Letter Templates

Recommendation Letter Thesis Supervisor

Recommendation Letter Thesis Supervisor 1

If you’re a graduate student, chances are you’ll have to request a recommendation letter from your thesis supervisor at some point. As your thesis supervisor has worked closely with you during your studies, they are in an excellent position to write a letter that highlights your academic and research abilities. However, writing a letter can be overwhelming for them. Here’s what you need to know about recommendation letters from a thesis supervisor.

What is a Recommendation Letter Thesis Supervisor?

A recommendation letter thesis supervisor is a letter written by a thesis supervisor on behalf of their student. It’s a document that provides a comprehensive assessment of an applicant’s academic and research abilities, as well as their potential for future success. This letter is typically used by students when applying for graduate school, research positions, or academic jobs.

There are several things to keep in mind when requesting a recommendation letter from your thesis supervisor. First, give them plenty of time to write the letter. Second, provide them with all the necessary information, such as your academic transcripts, a copy of your resume, and a list of the schools or programs you’re applying to. Finally, make sure to thank them for taking the time to write the letter.

Below are seven examples of recommendation letters from a thesis supervisor that you can use as a guide when requesting a letter.

Example 1: Letter for Graduate School

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your graduate program in psychology. As Jane’s thesis supervisor for the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with her on several research projects.

Jane is an exceptional student who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for research. She consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to her work, which is evidenced by her numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that Jane would be an excellent addition to your program and would thrive in a challenging academic environment. I highly recommend her for admission and am confident that she will make a significant contribution to your program.

Professor John Doe

Example 2: Letter for Research Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to recommend John Smith for the research position at ABC Company. As John’s thesis supervisor for the past three years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with him on several research projects.

John is an exceptional researcher who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for problem-solving. He consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to his work, which is evidenced by his numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that John would be an excellent addition to your research team and would thrive in a challenging work environment. I highly recommend him for the position and am confident that he will make a significant contribution to your organization.

Professor Jane Doe

Example 3: Letter for Academic Job

I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the tenure-track position in the Department of Biology at XYZ University. As Sarah’s thesis supervisor for the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with her on several research projects.

Sarah is an exceptional researcher who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for teaching. She consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to her work, which is evidenced by her numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that Sarah would be an excellent addition to your faculty and would thrive in a challenging academic environment. I highly recommend her for the position and am confident that she will make a significant contribution to your department.

Professor Jack Smith

Example 4: Letter for Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to recommend Tom Brown for the XYZ Scholarship. As Tom’s thesis supervisor for the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with him on several research projects.

Tom is an exceptional student who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for research. He consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to his work, which is evidenced by his numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that Tom would be an excellent recipient of the XYZ Scholarship and would use the funds to further his academic and research goals. I highly recommend him for the scholarship and am confident that he will make a significant contribution to your organization.

Professor Mary Doe

Example 5: Letter for Internship

Dear Internship Coordinator,

I am writing to recommend Mike Jones for the ABC Internship Program. As Mike’s thesis supervisor for the past three years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with him on several research projects.

Mike is an exceptional student who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for research. He consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to his work, which is evidenced by his numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that Mike would be an excellent addition to your internship program and would thrive in a challenging work environment. I highly recommend him for the program and am confident that he will make a significant contribution to your organization.

Professor David Smith

Example 6: Letter for Fellowship

Dear Fellowship Committee,

I am writing to recommend Emily Brown for the ABC Fellowship Program. As Emily’s thesis supervisor for the past four years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with her on several research projects.

Emily is an exceptional student who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for research. She consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to her work, which is evidenced by her numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that Emily would be an excellent recipient of the ABC Fellowship and would use the funds to further her academic and research goals. I highly recommend her for the fellowship and am confident that she will make a significant contribution to your organization.

Professor Sarah Doe

Example 7: Letter for Job Promotion

I am writing to recommend Mark Johnson for the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at XYZ University. As Mark’s thesis supervisor for the past five years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with him on several research projects.

