Senior Project Manager. His skills, dedication, and professionalism will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to your team.

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or +111 123 456 789.

Best regards,

Claire Williams,

Project Manager at KinsCorp

Knowing how to write a letter of recommendation really isn't rocket science. But we also understand that writing formal letters isn't necessarily everybody's cup of tea. Especially if you're not used to handing recommendation letters left and right.

But don't worry, we're not gonna let you drown!

We've prepared 5 professional letter of recommendation templates to help you do your very best. Find the one that suits you the most, copypaste, and get right to it!

Employee letter of recommendation templates

Firstly, let's check out 3 templates you can use to write a recommendation letter to your employee (or even your colleague):

#1 Employee letter of recommendation template

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [the position/role] at [Company/Organization/Institution]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] for [number] years at [your company], where [he/she/they] [held a specific role/worked on specific projects].

During [his/her/their] time with us, [Candidate’s Name] consistently demonstrated [mention specific skills/qualities]. One instance that stands out is when [he/she/they] [provide a specific example that showcases the candidate’s strengths and achievements].

[Candidate’s Name] is not only skilled but also a great team player who helped foster a positive and productive work atmosphere. For example, [provide an example if relevant, such as how the candidate supported a team member or contributed to a successful project].

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be an excellent addition to your team. [His/Her/Their] [specific qualities or skills] make [him/her/them] a perfect fit for [the position/role]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and am certain that [he/she/they] will bring the same level of dedication and excellence to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at [your email] or [your phone number] if you need any further information.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Job Title]

#2 Employee letter of recommendation template

I am delighted to write this letter of recommendation for [Candidate’s Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years in my capacity as [your job title] at [your company/organization]. During this time, it was impossible to overlook [his/her/their] outstanding skills, dedication, and professionalism.

[Candidate’s Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional [mention specific skills/qualities]. For instance, [he/she/they] [provide a specific example that illustrates these qualities].

Beyond [his/her/their] technical abilities, [Candidate’s Name] is a wonderful team member. [He/She/They] [mention qualities related to teamwork, work ethic, communication, etc.]. A notable example of this is when [he/she/they] [provide an example of teamwork, collaboration, or support].

Moreover, [Candidate’s Name] is highly respected by peers and supervisors alike for [his/her/their] [mention additional qualities such as integrity, reliability, enthusiasm]. [His/Her/Their] ability to [mention any unique contributions or strengths] has greatly benefited our team and the company.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be a valuable asset to your organization. I sincerely believe that [his/her/their] [specific qualities or skills] make [him/her/them] ideally suited for [the position/role]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] without reservation.

Should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your email] or [your phone number].

#3 Employee letter of recommendation template

I’m reaching out to share my recommendation for [Candidate’s Name] for [the position/role] at [Recipient’s Company/Organization]. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with [him/her/them] at [Your Company/Organization] for [number] years, and [he/she/they] have consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] skills and dedication.

[Candidate’s Name] has a knack for [mention a specific skill or quality]. For instance, [he/she/they] [describe a notable example, such as leading a key project, driving innovation, or significantly improving a process]. [His/Her/Their] [mention another relevant skill or trait] really shines through in [his/her/their] work.

In addition to [his/her/their] professional skills, [Candidate’s Name] is also a pleasure to work with. [He/She/They] always brings a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit to the team. [He/She/They] has consistently shown [mention personal qualities like reliability, enthusiasm, or excellent communication skills], which has made a notable impact on our work environment.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be a great fit for your team and will contribute positively to [Recipient’s Company]. If you have any questions or need more details, don’t hesitate to contact me at [Your Email] or [Your Phone Number].

Letter of recommendation template for student

But what if you're in a situation where you've been asked to write a recommendation by one of your students? Well, we thought about that too:

#1 Letter of recommendation template for student

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Student’s Name]. I have had the pleasure of teaching [him/her/them] in [course name/subject] at [University/College Name] for [duration]. During this time, [Student’s Name] has never ceased to impress me with [his/her/their] exceptional academic abilities and dedication.

[Student’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of [subject area], and [his/her/their] work is always of the highest quality. One particular instance that stands out is [provide a specific example, such as a project, research paper, or class presentation that the student excelled in].

In addition to [his/her/their] academic strengths, [Student’s Name] is also a wonderful human being and a joy to have in class. [He/She/They] [mention qualities related to collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills]. For example, [he/she/they] [provide another example, such as how the student contributed to a group project or helped peers understand complex concepts].

[Student’s Name] is not only academically talented but also highly motivated and passionate about [his/her/their] field of study. [His/Her/Their] ability to [mention any unique contributions or strengths] has greatly benefited our class and the broader academic community.

I am confident that [Student’s Name] will excel in [the program/scholarship at [Organization/Institution Name]. [His/Her/Their] [specific qualities or skills] make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for this opportunity. I wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Name] and am certain that [he/she/they] will bring the same level of dedication and excellence to your program.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Professor’s Email] or [Professor’s Phone Number].

[Professor’s Name] [Professor’s Title] [Department Name] [University/College Name]

#2 Letter of recommendation template for student

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Student’s Name], who is applying for an internship position at [Recipient’s Company/Organization]. As [his/her/their] professor in [Course Name] at [University/College Name], I have had the opportunity to observe [Student’s Name]’s academic growth and personal development over the past [number] semesters.

