How to Start & Write a Recommendation Letter

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A guide to writing recommendations for students, employees, & more

Co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 Approved

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Writing the Letter

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Starting to Write

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Sample Letters

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Q&A

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Tips

Writing a letter of recommendation can be intimidating, especially because the person you’re writing it for is counting on you to pull through for them. Fortunately, there's a general formula you can use to write a letter of recommendation that is both professional and effective.

Writing a Strong Letter of Recommendation

Start the letter off with praise about the person. Then, detail your relationship to them and your qualifications. In the body of the letter, give specific examples of the person’s strengths and successes without exaggerating. Finish the letter by reiterating your recommendation of the person.

Sample Letters

Sample Reference Letter Graduate School

Sample Personal Recommendation

Sample Business Recommendation

Sample Recommendation from Professor

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Writing the Letter

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1
Use standard formal letter writing conventions to begin. A letter of recommendation is like any other professional communication, and follows the same general rules and guidelines.^{[1]
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- Place your address on the top right, followed by the date—spelled out.
- Below that, on the left, place the recipient's name (if known) and address.
- Open the letter with a formal business greeting. Ex:
- Dear Ms. Smith,
- Dear Sir or Madam, (if you don't know the recipient's name)
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Open with a short, but enthusiastic, bit of praise. Let the company know right off the bat that you believe in this person. You don't have to be over the top or insincere, but a positive note to start will make a big difference.^{[2]
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- "It makes me extremely happy to recommend Michael for the position of Director of Development at XYZ Corporation."
- "Any company should count themselves lucky to have an employee as bright, friendly, and dedicated as Gina."
- "No matter what she does, Helena Bonham does it well."
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Describe how you know the person. Give some context for your recommendation. Let the reader know how you met them, how you worked together, and your basic qualifications.^{[3]
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- "As VP of Application Development, I was Michael's direct supervisor from 2009 through 2012. We worked closely together on several key projects, and I got to know him very well during this time.
- "I was both Gina's adviser and teacher throughout her time at Hamilton College. I watched her shine both in the classroom and in office hours, and had the joy of watching her meet and then exceed expectations with her thesis."
- "As the Dean of Students, I deal with many young people throughout the day. However, I was lucky to spend several hours a week with Ms. Bonham in her role as Committee President. In my 32 years as Dean, I have rarely been so impressed."
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Be specific about the candidate's qualifications and successes. Describe what the person has done using specific instances and examples, rather than generalities. Whenever possible, give evidence or stories to back yourself up.^{[4]
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- "Michael's sophisticated grasp of database architecture, combined with an innate feel for UX design and a warm, personal approach to his in-company client base dramatically improved the productivity of our company's merchandising, creative, and editorial departments. His approach to managing application support, maintenance, and training was highly professional and greatly respected, both by end users and by the executive team."
- "Gina was always inquisitive but never pushy. Despite being able to answer almost any question, Gina would rather sit back and help others find the answer for themselves. Countless students, who I thought were doomed to struggle, happily told me how tutoring sessions with Gina helped them turn the corner. And I had many conversations, both as her professor and a peer, that I will remember happily for years."
- "When Ms. Bonham hears the word "no," you can almost see the gears start to turn. She is mover and a shaker -- interfacing with students, faculty, staff, and even outside agencies to find solutions to any problem."
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Make comparisons to illustrate their success. To put the candidate's accomplishments into perspective, include comparisons so that the recipient will have some basis to understand why you are recommending this person.^{[5]
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- "Michael's output of completed projects has exceeded the combined results of all other development efforts I've witnessed during my 8 years at UVW Company."
- "The best students are ones that genuinely love to learn. A student that pushes themselves ever day to learn more and be better, and enjoys every minute. Gina is that kind of student.
- "I can say with confidence that my job working with the Student Committee was never easier, nor more enjoyable, than when I got to work with Ms. Bonham."
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Don't exaggerate -- show where and how they can improve. Don't put the candidate on a pedestal. Not only does it not look plausible, it will also set expectations for them that will be next to impossible to meet. If they have an Achilles’ heel, don't exaggerate it, but don't hide it, either.^{[6]
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- "Despite coming in as a novice, Michael has worked hard to improve his documentation and commenting of scripts and processes, making it easier for those filling his shoes in the future to work effectively."
- "Gina is always on the move -- tutoring, taking classes, joining clubs, etc. -- and though her schedule is perhaps too tightly packed, she somehow manages it all with a smile on her face."
- "Of course, Ms. Bonham's determination and drive occasionally led to butting heads and conflicting opinions. However, though she is never one to shy away from conflict, Ms. Bonham passion was never mean-spririted or rude."
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Keep your writing action-oriented. Begin each paragraph with a punchy, active affirmation of the candidate's qualities or character. Strong verbs are your friend.^{[7]
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- Don't say "Over the course of the last couple years, I have been pleased to watch the ongoing development of Michael's talents." Say instead, "Michael's skills have grown rapidly in the last couple years."
- "Gina exhibits the drive and dedication of the best students. Her writing is clear and concise, a rarity among many young people but effortless for her."
- "Ms. Bonham fights for what she believes is right, even if it doesn't mesh with her own preferences. This clear-eyed and selfless attitude will catapult her far in life."
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Close the letter affirmatively. Reiterate your recommendation of the candidate and, if appropriate, invite the recipient to contact you.^{[8]
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- For example, say, "For all of these reasons, I think Michael will make a fine addition to your team. Should you have any questions, I invite you to contact me at the number or address, above."
- "Gina is the kind of person I would love to hire to work for me, and I know she will be an incredible asset for you."
- "I have no qualms about giving Ms. Bonham the highest recommendation for the position. If you have any questions, please contact me."
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Use a business closing and sign your name. Above all, be professional. If the you're sending a physical letter, print it out and sign it by hand. Otherwise, just typing your name will do.^{[9]
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- "Sincerely,"
- "Best regards,"
- "Thank you,"

