How to Write a Letter of Recommendation: Free Samples, Templates + PDF Guide
When someone asks you to write a letter of recommendation, your job is not simply to say that the person is hardworking, dependable, intelligent, or trustworthy. You need to help the reader understand why you believe the person deserves the job, promotion, college admission, scholarship, internship, rental, or other opportunity.
A strong letter of recommendation gives the reader credible evidence from someone who has personally observed the applicant’s work, character, accomplishments, or potential.
The best recommendation letters are specific, personal, and easy to verify. You explain how you know the person, identify the qualities that matter most, provide one or two real examples, and finish with a clear recommendation.
If you want to compare complete examples before you start writing, review [17 Sample Letters of Recommendation]. If you only need a concise version, you can also use [15 Short Recommendation Letter Templates].
7-Question Recommendation Letter Decision Quiz
Answer these seven questions before you start writing. Your answers will help you decide what type of recommendation letter you need, what evidence to include, and how strong your recommendation should be.
Quick Answer Summary
To write a strong letter of recommendation, you should:
Explain who you are and how you know the person.
State clearly what you are recommending the person for.
Identify two or three qualities that match the opportunity.
Give specific examples that prove those qualities.
Include measurable results when you have them.
Connect the person’s strengths to the job, school, scholarship, or opportunity.
End with a direct and confident recommendation.
Include your contact information in case the recipient wants additional information.
Your recommendation will usually be more convincing when you replace general compliments with evidence.
Instead of writing:
“Jordan is an excellent employee.”
You could write:
“Jordan consistently completed monthly client reports ahead of schedule while maintaining one of the lowest error rates on our team.”
That second statement gives the reader something concrete to evaluate.
Choose Your Recommendation Letter Template Fast
Select the situation that best matches the person you are recommending. The full template will open directly below the button so you can copy it and personalize it.
Employment Recommendation Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant's Name] for the [Position Title] position at [Company Name]. I had the opportunity to [supervise/work with] [Applicant's Name] for [length of time] while we worked at [Company Name].
During that time, [Applicant's Name] consistently demonstrated [quality], [quality], and [quality]. One example that particularly impressed me occurred when [describe a specific situation].
[Applicant's Name] responded by [describe the action taken]. As a result, [describe the positive outcome or measurable result].
Based on my experience working with [Applicant's Name], I believe [he/she/they] would bring valuable [skills or qualities] to your organization. I recommend [Applicant's Name] with confidence.
Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number] if you would like additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Coworker Recommendation Letter
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am happy to recommend my colleague, [Applicant's Name], for the [Position Title] position. [Applicant's Name] and I worked together for [length of time] at [Company Name], where we collaborated on [projects, department, or responsibilities].
During our time working together, I consistently saw [Applicant's Name] demonstrate strong [skill], [skill], and [quality].
For example, when [describe challenge or project], [Applicant's Name] [describe what the person did]. This helped [describe the result].
[Applicant's Name] is also someone coworkers can rely on to [describe positive workplace behavior].
I believe [Applicant's Name] would bring the same professionalism, reliability, and commitment to your organization. I recommend [him/her/them] with confidence.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
College or Academic Recommendation Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student's Name] for admission to [College, University, or Program Name]. I have known [Student's Name] for [length of time] as [his/her/their] [teacher, professor, adviser, or other relationship].
[Student's Name] has consistently demonstrated [academic quality], [quality], and [quality].
One example occurred during [course, assignment, research project, or activity]. [Student's Name] [describe action or achievement]. This demonstrated [specific strength].
In addition to strong academic abilities, [Student's Name] has shown [leadership, maturity, persistence, teamwork, or another quality].
I believe [Student's Name] has the ability, motivation, and maturity necessary to succeed in your program. I recommend [him/her/them] enthusiastically for admission.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
Scholarship Recommendation Letter
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student's Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Student's Name] for [length of time] in my role as [relationship].
During this time, I have been impressed by [Student's Name]'s [academic achievement], [leadership quality], and [personal quality].
A strong example of these qualities occurred when [describe activity, challenge, project, community service, or achievement].
[Student's Name] [describe the action taken], which resulted in [describe the result or impact].
I believe [Student's Name] represents the qualities this scholarship is intended to recognize. I recommend [him/her/them] with confidence.