[Student’s Name] has demonstrated a strong aptitude for [mention relevant skills or subjects]. [He/She/They] consistently excelled in [specific projects, assignments, or coursework], showcasing [his/her/their] ability to grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively. For example, [describe a specific project or achievement, such as a noteworthy research paper, presentation, or assignment].

In addition to [his/her/their] academic abilities, [Student’s Name] has proven to be a diligent and motivated individual. [He/She/They] actively participates in class discussions, seeks feedback, and shows a genuine enthusiasm for learning. [His/Her/Their] positive attitude and strong work ethic have made a notable impression on both [his/her/their] peers and faculty.

Although [Student’s Name] is seeking [his/her/their] first internship, [he/she/they] already possesses many qualities that will contribute to [his/her/their] success in a professional setting. [He/She/They] is a quick learner, adaptable, and eager to gain hands-on experience in [relevant field or industry]. [His/Her/Their] strong analytical skills and collaborative approach make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for an internship opportunity.

I am confident that [Student’s Name] will make a valuable contribution to your team and benefit greatly from the experience at [Recipient’s Company/Organization]. Please feel free to contact me at [Professor’s Email] or [Professor’s Phone Number] if you have any questions or need further information.

Thank you for considering [Student’s Name] for this opportunity.

Alternatively, you may find yourself on the other side of the recommendation request — be the one asking for the letter.

Maybe it’s for a job, an internship , or grad school. Either way, asking for a letter of recommendation can feel a bit awkward.

But if you follow these tips, you can make the whole process stress-free:

Pick the right person. Firstly, you need to think about who knows you well. Moreover, this should be someone who's seen you in action. Because the more familiar they are with your work, the better the recommendation will be.
Respect their time. Crafting a thoughtful recommendation takes time, so don’t wait until the last minute to ask. For example, a month or more in advance is usually a good timeframe.
Go into detail on your request. Thirdly, be straightforward and precise about what you need. For instance, explain what the letter is for and mention any key skills and achievements you’d like them to highlight. In short, the more guidance you provide, the better the result.
Don't be stingy with gratitude. Lastly, be sure to thank your recommender sincerely once they’ve received the letter. A handwritten note or a thoughtful email can go a long way in showing your appreciation.

And remember, most people are happy to help — you just need to ask politely! If you don't know where to start, you can draw inspiration from our templates.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation template

In case you want to persuade your colleague or a supervisor to be your recommender, you can formulate your request like so:

#1 How to ask for a letter of recommendation template: from a colleague

Hi [Colleague’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to ask if you could do me a favor and write a letter of recommendation for me. I’m applying for [mention the purpose, e.g., a job, an internship, graduate school], and I think your perspective would be really helpful.

Working with you over the past [time period] has been a great experience, and I’ve learned so much. Now, I’m looking to [briefly explain why you are applying], and a recommendation from you would really boost my application.

If you could mention [specific skills, achievements, or experiences you want to be emphasized], that would be awesome. I’ve attached my resume and a draft of my cover letter to give you more info.

The deadline for the recommendation is [mention the deadline], but if you need more time or any other details, just let me know.

Thanks so much for considering this. I really appreciate your help and support.

Best, [Your Name]

#2 How to ask for a letter of recommendation template: from a supervisor

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to seek your help with a letter of recommendation. I am currently applying for [a new job, an advanced degree program, an internship], and I believe your endorsement would make my application shine.

Over the past [time period], I have greatly valued your leadership and the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to our team at [Company Name]. Your insight into my work ethic and achievements would provide a fair evaluation that I feel would increase my chances at landing this opportunity.

Specifically, I would appreciate it if you could highlight [mention specific skills, achievements, or experiences you want to be emphasized]. I have attached my resume and a draft of my cover letter for your reference.

The deadline for the submission of the letter is [mention the deadline]. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I am grateful for your support and assistance.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation from professor template

Or, maybe you're a student in dire need of a great recommendation from your professor so you can strengthen your internship/scholarship/doctoral program/first job application.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope my email finds you well. I am reaching out to ask if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. I am applying for [mention the purpose], and I think your insights into my work and character would be incredibly helpful.

I have really enjoyed and learned a lot from your [class/course/lab], and to say that your guidance has been invaluable to me would be an understatement. I believe your perspective on my efforts there would really strengthen my application.

It would be fantastic if you could mention [specific skills, achievements, or qualities you want to emphasize]. I have attached my resume and a draft of my personal statement to give you more context.

The deadline for the recommendation letter is [mention the deadline]. If you need any more information or if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Thank you so much for considering this. Your support means a lot to me.

[Your Name] [Your Major/Program]

In conclusion, a letter of recommendation is an excellent way to strengthen any job or internship application.

Having a fellow professional or supervisor vouching for a job candidate’s credentials is a powerful endorsement. Because it provides a layer of credibility and personal insight that a resume alone simply can’t offer.

When you get contacted by your colleague or team member with request for recommendation, following these 6 steps will help you craft a compelling letter:

Start with a friendly greeting but keep it professional.
Introduce yourself and your relationship with the job candidate.
Illustrate why they're the right person for the job.
Don't shy away from sharing a personal story.
Broadcast the candidate’s impact on their former workplace.
Close your letter with an undisputable endorsement.

Not the letter you wanted? No worries! If this isn't quite what you were looking for, you might want to check out guides on writing a cover letter or, you know, a resignation letter instead.

Julia is an experienced career writer at Kickresume, who brings you expert tips on how to score big in the job market. From helping people improve their English to gain admission to their dream university, to guiding them on how to advance professionally, it would seem that her own career is also on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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