resume letters of rec

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation [With Tips & Template]

Every now and then, applying for a position will require that you also submit a letter of recommendation. 

Or, maybe, a coworker will ask you to write a recommendation letter for their new job application.

If you're not certain how to go about it, don't worry - nothing about recommendation letters needs to be complicated. Especially once you learn the nitty-gritty of the topic. 

This is exactly what this article is here to teach you!

What is a Recommendation Letter?

What should a letter of recommendation include.

• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

3 Types of Recommendation Letters

• How to Ask For a Recommendation Letter
• Recommendation Letter Template

A letter of recommendation is a formal document confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential. 

Typically, a recommendation letter is required for: 

• University admissions
• Fellowships or internship positions
• Job applications
• Volunteering opportunities

You should ideally write a recommendation for someone whose abilities and work ethic you are familiar with - for example, a colleague, student you taught, your employee, or someone you supervised at work.

Similarly, if you’re the one asking for a recommendation letter, you should ask someone who can attest to your professional or academic abilities. 

The types of recommendation letters are:

• Academic recommendation letters.
• Employment recommendation letters.
• Character recommendation letters.

Here’s what each type of recommendation letter is about:

#1. Academic Recommendation Letters

Academic recommendation letters are typically required to be submitted by students during the admission processes of graduate and undergraduate schools. 

Generally, each prospective student is requested to submit up to three references, which can be written by any education professional familiar with the candidate’s academic background. 

Academic reference letters include:

• Recommendation letter for undergraduate/graduate school
• Recommendation letter for a scholarship
• Recommendation letter for a fellowship program

#2. Employment recommendation letters 

This type makes up the most popular type of recommendation letter.

Sometimes, employers can ask you to submit up to 3 recommendation letters as part of your job application.

More often, though, a recruiter might ask you for recommendation letters if they already like your resume and want to learn more about you. 

Employment recommendation letters are written by former - or current - coworkers, employers, or supervisors.

If you can choose, pick someone with more years of experience than you. After all, the more senior they are, the more weight their recommendation carries.

Employment recommendations include: 

• Recommendation letter for a coworker
• Recommendation letter for a (former) employee

#3. Character recommendation letters

Character recommendation letters, also known as personal references, are used to describe an individual’s personality by someone who knows them well, including close friends, coworkers, or employers. 

Personal references serve many purposes, the primary ones being court cases dealing with criminal issues such as drunk driving offenses, or legal situations such as child adoption procedures. 

It is not uncommon, however, to have a potential landlord or even immigration officials ask for a personal reference. 

Personal references include: 

• Recommendation letter for a friend
• Recommendation letter for a tenant
• Recommendation letter for a patient

Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout that make writing them significantly easier. 

In this section, we’ll cover how to do each the right way, starting with:

Letter of Recommendation Format

A letter of recommendation includes the following sections: 

• The salutation ; if you are addressing someone whose name you know or writing a personal recommendation letter, the salutation can be addressed to “Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr. Smith.” Otherwise, you may use the generic “to whom it may concern.”
• The introduction , which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “ it is my pleasure to recommend… ”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is.
• The overview, or a description of the applicant’s top skills, attributes, and strengths.
• A personal story describing more of the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• The closing statement , or the final call for action, is where you encourage the recruiter to contact you if additional information is needed.
• The signature , where you repeat your name and include your full contact information.

Letter of Recommendation Layout 

When it comes to the layout of the recommendation letter, all you need to do is follow some basic formatting rules. Here are the most important ones: 

#1. One page length. This rule applies to resumes too, but it’s even more essential for the recommendation letter. Recruiters go through hundreds of them, so chances are they appreciate concise, to-the-point letters that don’t waste their time. And besides, a good recommendation letter doesn’t have to be an essay to get the recruiter ‘hooked’ - especially if you follow the above format. 

#2. Single-spaced lining, with space between paragraphs . This also keeps your reference letter within the limit by shortening the text. 

#3. Traditional font. Don’t go for something too creative - pick a classic that works. We recommend Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Ubuntu, Roboto or Overpass.

#4. 1” margins on all sides . This creates enough white space around the margins and makes the letter easy to read. Additionally, the text should be aligned to the left - although this is a standard alignment for most documents.    