Please contact me if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Recommendation Letter
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to recommend [Person's Name], whom I have known for approximately [length of time] as [friend, neighbor, volunteer colleague, community member, or other relationship].
During the time I have known [Person's Name], I have consistently found [him/her/them] to be [quality], [quality], and [quality].
One example occurred when [describe a situation you personally observed]. [Person's Name] [describe what the person did], demonstrating [character quality].
Based on my personal experience, I believe [Person's Name] is a responsible and trustworthy individual. I recommend [him/her/them] with confidence.
Please feel free to contact me if additional information would be helpful.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a written endorsement in which you describe someone’s qualifications, character, abilities, accomplishments, or potential.
You might be asked to write a recommendation for:
A job
A promotion
An internship
College admission
Graduate school
A scholarship
A professional program
A volunteer position
A leadership opportunity
A rental application
A professional license
A character-based application
Although a recommendation letter and a reference letter are often treated as similar documents, the exact focus can vary.
A professional recommendation normally emphasizes skills, performance, accomplishments, and workplace behavior. A character reference usually focuses more heavily on personal qualities such as honesty, reliability, responsibility, and judgment.
If your letter is specifically employment-related, you may want to compare your approach with [Professional Reference Letter Samples and Templates].
Before You Write, Decide Whether You Can Give a Strong Recommendation
Before you agree to write the letter, ask yourself whether you know the person well enough to provide meaningful information.
You should ideally be able to answer questions such as:
How long have you known the person?
In what capacity do you know them?
What have you personally observed?
What are their strongest qualities?
Can you give at least one specific example?
Do you understand what they are applying for?
Can you genuinely recommend them?
If you barely know the person or cannot provide a positive recommendation, it may be better to decline.
A vague letter from someone with an impressive title can be less persuasive than a detailed letter from someone who has actually worked closely with the applicant.
If the person has not yet chosen a recommender, [How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation] explains how to approach the right person and provide the information needed for a stronger letter.
What Information Should You Request Before Writing?
You should not have to guess what the person is applying for.
Before you begin, ask for enough information to tailor your recommendation.
Request:
The person’s current resume or CV
The job description, program description, or scholarship requirements
The recipient’s name and title, if available
The submission deadline
Submission instructions
Important accomplishments
Relevant projects or achievements
Skills the recipient is looking for
Academic information when appropriate
A personal statement, if applicable
Several examples the person believes may be useful
You do not have to use everything they provide.
The purpose of this information is to help you decide which experiences will be most persuasive.
For example, if you are recommending a former employee for a management position, examples of leadership, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making will usually be more useful than a long description of routine job duties.
Recommendation Letter Format — [17 Best Recommendation Letter Formats]
A simple recommendation letter usually follows this structure:
Your Name
Your Job Title or Relationship to Applicant
Organization, if applicable
Email Address
Phone Number
Date
Recipient’s Name
Recipient’s Title
Company, School, Committee, or Organization
Dear [Recipient’s Name]:
Paragraph 1: State your recommendation and explain your relationship with the applicant.
Paragraph 2: Describe important skills, qualities, or accomplishments.
Paragraph 3: Give a specific example that proves those qualities.
Paragraph 4: Connect the applicant’s strengths to the opportunity.
Closing: Give a direct recommendation and offer to answer additional questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
You do not need to make your letter longer simply to make it appear more impressive. A focused letter containing meaningful evidence can be far more effective than a long letter filled with generic praise.
How To Write a Letter of Recommendation Step by Step
Step 1: Start With a Clear Recommendation
Do not make the reader wait until the end of the letter to discover whether you actually recommend the person.
You can begin with a sentence such as:
“I am pleased to recommend [Name] for the [Position] at [Company].”
For an academic recommendation:
“I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name].”
For a scholarship:
“I am honored to recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name].”
Your opening should immediately establish the purpose of the letter.
Step 2: Explain How You Know the Person
Your opinion is more meaningful when the reader understands the basis for it.
Include:
Your relationship
How long you have known the person
The setting in which you worked together
The amount of direct contact you had
For example:
“I supervised Marcus for three years while he worked as a customer service specialist in our Baltimore office.”
That statement is stronger than:
“I have known Marcus for several years.”
The first version establishes why you are qualified to evaluate his professional performance.
If you are recommending someone you worked beside rather than supervised, review [15 Reference Letter Samples for a Coworker] for coworker-specific wording.
