How to Write a Letter of Recommendation: Template and Tips

1What Is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a written endorsement from someone who has worked with, taught, or supervised a person, describing their skills and character to support an application for a job, school program, or opportunity.

Its purpose is to give the reader evidence beyond what a resume or application form can show, specifically how the person performs, collaborates, and grows.

2What Makes a Letter Effective

The difference between a forgettable letter and a persuasive one almost always comes down to specificity.

• Concrete examples of real situations, not just adjectives like "dedicated" or "talented".
• A clear statement of how the writer knows the person and for how long.
• Relevance to the specific opportunity being applied for.
• An honest, confident tone rather than exaggerated or generic praise.
• A reasonable length that respects the reader's time, typically under one page.

3The Standard Structure

Most effective letters follow the same three-part structure regardless of the context.

• Opening: states who you are, your relationship to the person, and how long you have known them.
• Body: gives two or three specific examples that demonstrate the relevant skills or qualities.
• Closing: offers a clear, confident endorsement and an offer to answer further questions.

4A Template You Can Adapt

A simple template helps structure the letter before filling in the specific details that make it convincing.

Open with your relationship and how long you've known the candidate. In the body, describe one project or situation in detail, including the specific skill demonstrated and the outcome. Close by stating your level of confidence in recommending them and inviting further questions.

5Examples That Work

Specificity turns a vague claim into a credible one.

Instead of writing that someone is "a great problem solver," describe the actual problem they faced, the approach they took, and the result. Instead of calling someone "a good communicator," describe a specific instance where their communication changed an outcome, such as clarifying a misunderstanding that prevented a project delay.

6Common Mistakes to Avoid

A handful of mistakes repeatedly weaken otherwise well-intentioned letters.

• Relying entirely on generic adjectives with no supporting example.
• Writing a letter that could apply to almost anyone, with nothing candidate-specific.
• Making the letter far too long, burying the strongest points.
• Failing to tailor the letter to the specific role or program being applied for.
• Agreeing to write a letter when you cannot honestly offer a strong endorsement.

7Tips If You're Requesting a Letter

If you are the one asking for a letter, giving the writer good material makes a meaningful difference in the result.

Provide your resume, the specific role or program, and a short list of projects or moments you'd like them to consider mentioning. Give ample notice, since a rushed letter is usually a weaker one.

8Final Checklist Before Sending

Before sending the letter, run through a short checklist to confirm it will land well.

Confirm it includes at least one specific example, is tailored to the opportunity, states a clear and confident endorsement, and fits comfortably on a single page.