Mark is an exceptional researcher who possesses a strong work ethic and a natural ability for teaching. He consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to his work, which is evidenced by his numerous academic achievements.

I am confident that Mark would be an excellent addition to your faculty and would thrive in a challenging academic environment. I highly recommend him for the position and am confident that he will make a significant contribution to your department.

Professor Robert Smith

Q: How can I ask my thesis supervisor for a recommendation letter?

A: You can ask your thesis supervisor for a recommendation letter by sending them an email or scheduling an appointment to discuss your request in person. When requesting a letter, be sure to provide them with all the necessary information and give them plenty of time to write the letter.

Q: How long should a recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor be?

A: A recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor should be one to two pages long. It should provide a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s academic and research abilities, as well as their potential for future success.

Q: What should a recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor include?

A: A recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor should include an assessment of the applicant’s academic and research abilities, as well as their potential for future success. It should also include specific examples of the applicant’s achievements and contributions to their field.

Q: How can I ensure that my recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor is strong?

A: To ensure that your recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor is strong, provide them with all the necessary information and give them plenty of time to write the letter. Additionally, remind them of specific examples of your achievements and contributions to your field.

Q: Can I edit my recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor?

A: Yes, you can edit your recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor, but be sure to do so carefully. Make sure that any changes you make do not alter the tone or meaning of the letter.

Q: Can I use the same recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor for multiple applications?

A: Yes, you can use the same recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor for multiple applications, but be sure to check the application requirements for each program or position to ensure that the letter meets their specific criteria.

Q: How can I show my appreciation for a recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor?

A: To show your appreciation for a recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor, send them a thank-you note or email. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their time and effort.

A recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor is an important document that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. By following the tips outlined in this article and using the examples provided, you can ensure that your recommendation letter is strong and effective.

  • Academic Reference Request Example
  • Recommendation Letter Harvard Sample
  • Reference Examples Harvard Style
  • Does Recommendation Letter Need To Be Signed
  • Academic Reference Letter Example
  • Phd Reference Letter Template
  • Affiliate Program

Wordvice

  • UNITED STATES
  • 台灣 (TAIWAN)
  • TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
  • Academic Editing Services
  • - Research Paper
  • - Journal Manuscript
  • - Dissertation
  • - College & University Assignments
  • Admissions Editing Services
  • - Application Essay
  • - Personal Statement
  • - Recommendation Letter
  • - Cover Letter
  • - CV/Resume
  • Business Editing Services
  • - Business Documents
  • - Report & Brochure
  • - Website & Blog
  • Writer Editing Services
  • - Script & Screenplay
  • Our Editors
  • Client Reviews
  • Editing & Proofreading Prices
  • Wordvice Points
  • Partner Discount
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • APA Citation Generator
  • MLA Citation Generator
  • Chicago Citation Generator
  • Vancouver Citation Generator
  • - APA Style
  • - MLA Style
  • - Chicago Style
  • - Vancouver Style
  • Writing & Editing Guide
  • Academic Resources
  • Admissions Resources

Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Examples 2022-2023

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

Grad school recommendation letters are an essential part of every graduate school application package–even in this (almost) post-COVID era of remote work and Zoom classes. Nearly all applications to graduate school still require at least two recommendation letters from individuals who can discuss your abilities, competencies, and personal character in a coherent way and recommend you for admission to graduate school.

Many referees have difficulty writing these recommendations themselves (for language issues or simply because they are busy) and some rely on the applicant to pen the draft of the letter and receive confirmation before submitting it to the graduate school. But regardless of who is writing the letter, there are a few key elements the recommender needs to include to craft a stellar recommendation for their graduate candidate.

Who should write a recommendation letter for graduate school?

Choosing which professors, supervisors, or advisors to request a graduate school recommendation letter from can be somewhat overwhelming. Should you choose someone who does not know you personally but who has connections to your target graduate school? If a famous professor writes you a grad school recommendation letter, will this automatically give you an advantage with the admissions committee? 