#5. 10-12pt font size . This is the font size range that makes the document easy to read. Adjusting the font size is another good way to keep your recommendation letter within the length limit.

Recommendation letters usually follow similar layout rules as resumes. Learn more about font size and style from our article on the best resume font, size, and format . 

Recommendation Letter Template 

Struggling to write a recommendation letter? 

Just follow our tried-and-tested template! 

To whom it may concern: 

[Recommend the referee for the position they are applying for.]

[Briefly introduce yourself and state your position/ job title , as well as your work experience .]

[Tell how you know the referee and describe their top skills, qualifications, and strengths.]

[Share a personal story with the referee where you highlight their strong points and key achievements .]

[Add a few more of the applicant’s skills and positive traits, preferably fitting the job description.]

[Show your availability to provide additional information for the referee if needed.]

Best Regards

[Your full signature and contact information]

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter 

Need to ask someone for a recommendation letter? Here’s what you need to know.

The go-to person for your recommendation letter will depend on the type of reference you’ll need. 

For example, if you need an employment recommendation letter , your top choices should involve people who are familiar with your work ethic and professional abilities, but with whom you’ve also had a positive professional relationship. For example:

• Your team lead
• Department head
• CEO of the company
• Direct manager
• A coworker you’ve worked with together on a project

If you are a recent graduate with little work experience, you can ask a mentor or college professor to write you a professional reference. 

In case you need an academic recommendation letter , consider asking a professor with whom you’ve worked closely and can positively attest to your academic potential and achievements.

Your thesis advisor, for example, would make a good choice to ask for an academic reference. If you never wrote a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, any professor who knows you as more than just a face in a sea of students should do the trick. 

Finally, keep the following in mind when the time comes to ask for a recommendation letter: 

• Whoever you end up asking, talk to them about it in advance . Then, follow up with a formal email that should contain all reference-related information, such as the submission details and deadline. The email can also include a description of what you’re currently doing (professionally, academically, or independently), what qualifies you for the position, and some relevant skills, achievements, or noteworthy facts.
• If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, make sure to also include your resume and the job description in the follow-up email. This way, the person writing the letter will know more about you and your new position and will be able to write a more relevant recommendation by tailoring your skills to the job, or by mentioning some of your (relevant) achievements.
• Notify the contacts you’ll be asking - considering that in most cases recruiters ask for up to three recommendation letters - at least two weeks in advance. This will give them enough time to prepare and write a good recommendation letter. This is especially important for academic references because professors are usually writing several recommendation letters simultaneously.
• Consider attaching a recommendation letter template such as the one provided in this article to your email. The template will considerably ease or guide them through the process of writing the letter.
• Follow up by sending thank you notes to everyone who writes you a recommendation letter. Sending a letter of appreciation is a courtesy act that will let them know you are grateful for the time and effort they took to recommend you positively.

If you’re also looking to update your resume or create one, head over to our guide on how to write a resume in 2024 !

5 Tips on How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

There’s more to writing a recommendation letter than just following the layout instructions or sticking to the format.

We’re referring to content quality, which happens to be the trickiest part of the process. 

In this section, we’ll teach you how to write a recommendation letter that will impress the recruiter and help your referee!

Tip #1. Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction  

First things first - the introduction.

This is where you need to grab the reader’s attention and get them interested in reading the recommendation letter. 

How to go about it? Before formally (and briefly) introducing yourself, aim to write an attention-grabbing recommendation statement, instead of a generic one the recruiter probably knows by heart already. 

Let’s explain this more practically: 

Dear Mr. Smith, 

I am pleased to recommend Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

Nothing wrong with this introduction at first glance, right? It’s a standard way of opening a recommendation letter after all. 

Well that’s exactly what’s wrong with it - it’s way too common. No, this probably won’t get your application disqualified, but it won’t impress the recruiter either.

Want yours to strike the right note? Try something like this instead:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am sincerely glad to be the one recommending Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

This recommendation statement is not significantly different from the previous one, except for one thing: it gives the reference letter a head start by implying that recommending Sarah is an honor. And that’s more likely to get the recruiter’s attention - or, at least, curiosity. 

In case you’re struggling to come up with an attention-grabbing introduction, simply mention one of the following points, and you’re good to go: 

• A little-known fact about the candidate. 
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities.
• A remarkable achievement or award the candidate might have won.  