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Starting to Write

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1
Break down the letter into short, but specific, paragraphs. Don't ramble, but do flesh out your key points. Try to keep it at one page, covering the various aspects of their recommendation in brief, specific detail.^{[10]
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- Introduction
  - Your qualifications, how you know the candidate, general recommendation.
- Professional Success
  - Why they will be effective, productive workers. Examples of successes.
- Personal Testimony
  - Why they will be a great addition to work and office culture.
- Closing.
  - Reaffirm your willingness to recommend them, offer contact information.
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Target the recommendation. Is it for an academic post, a job, a volunteer position, a background check, or a personal reference? Write your letter so that it is focused on this purpose.
- For example, if the letter is part of a job application package, it should focus on the professional qualifications and conduct of the candidate.
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Familiarize yourself with the position. Get a copy of the job description, if you can, and talk to the person you will recommend. If you know the intended recipient of the letter, ask them about the position as well.^{[11]
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- The more you know about the position, the better you will be able to tailor your letter to suit the needs of both parties.
Spend some time talking to them about their goals and the position they are applying for. Gather together their current resume, any memos or notes you may have on them, and any other information that will help you as you write the letter. The best recommendations are thorough and specific, and having all the information at hand will make the process much easier.^{[12]
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Tip: You put your own reputation on the line when you write a letter of recommendation. If you feel you do not know the person well enough, or they are somebody you cannot in good conscience recommend, decline their request.
If you're not sure of your letter-writing skills, or if your letter will carry a great deal of weight for the candidate's application, ask for feedback from a trusted colleague who may also know the candidate. If you are putting your reputation on the line for this person, you want to put your best foot forward with this letter.^{[13]
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Question

How do I address a general letter of recommendation for an office intern?

Community Answer

"To whom it may concern," or "Dear Sir or Madam,".

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Can anyone write a letter of recommendation?

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Yes, as long as you state how you know the person in the letter. You should also include the reasons why you feel qualified to recommend the person (such as, you may have known them for years, you have professional experience in the position they are seeking etc).

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Can I write a letter of recommendation for a fellow employee who is leaving the company if the boss does not yet know the employee is leaving?

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I don't see why not, as long as you believe your coworker is worthy of a recommendation. Your employer shouldn't have a problem with this, and it's really none of their business anyway.

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Tips

If you ask a candidate to write their own letter of recommendation, recognize that many people find it difficult to write about themselves in this way. Read the letter and make sure that you agree with what they have written before you sign it.

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Type the letter. It is more formal and businesslike—and your recipient won't have to decode your handwriting.

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The first time you name the candidate who is the subject of the letter, use his or her full name. After that, use either the first name or a title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and the last name, depending on how formal you want to be. Whichever you choose, be consistent.

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Warnings

A letter of recommendation should focus on the key knowledge, skills, and abilities of an individual. Don't spend your time inflating your letter of recommendation with excessive positive tones, as this is generally overlooked by recruiters.

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Decide carefully whether to give a copy of the letter to the candidate, particularly if you express reservations. A recommendation may hold more sway if the recipient knows that the views in it are candid, and not written for the gratification or flattery of the candidate.

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