In general, graduate recommendation letters should come from people who know you well, who respect you enough to say glowing things about you as a student and researcher, and who hold positions in school or work that are above your own. At least one letter of recommendation should be submitted from a past or current professor or academic advisor. 

Another could be from someone in a slightly different role, including an employer, a research adviser, a senior colleague, or a professor from a different department or kind of class (e.g., a discussion class professor instead of a lecturer). No matter who it is, the recommender should know the applicant and recognize their accomplishments. It also helps if the recommender understands some details about the program to which their candidate is applying.

Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing who to ask for letters of recommendation for graduate school. Select someone who:

  • Knows you well and can answer positively. Choose an individual who you have spent time with outside the classroom if possible. They should also be familiar with your career goals and hold a favorable view of you. 
  • Has known you for quite a while. A recommendation letter for graduate school carries more influence if the person has known you for months or years instead of months. If you can, find someone who knows you from various contexts, such as a professor who is also your advisor. 
  • Can speak to your strengths in relation to your graduate program. Choosing a finance professor to write your recommendation letter for an MBA program would be a good idea because they can write about the qualities that will aid you in pursuing an MBA (qualities you can also include in your MBA essay ) and a broader career in business. 
  • Has substantive stories to share about you. Who was fortunate enough to see you succeed in an academic, extracurricular, or professional setting? Having someone write your LOR who has good stories to share about you is certainly going to benefit you more than someone whose class you took with two hundred other students. 

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Knowing how to request a letter of recommendation for graduate school can directly impact the quality of the letter your referee writes for you. Show respect and consideration for the time that your recommender is taking to write a glowing review that will get you into graduate school and positively impact the rest of your life. 

With this in mind, it may seem obvious that the very best way to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school is to do so in person. While this isn’t possible for all students (due to availability or schedule), it is the best route if you want to ensure that your LOR is not only written on time, but includes all the positive information about you that admissions committees want to see in a graduate candidate. When you cannot ask in person, sending an email is an appropriate second-best option. But remember to always be cordial and polite when making this request. 

What information should be included in a graduate recommendation letter?

Your referral letter should cover a range of skills, from academic abilities to research experiences, to applied experiences in and out of class. As the recommender, your letter should clearly answer some specific questions:

Your letter of recommendation should cover a range of skills, from academic abilities to research experiences, to applied experiences in and out of class. As the recommender, your letter should clearly answer some specific questions:

  • What is your relationship with the student?
  • Why should the graduate faculty listen to your opinion? (include your status, title)
  • What makes this student special? (discuss their characteristics, qualities, traits)
  • What specifically did this student do to impress you? (discuss their accomplishments, habits in class)
  • What makes this student qualified for graduate school and for this program? (include specific courses or interests of the student in addition to abilities and traits)
  • What do you know about the program the student is applying to?

What information does the LOR recommender need from me?

The recommender should be given sufficient time to write (and/or confirm) the letter. If it has been a while since you were last in contact, sending a background information file will make things easier. Include the following information so that the recommender can use a few details to bolster their letter:

  • Classes the student has taken with the recommender
  • Experiences you have shared
  • Transcripts
  • Research experience and internships
  • Awards and achievements
  • Academic/career goals
  • Relevant professional experience

In addition to background information, make sure that the recommender has the necessary information to plan the writing in a timely manner and target the letter as much as possible:

  • Graduate program application due date
  • Copy of recommendation forms (if applicable)
  • Instructions for submitting LORs (hard copy, soft copy, or direct to school)
  • Details about the program and school the student is applying to

What style of writing should be used in a recommendation letter?

Although the letter of recommendation is more informal than academic writing, you should make sure that your language has no grammatical or mechanics errors and that it is of an academic level that reflects the author’s educational level and qualifications. Apply the following standards to the writing and the essay-drafting process:

  • Make your language more personal in tone than research writing.
  • Use the active voice and first-person point of view more often.
  • Write chronologically, starting from important traits and then moving on to actions and achievements.
  • Use lots of details—list course names, scores, and specific achievements of the student.
  • Edit your letter before submitting it to the graduate admissions faculty.

