Letter of Recommendation (2024)

A Letter of Recommendation is a document that endorses an individual’s professional or academic capabilities, providing a personal testament to their skills, achievements, and character to potential employers or institutions.

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What Is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a document where a writer endorses a candidate’s skills, achievements, and character. Typically, the writer is someone who has closely observed the candidate’s achievements and can provide a detailed and positive account of their capabilities and potential.

These letters are often required when applying for jobs, college admissions, scholarships, internships, or other academic programs. A well-crafted letter can offer insights into the candidate’s personality and work ethic — information an admissions officer or potential employers cannot evaluate through resumes or transcripts alone.

Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

The author of the letter should be a professional or academic who has worked closely with the candidate and is familiar with the candidate’s accomplishments, work habits, and character traits. This could be your former or current supervisor, professor, mentor, or coach.

Use these criteria to identify an ideal recommender:

• Is this individual well-acquainted with my responsibilities, skills, and contributions relevant to the opportunity I’m applying for?
• Can they provide specific examples of my achievements and qualities?
• Do they hold a respected position in my field?
• Are their insights current and reflective of my latest achievements?
• Will they provide a positive and enthusiastic endorsem*nt?
• Have I received positive feedback or evaluations from them?
• Are they reliable and punctual with deadlines?
• Will their recommendation have a strong impact on my application?

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

It’s essential to deliver your request thoughtfully and respectfully to ensure a positive outcome. Here are actionable steps to guide you:

1. Make the Request Respectfully: Reach out to your chosen individual in a non-intrusive manner, ideally by email, to allow them to consider your request on their own time.
2. Provide Helpful Materials: Offer a draft of the letter or bullet points highlighting your achievements and other relevant information. This preparation helps them craft a more personalized and compelling letter.
3. Discuss Your Request: If possible, talk in person or over the phone to explain why you’re asking for a recommendation from them specifically. Discuss any important details about the position or program you’re applying for.
4. Give Adequate Notice: Request the letter at least two weeks before the deadline to give the recommender sufficient time to write the letter.
5. Follow Up Graciously: Always review the completed letter if it is shared with you. Thank the writer sincerely for their effort and support. Keep them updated on the outcome of your application.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

A strong letter usually includes:

• A concise introduction;
• One to two body paragraphs highlighting the candidate’s abilities and achievements;
• A closing statement reiterating the writer’s recommendation.

Step 1: Introduction

The introduction of a recommendation letter should include:

1. A formal greeting that addresses the recipient by their correct title and name.
2. A self-introduction of the writer, including their professional title and their relationship to the candidate.
3. The purpose of the letter, whether it’s to endorse the candidate for a job, academic program, or other opportunities; and
4. The writer’s reason for recommendation, which explicitly explains why the writer believes the candidate is suitable for the specific opportunity they are applying for.

Here’s the introduction of a recommendation letter example for graduate school application:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Jane Doe, who is applying for the Master’s program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. As the Senior Project Manager at XYZ Corporation and Jane’s supervisor for the past three years, I have witnessed her professional growth, dedication, and passion for sustainable development. Her outstanding research skills and commitment to environmental conservation make her an exemplary candidate for your program.

Step 2: Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraphs, provide a concise yet detailed assessment of the candidate’s most relevant skills, achievements, and character. The letter should focus on the qualities that best align with the opportunity in question and include specific examples to highlight their suitability.

Additionally, sharing a personal anecdote where the candidate demonstrated exceptional abilities or character can significantly enhance the letter’s impact. These stories provide tangible evidence of the candidate’s qualities and differentiate them from other applicants.

Remember, while templates can provide a starting point, the writer should personalize the letter to reflect their genuine assessment and relationship with the candidate.

An example of body paragraphs from a professional recommendation letter is as below:

Linda Thompson, as our Director of Product Development at TechSolutions Inc., has significantly impacted our market share and product innovation, leading to a 30% rise in sales revenue for our flagship products.

A standout moment under Linda’s leadership was our best-selling software suite’s on-time launch amidst technical challenges and tight deadlines. Her direct involvement led to a breakthrough in problem-solving, resulting in the software not only meeting but surpassing our quality benchmarks. This project directly contributed to a 40% increase in sales within the first quarter post-launch.

Step 3: Closing Statement

The closing statement of the recommendation letter should include:

1. A summary explaining why the candidate is an excellent fit for the position or program;
2. The writer’s official title and contact information for follow-up; and
3. The writer’s signature to confirm its authenticity.

Below is a recommendation sample of the closing statement from a landlord reference letter:

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend David Thompson as a tenant. Throughout his tenancy, David has consistently demonstrated responsibility, respect for property, and timely payment of rent. His care for the apartment and how he has maintained it in impeccable condition is commendable. I have no doubt that David will be an exemplary tenant for any landlord fortunate enough to have him. Should you have any further questions or wish to discuss David’s tenancy in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Emily Johnson

Previous Landlord

012-345-6789

[Signature]

Writing Tips

Be Specific

Instead of just saying someone is good at what they do, provide concrete evidence and comparisons. Quantify their achievements if possible.

Be Relevant

Tailor the letter by highlighting the qualities and achievements of the candidate most relevant to the position or role they are applying for. This shows that the writer understands the role and that the candidate has the specific skills and accomplishments to excel in that role.

For example, if you are recommending Emma for a graphic design position:

If the candidate is applying for a job, the writer can refer to the job title and description to address the position’s requirements in the recommendation letter.

Be Concise

Aim to condense your insights and endorsem*nts into one page. This approach respects the reader’s time while ensuring your message is clear and impactful. Focus on the candidate’s most impressive achievement.

Be Unbiased

Offer an objective view of the candidate’s abilities by focusing on direct observations rather than inferences or potentially biased descriptions.

Instead of relying on generic or subjective adjectives that may inadvertently reflect gender or racial biases, emphasize specific and observable achievements.

Letter of Recommendation Sample

Copy the free sample or download a customizable letter of recommendation template below.

Frequently Asked Questions