Tip #2. Establish a Meaningful Relationship With the Candidate 

All recommendation letters explain what the relationship with the referee is before listing their skills and qualifications. 

To make the recommendation more meaningful, you should show the recruiter you are just the right person to attest to the candidate’s abilities. And that’s not something you can convey by simply stating how you know them. Take the following example:   

I have taught Jake Political Science for four years. 

Does this example tell the recruiter how you know the applicant? Sure, it does. 

But it does so in a boring way and without establishing a convincing relationship with them. For all the recruiter knows, Jake is just one out of a thousand students you’ve taught over the years.

It has been a pleasure for me to teach Jake for four years and guide him through his remarkable Bachelor’s thesis in Conflict Resolution.

Notice the difference? This example specifies the writer is Jake’s thesis advisor, which makes the recommendation all the more meaningful. 

Tip #3. Tailor Your Recommendation to the Application 

Want to put in the extra effort and make sure your referee truly stands out?

Tailor the recommendation letter to the job / university program they’re applying for.

Tailoring your letter to the candidate’s application is easiest when you’re recommending someone for employment (you can just check the job requirements), but it works for any type of recommendation (incl. academic). All you need to do is match the referee’s skills and strengths to whatever they’re applying for. 

Let’s assume, for example, that you’re recommending a co-worker for a marketing manager position.

Some of the job requirements are: 

• +5 years of professional experience in marketing
• Experience developing marketing campaigns 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Project-management and multi-tasking skills 

To tailor your recommendation to the job requirements, all you need to do is mention them as your referee’s best qualities. For example: 

Even after seven years working together, Ema’s skillful way of effectively communicating with clients and co-workers alike doesn’t cease to amaze me. It only comes second to her multi-tasking abilities, which I’ve witnessed throughout the many marketing campaigns we have developed and managed. 

As you can see, there’s not much to it. 

All you need to do is check the job requirements, pick several skills and qualifications, and make them part of your referee’s top skills, strengths, or personality traits.  

Tip #4. List the Candidate’s Achievements 

Mentioning some of the candidate’s achievements is another great way to help your referee really stand out.

After all, skills, strengths, and character traits are awesome, but they can also come across as meaningless if you can’t back them up with facts. 

What do we mean by this?

Let us explain:

Here’s how a typical personal story in a recommendation letter looks like:

I came to truly appreciate Eric’s work ethic, passion, and attention to detail the first time I assigned him to do a report on child trafficking. Eric was respectful of journalistic ethics but also willing to chase the story relentlessly, believing in its value and importance. 

Sure, this is a perfectly acceptable personal story. 

However, it doesn’t do much more than just list the referee’s skills, traits, and work experience through a subjective lens. 

What we’re saying is, it doesn’t really sell the candidate.

Now, let’s compare it to the following:

Eric’s ability to chase after difficult stories first became apparent when I assigned him a report about child trafficking. Despite the challenging topic, Eric not only pulled through but achieved more than expected by a) identifying a trafficking ring that put more than 50 minors into forced begging, b) interviewing 10 of the older minors and managing to bring that trafficking network down once the reportage went public and c) increasing the TV Channel’s ratings by 40% in 3 weeks. 

By mentioning those achievements, your account of the candidate’s experiences is a lot more “factual,” as well as impressive for the recruiter.

Not sure which achievements to include? Check out these 101+ achievements to list on your resum e !

Tip #5. Polish Up Your Recommendation Letter

Finally, here’s 5 more simple tips to get your recommendation letter ready:

• Maintain positive rhetoric . At no point throughout your reference letter should the recruiter sense a hint of doubt regarding the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• Don’t overdo the positivity. Extremes are never good - which means being overly positive might also come across as a bit suspicious or weird (even if everything you're saying is true). 
• Follow the submission instructions . A bunch of employers, but also educational institutions, will provide instructions on how to submit the recommendation letter. We recommend you ask the candidate to double-check them and give you a heads up, because if you submit the recommendation letter wrong, the candidate might lose their chance.
• Use a business tone . Even when you’re being creative, your writing tone should maintain a business tone - polite, and as formal as possible.
• Mind your grammar and spelling . This is another tip that goes for all things application-related. You won’t compromise the referee’s chances with a typo, but your recommendation won’t matter much either if it’s filled with simple grammar/spelling mistakes. Run your letter through a grammar and spell-check app once you’re finished with it, just to be on the safe side of things.