How to Write a Grad School Letter of Recommendation Letter: LOR Outline

A well-structured recommendation letter (like any organized essay) will guide the reader logically towards an understanding of why this student is worthy not only of praise but of admission to graduate school. Grad school requires quite a few high-level scholastic attributes that not all students possess, and therefore it is important to focus on both the achievements of the candidate and on their personal character and potential to thrive in a difficult academic environment.

Use this outline as a letter of recommendation template in which to input your candidate’s achievements, skills, and traits. Note that the flow of information moves the reader into greater detail, using form phrases and transitions that increase the readability of the letter.

1. Greeting to the recipient

Dear {Name}, or To Whom It May Concern, To the graduate faculty of the {University / Department}

2. Opening paragraph: position; relationship to the applicant; general assessment of the applicant

It is my absolute pleasure to recommend {Name} for admissions to {Program} at {University}… I am a professor of {area of study} in the department of {department} at {University}.

recommendation letter for grad school example 1

3. Second paragraph: positive skill or trait; evidence of trait or skill; anecdotes demonstrating this skill

Jane has excellent communication skills. Her written work is both clear and concise, as well as interesting to read…

recommendation letter for grad school example 2

4. Third (up to fifth) paragraph: Other skills or traits; evidence of character and skills; detailed anecdotes

At a personal level, Jane is a well-disciplined, industrious student with a pleasant personality. She went well beyond the course expectations…

recommendation letter for grad school example 3

5. Final Paragraph: clear recommendation of the candidate to the specific school or program.

Jane is unquestionably an exceptional candidate for graduate study in {Program Applying for}. Jane’s work in “Developments in Anthropology” suggests that she would greatly benefit from the opportunities for intellectual development provided by a sustained period of graduate study…

recommendation letter for grad school example 5

6. Closing line: polite offer to be contacted if needed

If I can be of any further assistance, or provide you with any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

recommendation letter for grad school example 6

Letter of Recommendation Template and Useful Phrases

Admission essays often contain template phrases or “form phrases” that allow the writer to plug in their specific information while not spending too much time deciding how to compose every single aspect of the writing. This can be especially useful for ESL authors because conventional expressions used in academic and essay writing can be difficult to learn and memorize. Use the following form phrases to help craft a more professional letter of recommendation.

Introducing yourself

  • My name is  {Author}  and I have been a Professor of Math at  {University}  since  {date} .
  • I write to you today to proudly express my support for  {Student}  in applying to your prestigious university.

Discussing your relationship with the applicant

  • I first came to know  {Student}  while teaching him/her in my  {Course Name}  course…
  • I was  {Student} ’s thesis advisor during his/her senior year.
  • I have known  {Student}  for several years now and can attest to his/her strengths and quality of character.

Discussing the student’s general positive traits

  • {Student}  has excellent communication skills and displays them regularly in class discussions.
  • He/She is a highly intelligent and competent student who excels in many areas.
  • Not only is  {Student}  hard-working and thoughtful, but he/she also demonstrates kindness and generosity towards his/her peers.

Demonstrating evidence of student’s character and skills

  • She/he has shown herself/himself to be a true leader who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them in his/her work.
  • {Student}  demonstrated his/her independence daily, completing difficult lab exercises by researching outside of class.
  • During his/her internship,  {Student}  consistently managed his/her work responsibilities diligently and learned quickly. For example…

Discussing the school/program the student is applying to

  • As  {University}  is renowned for its  {Program} , I believe this is an ideal place for  {Student}  to solidify his/her abilities and cement his/her knowledge of  {area of study} .
  • The learning environment that  {University}  is famous for creating excellent opportunities in which  {Student}  to apply his/her skills.

Final endorsement and offer to be contacted

  • For the above reasons, I am confident that  {Student}  will make an excellent addition to your graduate program, and I wholeheartedly support him/her for admission to your program.
  • Thank you for your time and attention in reading my endorsement.