Step 3: Choose Qualities That Match the Opportunity
Avoid trying to describe every positive quality the person possesses.
Instead, identify the qualities most relevant to the decision the reader must make.
For a job, you might emphasize:
Reliability
Communication
Problem-solving
Leadership
Teamwork
Initiative
Technical ability
Judgment
Customer service
Organization
For college or graduate school, you might emphasize:
Academic ability
Intellectual curiosity
Research skills
Writing ability
Persistence
Critical thinking
Independence
Maturity
Collaboration
For a scholarship, you might emphasize:
Academic achievement
Leadership
Community service
Perseverance
Financial or personal challenges overcome
Commitment to future goals
For a character recommendation, you might emphasize:
Honesty
Integrity
Responsibility
Compassion
Reliability
Good judgment
Choosing the right qualities makes your recommendation feel tailored rather than copied.
Step 4: Prove Your Claims With Specific Examples
This is one of the most important parts of your letter.
If you write:
“Taylor is a strong leader.”
The reader has to accept your conclusion without evidence.
Instead, explain what Taylor actually did:
“During our busiest quarter, Taylor reorganized the team’s weekly workflow, coordinated assignments among six employees, and helped us complete the project two days ahead of schedule.”
Now the reader can see why you consider Taylor a strong leader.
Whenever possible, use this simple pattern:
Quality → Situation → Action → Result
For example:
Quality: Problem-solving
Situation: A major client reported repeated billing errors.
Action: The employee reviewed the process, identified the source of the error, and created a new verification procedure.
Result: Billing corrections decreased significantly.
That gives your praise credibility.
Step 5: Use Numbers When They Strengthen Your Example
Measurable information can make your recommendation more persuasive.
Instead of:
“She increased sales.”
You could write:
“She helped increase regional sales by 18% during her first year.”
Instead of:
“He supervised several employees.”
You could write:
“He supervised a team of 12 employees across two shifts.”
Instead of:
“She earned excellent grades.”
You could write:
“She earned the highest final project score in a class of 28 students.”
Only use numbers you know are accurate.
Never invent results simply to make the recommendation sound stronger.
Step 6: Explain Why the Person Fits This Specific Opportunity
Your recommendation should not sound as though you could send the same letter to 50 different organizations.
Connect what you know about the person to what the recipient needs.
For example:
“Because this position requires someone who can manage competing deadlines while communicating with multiple departments, I believe Daniel’s project-management experience makes him particularly well suited for the role.”
For graduate school:
“Because your program emphasizes independent research and quantitative analysis, I believe Priya’s research experience and disciplined approach to data analysis will serve her well.”
For scholarship applications, [15 Outstanding Scholarship Recommendation Letter Samples] can help you see how to connect a student’s accomplishments to the purpose of a scholarship.
Step 7: Close With a Direct Recommendation
Do not weaken your letter with a vague ending.
Weak:
“I hope you will consider her application.”
Stronger:
“I recommend Alicia with confidence for the Marketing Coordinator position.”
You can also write:
“I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.”
“I believe [Name] would make a valuable addition to your organization.”
“I recommend [Name] without reservation.”
“Based on my experience working with [Name], I believe they are exceptionally well prepared for this opportunity.”
Use language that accurately reflects your level of support.
Step 8: Offer to Provide Additional Information
You can finish by inviting the recipient to contact you.
For example:
“Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number] if you would like additional information.”
This provides another sign that you stand behind your recommendation.
Sample Letter of Recommendation for a Job
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Dear Hiring Manager:
I am pleased to recommend Daniel Carter for the Operations Manager position with your organization. I supervised Daniel for four years at Westbrook Services, where he worked first as an Operations Coordinator and later as a Senior Operations Specialist.
During that time, Daniel consistently demonstrated excellent judgment, reliability, and problem-solving ability. He handled scheduling, vendor coordination, customer concerns, and several time-sensitive projects while maintaining a professional and calm approach.
One example that stands out occurred when an unexpected vendor delay threatened an important client deadline. Daniel quickly identified alternative suppliers, coordinated revised delivery schedules, and kept both the client and our internal team informed throughout the process. Because of his efforts, we completed the project without missing the client’s final deadline.
Daniel also earned the trust of his coworkers because he was willing to take responsibility, share information, and help solve problems rather than assign blame.