Recommendation Letter FAQ

Still have some questions on how to write a letter of recommendation?

Find your answers below!

1. What is a professional letter of recommendation?

A professional letter of recommendation - also called an employment recommendation letter - refers to an official document that is typically required when you apply for a job and which describes the applicant’s professional skills, experiences, and qualifications. 

Professional letters of recommendation are typically written by current or previous employers or supervisors. A coworker can also write you a professional letter of recommendation, but it’s not as optimal as a coworker is not really an authority figure (and might just be a friend doing you a favor instead of being honest).

2. What should be written in a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation generally follow the following format: 

• A formal salutation
• An introduction (which includes a recommendation statement and your professional title)
• An overview of some of the applicant’s skills, strengths, or qualifications, which you can tailor to the application
• A personal story where you can mention some of the applicant’s achievements
• A closing statement and call for action
• A signature , with your contact information

3. Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

If you’re asking for an academic letter of recommendation, you can ask:

• Current or former professors
• Academic mentors
• Thesis advisors

If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, though, you can ask:

• Current or former employers
• A supervisor or professional mentor
• Former professors
• Experienced coworkers

4. How do you start a recommendation paragraph?

To keep the recruiter reading your recommendation letter interested, you should start with an attention-grabbing introduction - specifically, an interesting recommendation statement. 

This statement is the opening sentence of the letter and it should optimally express your conviction to recommend the applicant in a non-generic way. 

If you’re struggling with coming up with something creative, just start with one of the following:

• A little-known or impressive fact about the candidate
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities
• A remarkable achievement, or an award the candidate might have won

5. How do you end a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation concludes with a call to action or a request towards the recruiter   showing your availability and willingness to provide additional information if needed. After mentioning that you remain available to discuss the candidate’s qualifications, you may finalize the letter with your signature - your name, title, and company.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope this article will make the process of writing a recommendation letter easier for you. 

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered: 

• A letter of recommendation is a formal letter confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential.
• Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout. The format typically consists of 1) the letterhead and full contact information, 2) a salutation, 3) an introduction, 4) an overview, 5) a personal story, 6) a closing sentence and 7) your signature.
• The three types of recommendation letters are employment, academic, and character recommendation letters.
• Who to ask for a recommendation letter depends on the type of reference you need. As a rule of thumb, pick someone who knows your skills and strengths well and whom you’ve had a positive experience (professional or academic) with.

Related Articles

• How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]
• How to Address a Cover Letter in 2023
• Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2023

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Letter of Recommendation Template (With Examples)

What to Write in a Letter of Recommendation

How to begin a letter of recommendation, body of the letter, how to end a letter of recommendation, recommendation letter template, more recommendation letter examples.

Ideally, when you're writing a  letter of recommendation,  it's about someone whom you feel merits praise, so all you have to do is write down your positive feedback on the candidate.

The process isn't always as easy as it sounds, though. It can be challenging to write a terrific recommendation letter. There are also standard items you should generally mention in your endorsement of the candidate. 

Following a template can help ensure your letter hits all the important points and is as effective and informative as possible. 

Get more details on what to include in your letter, formatting tips, and a step-by-step look at a recommendation template with plenty of examples for inspiration. 

As you prepare to  write your letter of recommendation , make sure you have  enough information to work with .

To make it easier, ask the individual you are assisting to provide you with their resume, a list of volunteer or extracurricular activities where they have held leadership roles, and descriptions for the jobs to which they are applying.

You should also ask them to alert you when they have used your  letter of recommendation  so you can be prepared to speak on their behalf should an employer call you for additional information. 

Your letter should follow a specific format to guide the reader through your relationship with the person you're recommending.

Your letter should begin with a heading that includes your contact information followed by the date and a greeting or introduction.

Your Contact Information Your Name Your Title Company or School Name Address City, State Zip Code

If you are writing a personal letter of reference, include a salutation (such as Dear Mr. Johnson, Dear Dr. Jameson, etc.).

If you are writing a general letter, use " To Whom It May Concern " or don't include a salutation. If you don't include a salutation, start your letter with the first paragraph.