Further Tips for Writing Admissions Essays

  • Highlight your self-motivation, competence, and potential in this essay
  • Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in the active voice.
  • Demonstrate through examples; don’t just write that you are a “persistent person”—show it!
  • Approach every topic with continuity and focus.

The Final Step: Editing Your Recommendation Letter

As any good writer knows, it takes more than one draft to create a strong and compelling work of writing. After you have written your recommendation letter draft, there is still a lot of room for revision. One way to ensure that grammar mistakes and style errors do not get in the way of a strong letter is to let the admissions experts at Wordvice’s Admissions Editing Services edit and proofread your (of your candidate’s) letter of recommendation or other application essays, raising the chances that your candidate will be admitted to the program of their choice.

With a full suite of professional proofreading services , we edit thousands of admission documents each year for all kinds of authors of academic and admissions documents just like you. Furthermore, our application essay editing services , recommendation letter editing services , personal statement editing services , CV editing services , cover letter editing services , and SOP editing services are tailored to the needs of your specific admissions essay.

For more articles on writing and editing your essays and academic work, visit Wordvice’s Academic Resource page . 

  • Search Search Please fill out this field.
  • Career Planning
  • Finding a Job

Letter of Recommendation Samples for Students

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

How to Request a Recommendation Letter

How to write a recommendation letter, what to include in a recommendation letter for a student, how to use letter examples and templates, student recommendation letter example, character references and personal recommendations, character reference letter example, how to create a reference list, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Hero Images / Getty Images

Students may need a letter of recommendation to land a job, secure an internship, or earn a spot in a competitive academic program. But to make a good impression on the recipient, a letter of recommendation must be more than just an enthusiastic endorsement—it must follow a specific format.

Whether you are a student who needs a letter of recommendation for an application, or you're writing an academic reference, here’s how to format your letter and what to include in the document. Plus, you’ll find a few samples to help guide your writing.

Key Takeaways

  • Students can request recommendation letters from teachers, professors, and employers.
  • Character references provide an endorsement of a student’s positive personal qualities, such as their work ethic, dependability, and enthusiasm.
  • When requesting a recommendation letter, offer to provide a copy of your CV or resume, as well as a job description or program overview.

When you request a letter of recommendation (sometimes also called a letter of reference), be sure to give potential writers information on why you need the letter, and let them know why you think they are a good person to recommend you. For example, if you performed well in your professor's class and are asking them to write a recommendation for graduate school, tell them you enjoyed their course and felt your performance demonstrated your commitment to pursuing another degree program.

You might also provide the person with your most up-to-date resume or CV. These details will make it easier for them to write a personalized and targeted reference letter.

You should also provide all the information the person needs regarding how to submit the letter, what to include (if there are any requirements), and when it is due.

When writing a reference letter , be sure to explain how you know the student, and describe some of the qualities that make him or her a good candidate for the job or school. Use specific examples to demonstrate how the person has shown those qualities.

Focus on the specific job or school the person is applying for. Try to include qualities and examples that will help them get that position or get into that school.

Feel free to ask the person for whom you are writing the letter for more information. You might ask to see the job listing, their resume, or a list of their related coursework.

Contact Information If you’re writing a formal printed letter, include your contact information, as well as the recipient’s information, at the top of the letter.

Greeting If you are writing a personal recommendation letter, include a salutation to start your letter (Dear Dr. Smith, or Dear Ms. Jones, for example).

Paragraph 1: Introduction Explain why you're writing and how you are connected to the person you are recommending, including how you know them and for how long.

Paragraph 2/3: Why You're Writing Share information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified and what they have to offer. It's fine to include more than one paragraph to provide details of the student's academic and work performance. Including examples of how they have excelled is a good way to show how the person is qualified.

Paragraph 4: Summary Write a brief summary of why you are recommending the person. Mention that you "highly recommend" the person, that you "recommend without reservation," or something similar.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion Offer to share more information and let the reader know how to contact you (phone, email, etc.) for a follow-up conversation.

Letter Closing End your letter with a formal letter closing and your name and title. If you are mailing a printed letter, include your signature underneath your typed name: 

Signature (for hard copy letter)

If you’re sending an email, include your contact information in your signature. 