Based on my experience supervising Daniel, I believe he has the organization, judgment, and leadership skills necessary to succeed as an Operations Manager. I recommend him with confidence.
Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number] if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Job Title]
For additional employment-focused examples, see [15 Employee Recommendation Letter Samples].
Sample Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]:
I am happy to recommend my colleague, Jasmine Lee, for the [Position Title] position. Jasmine and I worked together for three years on the customer experience team at [Company Name].
During our time working together, I consistently saw Jasmine demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills. She was especially effective when dealing with complicated customer concerns that required patience and careful follow-through.
During one particularly demanding project, our team had to contact more than 100 customers regarding an unexpected service change. Jasmine helped organize the outreach process, prepared clear responses to common questions, and assisted other team members when difficult cases arose.
Her ability to stay organized while treating customers and coworkers with respect made her an important part of our team.
I believe Jasmine would bring the same professionalism, communication skills, and positive attitude to your organization. I recommend her with confidence.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Academic Letter of Recommendation
[Professor or Teacher Name]
[Title]
[School or University]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Dear Admissions Committee:
I am pleased to recommend Maya Thompson for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I taught Maya in Advanced Biology during her junior year and later supervised her independent research project.
Maya distinguished herself through her intellectual curiosity, preparation, and willingness to investigate difficult questions rather than settle for easy answers.
During her independent research project, Maya studied [topic]. She developed her research question, organized her data, evaluated several unexpected findings, and revised her conclusions when the evidence did not support her original assumption. Her willingness to reconsider her position demonstrated both intellectual maturity and strong analytical judgment.
Maya is also a thoughtful contributor in group settings. She listens carefully, asks useful questions, and helps classmates understand difficult concepts without dominating discussions.
I believe Maya has the academic discipline, curiosity, and maturity necessary to succeed in a demanding university environment. I recommend her enthusiastically for admission.
Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Professor or Teacher Name]
If you are preparing a college-specific recommendation, you can also review [High School Recommendation Letter for College].
Sample Graduate School Letter of Recommendation
[Professor Name]
[Title and Department]
[University]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee:
I am pleased to recommend Jordan Miller for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I have known Jordan for two years as a student in my [Course Name] course and as a research assistant in our department.
Jordan demonstrated strong analytical ability from the beginning. In my course, Jordan completed an extensive research project examining [topic]. The project required careful analysis, independent research, and a clear explanation of complex findings.
What impressed me most was Jordan’s response to feedback. After receiving comments on the initial research design, Jordan reconsidered several assumptions, collected additional information, and produced a significantly stronger final project. This demonstrated persistence, intellectual maturity, and an ability to improve through constructive criticism.
Jordan has also proven to be dependable and self-directed in our research work. Tasks are completed carefully, questions are thoughtful, and deadlines are consistently respected.
I believe Jordan has the intellectual discipline, research ability, and maturity required for graduate-level study. I recommend Jordan enthusiastically for your program.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
For a more specialized academic format, see [Graduate School Letter of Recommendation: Free Template + Professor Checklist].
Sample Scholarship Letter of Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Title]
[School or Organization]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Dear Scholarship Committee:
I am pleased to recommend Elena Rodriguez for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known Elena for two years as her teacher and faculty adviser, and I have consistently been impressed by her academic discipline, leadership, and commitment to helping others.
Elena maintains a demanding academic schedule while remaining actively involved in community service. During the past year, she helped organize a tutoring program for younger students who needed additional support in mathematics.
Rather than simply volunteering for scheduled sessions, Elena helped recruit additional student tutors, organize weekly assignments, and develop practice materials. Her work demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a genuine commitment to helping other students succeed.
Elena approaches her own education with the same determination. She asks thoughtful questions, responds well to feedback, and consistently looks for ways to improve.
I believe Elena represents the qualities your scholarship is designed to recognize, and I recommend her with confidence.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Character Letter of Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to recommend Michael Harris, whom I have known for approximately eight years as a neighbor and community volunteer.
During the time I have known Michael, I have consistently found him to be dependable, responsible, and considerate of others.
One example occurred when an elderly neighbor required assistance after returning home from surgery. Michael voluntarily organized a schedule among several neighbors to make sure groceries, transportation, and basic household needs were covered during the recovery period. He followed through consistently without expecting recognition.