The body is where you explain why you're a good reference, why the individual is qualified, and what their relevant skills are. 

First Paragraph

The first paragraph of a recommendation letter explains your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them and why you are qualified to recommend the person for employment or school.

I met Susan when she was a Freshman in my Introductory Economics course at WVU. Throughout her studies in my department, I had the opportunity to work with her on several research projects where she acted as my assistant.

Second Paragraph

The second paragraph of a recommendation letter contains information about the individual you are writing about, including why they are qualified for a position, what they can contribute, and why you are recommending them. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.

Bill graduated with honors in Philosophy and was always focused on how his future would progress. He knew he wanted to pursue a doctorate very early on and has worked independently, in groups, and as a research assistant. I believe Bill would be an asset to your department, as he brings a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm to his studies. He is a very bright and qualified individual, and a pleasure to work with.

Third Paragraph

When writing a letter recommending a candidate for a specific job opening, the recommendation letter should include information on how the person's skills match the position they are applying for. Ask for a copy of the job posting and a copy of the person's resume so you can target your letter accordingly.

I believe Christine would be an excellent addition to your international sales team. When I worked with her at XYZ, I was impressed by her ability to communicate the effectiveness of our products to clients and close a sale. During the two years I worked with her, she was personally responsible for adding several new clients in Asia and Africa.

The end of the letter is where you finalize your recommendation with specific wording that should highlight your enthusiasm for the person.

This section of the recommendation letter contains a brief summary of why you are recommending the person. Use phrases like "strongly recommend," "recommend without reservation," or "candidate has my highest recommendation" to reinforce your endorsement.

During my acquaintance with Joanne, she has been efficient, professional, organized, and a fantastic team leader. She has my highest recommendation for the position of office manager at DEF, Inc.

The concluding paragraph of your recommendation letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph, and provide the phone number again, along with your email address, in the return address section of your letter or under your signature.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Recommender Name Title Email Address Phone Number

Download a recommendation letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word), or read the example below. This letter template shows the format of a typical letter of reference for employment or educational purposes. The format is appropriate for an employment reference, as well as a reference for college or graduate studies.

Recommendation Letter Example (Text Version)

Elaine Chang Office Manager CBI Industries 123 Business Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 elaine.chang@email.com

March 21, 2024

Jessica Smith Office Manager Acme Corp 680 Main Boulevard, Ste. 300 Ocean City, CA 93650

Dear Ms. Smith,

I’m writing to recommend Mary Thompson for the position of administrative assistant at Acme Corp. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mary for the past few years at CBI Industries and have been consistently impressed with her diligence, efficiency, and ability to get things done.

Most recently, Mary has worked for me directly as a receptionist in our main office. In this role, she performed many administrative tasks in addition to greeting customers and other visitors and organizing team events. For example, she currently manages our executive team’s schedules, organizes their appointments, and coordinates travel and expense reporting. 

I believe Mary would be an excellent addition to your administrative staff. I’ve been consistently impressed with her organizational skills and grace under pressure. In our industry, as you know, every position is a customer service position. Mary constantly seeks to learn more about our products and programs so that she can help serve our clients and mitigate issues as they come up. She’s also a quick learner who picks up new technology with great speed.

I strongly recommend Mary for the position of administrative assistant at your company. She’s organized, detail-oriented, effective, and committed to getting the job done. She’d make an excellent addition to your team.

Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 if you have any questions.

Elaine Chang

Need more samples? Review examples of different types of letters of recommendation, including letters for employment, academia , and character or personal  reference letters.

Key Takeaways

• Ask the person who requested the letter of information to share background information on themselves and any role at hand—this will make it simpler for you to know what to write. 
• Follow the standard format of a letter of recommendation so that it meets the expectations of whoever reads the letter. 
• Make sure the recommendation letter includes details on your connection to the person, why you recommend them, their relevant skills, and the best way to reach you for more insight. 

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How to make a resume for college recommendation letters.

A college recommendation letter can be a deciding factor between two applicants. Providing a copy of your resume to the people who will be writing college recommendation letters for you can be very helpful. Even people who have known you for a long time may not be familiar with all of your achievements. A resume can remind that person of your education background, work and internship experiences, skills, interests and various accomplishments. Incorporating details from your resume into their recommendation letter will make it appear that they know you better than they do.