It is a good idea to review recommendation letter examples and templates before you write a recommendation letter or a request for a letter. They can help you decide what kind of content you should include in your document.

A letter template also helps you with the layout of your letter, such as how many paragraphs to include, how to sign the letter, and what elements you need to include (your contact information, for example).

While recommendation letter examples, templates, and guidelines are a great starting point, always tailor a letter to fit the particular situation

Download the recommendation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

The Balance

Recommendation Letter Example (Text Version)

Brian Smith 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 brian.smith@collegemail.edu

March 9, 2024

Emma Johnson Owner Café Bistro 72 Dock Street Pacifica, Oregon 97233

Dear Ms. Johnson,

Daniel Williams worked as a server and manager at Central College’s student café under my supervision for seven semesters, beginning in Spring 2019.

Over that time, I was consistently impressed with his customer service and people management skills, as well as his dedication and good humor. I've often said that if I could clone Daniel, I'd never have to worry about staffing problems again. He's a truly gifted server, fast on his feet, and able to remember complicated orders without using an order pad.

He’s also an innovator. Thanks to his suggestions, we revamped the café menu last year to focus on the most popular dishes and dropped some expensive, time-consuming menu items. The result was a 10% increase in profits.

Our customers love him. More than one has suggested that Daniel become a “super senior,” so that he can stay with us next year. Alas, he’s graduating on schedule, with highest honors and a boatload of references to attest to his skill, hard work, and talent. I’m honored to be one of them.

I enthusiastically recommend Daniel for the position of server/manager in your café. If you have any specific questions about Daniel’s experience and skills, I’m happy to help. Please call me at 555-555-5555.

Brian Smith

Student Coordinator

Central College Café

A character reference is a recommendation written by someone who can attest to one’s character. These letters may be needed for people applying to join an association or purchase a property.

They can be used as an alternative to a professional reference for someone who doesn't have work experience, and they may also be required for jobs that require a high level of trustworthiness.

Who to Ask for a Character Reference

If you have limited work experience (or worry you will get a negative reference from your former employer), you might ask someone to write you a character reference. This might help balance out a negative employer reference.

Consider asking a friend, neighbor, club leader, colleague, or someone else who may never have employed you but can speak to who you are as a person.

What to Include in a Character Reference

If you are asked to write a character reference, focus on the person’s character traits and abilities. You can provide examples from personal interactions with that individual.

Download the character reference letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Character Reference Letter Example (Text Version)

Jane Lee 330 Chestnut Street Kerry Springs, Massachusetts 01006

February 3, 2024

Sandra Gomez Program Director Kids at Play, Inc. Centertown, New Hampshire 03225

Dear Ms. Gomez,

Before I had the pleasure of working with Liz Dwyer on our neighborhood cleanup committee, I was her next-door neighbor for 10 years. It didn’t surprise me at all when she was the youngest person to show up for our initial organizational meeting or when she volunteered to take notes and spearheaded the playground project. 

Liz is a very special young person, the kind that gives you hope for the future. It’s not just that she’s organized and dependable, although she is. It’s that she has passion, drive, and a deep optimism for what’s possible. I’ve seen firsthand how she uses that optimism to inspire others and help them see the possibilities in an empty lot or rundown corner. 

I’ve also been impressed with Liz’s growth as an artist. Since she started at Eastern College, her talent has grown. She has used her new skills to improve our neighborhood, rallying the local kids to help her make a mosaic wall for the new playground. 

I know she would be a bright light in your arts program, inspiring and guiding the kids in your care just as she has the kids on our block. I enthusiastically recommend her for the job. Please feel free to reach out to me at jane.lee@email.com or (413)555-6078 with any questions. 

Best regards,

Jane Lee Director, Chestnut Street Block Association

A reference list is a page with a list of your references and their contact information. Send this letter as part of your job application if it is requested. Employers who ask for a reference list might call or email the people on that list and ask them for more information about you.