That experience reflects the responsibility and compassion I have seen from Michael throughout the years I have known him.
Based on my personal experience, I believe Michael is a trustworthy and responsible individual. I recommend him with confidence.
Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If the recipient specifically needs information about honesty and trustworthiness, [Honesty and Integrity Character Reference Letter] provides additional examples and wording.
Strong Phrases You Can Use in a Letter of Recommendation
Your wording should sound natural and match what you actually know about the person.
Strong Opening Phrases
You can write:
“I am pleased to recommend…”
“I am happy to recommend…”
“I am honored to recommend…”
“I have had the pleasure of supervising…”
“I am writing in enthusiastic support of…”
“I have known [Name] for [time period] in my capacity as…”
Phrases for Professional Skills
You can write:
“demonstrates excellent judgment”
“consistently follows through on commitments”
“communicates clearly with colleagues and customers”
“takes initiative without requiring constant supervision”
“responds calmly to unexpected problems”
“manages competing priorities effectively”
“works well independently and as part of a team”
Phrases for Academic Recommendations
You can write:
“demonstrates genuine intellectual curiosity”
“approaches difficult material with persistence”
“responds thoughtfully to feedback”
“conducts independent research with maturity”
“communicates complex ideas clearly”
“contributes meaningfully to classroom discussions”
Strong Closing Phrases
You can write:
“I recommend [Name] with confidence.”
“I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.”
“I believe [Name] would make a valuable contribution to your organization.”
“I recommend [Name] without reservation.”
“I would be happy to provide additional information.”
The strongest phrase is the one that accurately reflects your experience.
What You Should Avoid in a Recommendation Letter
Even a well-intentioned recommendation can become weaker if you include unnecessary or unsupported information.
Avoid Generic Praise
Do not fill the letter with words such as:
Amazing
Wonderful
Fantastic
Great
Hardworking
Nice
These words are not automatically bad, but they become meaningful only when you explain what makes them true.
Avoid Information You Cannot Verify
Stick to information you personally know.
Do not repeat rumors, assumptions, or claims that you cannot support.
Avoid Exaggerating
You do not need to describe someone as “the best employee I have ever supervised” unless that statement is genuinely true.
Specific evidence is more persuasive than exaggerated praise.
Avoid Repeating the Resume
The recipient probably already has the applicant’s resume.
Instead of repeating job titles and duties, explain what you personally observed that the resume cannot show.
Avoid Making the Letter About Yourself
You need enough information to establish your credibility, but the focus should remain on the person you are recommending.
Avoid Using the Same Letter for Every Opportunity
A recommendation for graduate school should not sound identical to a recommendation for a corporate job.
Adjust your examples and wording to match the reader’s priorities.
How Long Should a Letter of Recommendation Be?
You should normally aim for a focused letter that fits comfortably on approximately one page.
Your letter needs enough detail to establish:
Who you are
How you know the person
What you observed
Why the person stands out
Why you recommend them
You do not need extra paragraphs simply to make the letter appear substantial.
If the recipient provides specific length requirements, follow those instructions.
When you need something more concise, [15 Short Recommendation Letter Templates] can give you shorter formats for employment, school, promotion, character, and other situations.
Should You Use “To Whom It May Concern”?
Use the recipient’s name whenever you know it.
For example:
“Dear Ms. Williams:”
“Dear Dr. Johnson:”
“Dear Hiring Manager:”
“Dear Admissions Committee:”
“Dear Scholarship Committee:”
If you genuinely do not know who will read the letter, “To Whom It May Concern” can still be used.
However, a specific greeting usually makes your recommendation feel more targeted.
Should You Include Your Contact Information?
Yes.
You should normally include an email address, phone number, or both, unless the submission system provides different instructions.
Your contact information makes it easier for the recipient to verify your recommendation or request additional details.
How To Make Your Recommendation Letter More Persuasive
Before you send the letter, ask yourself five questions:
1. Does the reader know how you know the applicant?
If not, strengthen the opening.
2. Have you provided evidence instead of only adjectives?
If not, add a specific example.
3. Does your example relate to the opportunity?
If not, choose a stronger example.
4. Have you clearly stated that you recommend the person?
If not, strengthen your conclusion.
5. Does the letter sound like you actually know the applicant?
If not, personalize it further.