When creating your reference list, be sure to first ask permission from each person on your list. Not only is this polite, but this will give each person time to prepare a response for the employer. Make sure you provide all the necessary contact information for each person.

What should a student’s letter of recommendation include?

A letter of recommendation for a student should describe their positive qualities, including their academic achievements, interpersonal skills, work ethic, and character. To be effective, the letter should focus on skills and qualifications that are most valuable in the job or program for which the student is applying. 

How long should a recommendation letter be?

A recommendation letter should be at least a few paragraphs long, typically a page or two in length. It should contain specifics that illustrate why the subject is a good candidate for the job or position they’re seeking. The recommender should unreservedly endorse the subject of the letter. 

Georgetown University Center for Research and Fellowships. " Do's and Don'ts of Writing Recommendation Letters ."

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals
  • Explore content
  • About the journal
  • Publish with us
  • Sign up for alerts
  • CAREER COLUMN
  • 20 July 2020

Writing the perfect recommendation letter

Andy Tay is a freelance writer based in Singapore.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Undergraduates need them for graduate-school applications; PhD students and postdocs use them to apply for fellowships and jobs; senior scientists often have to have them to apply for awards and promotions. But writing an effective and personal recommendation letter can be time-consuming, especially for academics who must juggle grant applications, manuscripts, teaching and student supervision. And some might struggle to say the right things to support a former employee or student in their career move, while sounding original and unique.

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 51 print issues and online access

185,98 € per year

only 3,65 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Nature 584 , 158 (2020)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-02186-8

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Related Articles

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

  • Research management

How I fled bombed Aleppo to continue my career in science

How I fled bombed Aleppo to continue my career in science

Career Feature 08 MAY 24

Illuminating ‘the ugly side of science’: fresh incentives for reporting negative results

Illuminating ‘the ugly side of science’: fresh incentives for reporting negative results

Hunger on campus: why US PhD students are fighting over food

Hunger on campus: why US PhD students are fighting over food

Career Feature 03 MAY 24

How to stop students cramming for exams? Send them to sea

How to stop students cramming for exams? Send them to sea

News & Views 30 APR 24

How young people benefit from Swiss apprenticeships

How young people benefit from Swiss apprenticeships

Spotlight 17 APR 24

Ready or not, AI is coming to science education — and students have opinions

Ready or not, AI is coming to science education — and students have opinions

Career Feature 08 APR 24

Japan can embrace open science — but flexible approaches are key

Correspondence 07 MAY 24

US funders to tighten oversight of controversial ‘gain of function’ research

US funders to tighten oversight of controversial ‘gain of function’ research

News 07 MAY 24

France’s research mega-campus faces leadership crisis

France’s research mega-campus faces leadership crisis

News 03 MAY 24

Clinician Researcher/Group Leader in Cancer Cell Therapies

An excellent opportunity is available for a Group Leader with expertise in cellular therapies to join the Cancer Research program at QIMR Berghofer.

Herston, Brisbane (AU)

QIMR Berghofer

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

Faculty Positions at the Center for Machine Learning Research (CMLR), Peking University

CMLR's goal is to advance machine learning-related research across a wide range of disciplines.

Beijing, China

Center for Machine Learning Research (CMLR), Peking University

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

Faculty Positions at SUSTech Department of Biomedical Engineering

We seek outstanding applicants for full-time tenure-track/tenured faculty positions. Positions are available for both junior and senior-level.

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Southern University of Science and Technology (Biomedical Engineering)

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

Southeast University Future Technology Institute Recruitment Notice

Professor openings in mechanical engineering, control science and engineering, and integrating emerging interdisciplinary majors

Nanjing, Jiangsu (CN)

Southeast University

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

Staff Scientist

A Staff Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Drs. Elliot and Glassberg to study translational aspects of lung injury, repair and fibro

Maywood, Illinois

Loyola University Chicago - Department of Medicine

recommendation letter for student from thesis supervisor

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

Discover the best Universities, Courses, Exams and Education updates all over the world

  • --> --> --> --> --> --> Search --> --> -->