These five checks can turn a generic recommendation into a much more credible letter.
Advanced Letter of Recommendation Checklist
Use this checklist before you send your recommendation. Completing each section can help you create a letter that is specific, credible, relevant, and easy for the recipient to evaluate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing a Letter of Recommendation
What should you include in a letter of recommendation?
You should include your relationship with the applicant, how long you have known them, relevant qualities, at least one specific example, the reason you believe they fit the opportunity, a clear recommendation, and your contact information.
For additional structures and examples, review [17 Sample Letters of Recommendation].
How do you start a recommendation letter?
You should start by clearly stating who you are recommending, what you are recommending them for, and how you know them.
For example:
“I am pleased to recommend Maria Lopez for the Administrative Coordinator position at ABC Company. I supervised Maria for three years while she worked in our customer service department.”
That immediately establishes your recommendation and credibility.
How do you write a strong recommendation without sounding exaggerated?
You should focus on specific examples rather than extreme adjectives.
Instead of saying the person is “the most outstanding employee imaginable,” describe a project, responsibility, achievement, or situation that demonstrates why you value their work.
Can you write a recommendation letter for a friend?
Yes, if a personal or character reference is appropriate for the situation and you know the person well enough to discuss their character honestly.
You should focus on what you have personally observed rather than making claims about professional abilities you have never seen.
For examples, see [15 Strong Character Reference Letter Samples for a Friend].
What is the difference between a professional recommendation and a character recommendation?
A professional recommendation generally focuses on job performance, skills, accomplishments, leadership, reliability, and workplace behavior.
A character recommendation focuses more heavily on qualities such as honesty, responsibility, compassion, integrity, and judgment.
You should choose the type of letter that matches what the recipient is trying to evaluate.
How do you write a recommendation letter for an employee?
You should explain when and how you supervised the employee, describe the employee’s most relevant strengths, provide specific examples of performance or accomplishments, connect those strengths to the new opportunity, and end with a clear recommendation.
You can compare several employment situations using [15 Employee Recommendation Letter Samples].
How do you write a recommendation for someone you did not supervise?
You can still write an effective recommendation if you had enough direct interaction to evaluate the person’s work.
Clearly explain your relationship.
For example:
“I worked alongside Jennifer for four years on the finance team.”
Then focus on qualities you personally observed, such as teamwork, communication, reliability, technical ability, problem-solving, or leadership.
For targeted examples, see [15 Reference Letter Samples for a Coworker].
How do you write a letter of recommendation for college?
You should focus on academic ability, intellectual curiosity, maturity, persistence, leadership, character, and the student’s potential to succeed in college.
Use specific examples from the classroom, projects, research, extracurricular activities, or other interactions.
You can review [High School Recommendation Letter for College] for more targeted college examples.
How do you write a graduate school recommendation letter?
You should normally emphasize evidence of advanced academic ability, research skills, critical thinking, independence, writing, persistence, and the applicant’s readiness for graduate-level work.
You can use [Graduate School Letter of Recommendation: Free Template + Professor Checklist] when you need a graduate-school-specific structure.
How do you write a scholarship recommendation letter?
You should explain your relationship with the student, identify the student’s most important strengths, provide examples, and connect those qualities to the scholarship’s purpose.
For more targeted examples, review [15 Outstanding Scholarship Recommendation Letter Samples].
What should you do if someone asks you for a recommendation letter but you cannot strongly recommend them?
You should consider declining politely rather than writing an unenthusiastic recommendation.
A weak letter may hurt the applicant more than a respectful refusal.
You can simply explain that you may not be the best person to provide the type of recommendation they need.
What should the applicant give you before you write the letter?
Ask for the applicant’s resume or CV, information about the opportunity, submission instructions, deadline, relevant accomplishments, and any qualities the recipient is specifically evaluating.
If the applicant needs help making the request, send them to [How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation] or [15 Letter of Recommendation Request Emails].
Can you use a recommendation letter template?
Yes, but you should treat a template as a starting point rather than a finished letter.
Replace all placeholders and generic language with information that accurately describes your relationship with the applicant.
The more specific your examples are, the less your letter will sound like a template.
Disclaimer
This article provides general informational and writing guidance only. Always follow the specific requirements of the employer, school, scholarship program, court, organization, or other recipient requesting the recommendation.