Gather information about your grades, volunteer opportunities, work background, sports awards and leadership accomplishments. All of this information will prove helpful to the individual writing your college recommendation letter. The letter-writer should attest to how well-rounded you might be.Your resume provides relevant information so the letter will be focused on your qualifications.

Select a resume template in Microsoft Word. On the "File" menu, click the "New" button. In the "New Document" task panel under "Templates," click on the "Templates on Office Online" button and then select a resume. The template will help provide the resume's necessary information in a logical, easy to read sequence. This will allow the individual writing your college recommendation letter to more easily view your qualifications.

Include your personal information. Write your name, address, phone number and email address on the top of the first page of the resume. Personal information such as marital status, age, religion and political affiliation should not be included.

List your educational background, with the most recent education first. Include the name and location of your school, major fields of study, your cumulative GPA and expected graduation date.

List any academic awards and achievements you have earned, such as honor roll and National Honor Society. Include any academic achievements that deserve recognition, which will provide the writer with more information for your college recommendation letter. List any extracurricular activities such as high school sports, clubs and leadership activities. Describe activities that show a pattern of interest that are relevant to college. An effective letter will focus on the qualities that set you apart from other applicants. Colleges are interested in academics but also want well-rounded students.

List your employment history, with the most recent jobs and internships listed first. Include your positions, employers, the dates you worked and a brief summary of your responsibilities. This information will help the writer reflect on your work ethic. Your employment history might also justify any poor academic performance if you were limited in your study time. Knowing this could help the writer address any underlying reasons why you previously struggled academically but will excel in college.

List your skills, abilities and interests. Include your technical and computer skills and any proficiency in a foreign language. An aptitude for a foreign language could reflect on your ability to excel in college. A personalized recommendation letter holds more value than one written by an individual who barely knows the person he's recommending.

• Have a teacher, friend or family member review your resume carefully before you distribute it.

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Aubrey Warshaw has experience working in federal, state and local levels of government. He has a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Warshaw's written work includes policy briefs for a 9-12 institution, letters to constituents and various reports involving policy issues such as education and poverty.

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How to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples)

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What are letters of recommendation typically for?

Letters of recommendation vs. references, steps to ask for a letter of recommendation, who to ask for a letter of recommendation, what is the fastest way to ask for a letter of recommendation, how to ask for a letter of recommendation via email, tips for requesting a letter of recommendation, letter of recommendation request samples.

Although it’s not always required, a recommendation letter can increase your chances of being hired for your dream job.

But do you know how to ask for a letter of recommendation? And who to ask?

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be quite daunting, especially if you haven’t done it before. You want to ask someone who will be honest and highlight your best attributes and accomplishments.

Here’s how to confidently ask for a letter of recommendation and some examples to use.

A recommendation letter is written by someone who can recommend your professional or academic performance. Because the writer is personally recommending you, the letter can add favorable weight to your reputation. It shows that you have the personality, character traits, and abilities to succeed in the program or role you’re applying for.

Most letters of recommendation fall under two categories: employment and academic recommendation letters.

Employment recommendation letters are typically used to apply for a new job or to help you get a promotion . They are sent to potential employers or hiring managers in addition to your job application.

Because letters of recommendation help make a good first impression , they can create opportunities for your career development and 5 year plan . A well-written letter can give you that confidence boost you need to overcome job search depression and nail your dream job.

Academic recommendation letters are usually for college applications, scholarships, or fellowship programs. They are often sent to admissions officers as part of the application process. These letters provide additional information about your academic achievements and talents.

Most selective colleges and universities require one to three recommendation letters with your application . They are usually written by a guidance counselor or teacher. 

In this article, we are going to focus on letters of recommendation in a career setting.

While they may sound similar, references and a letter of recommendation are not the same things.

A reference letter is more general in nature than a letter of recommendation. It is a broad assessment of skills and experience. Reference letters are usually addressed "To Whom It May Concern" rather than a specific person.

Potential employers will often ask for a list of references in addition to your resume to determine if you’re a good fit for a role . According to a recent survey, 94% of employers conduct at least one kind of background check .

Each reference should include the contact information of people who have agreed to vouch for your character and skills. For references, you can ask former employers, supervisors , business contacts, mentors , clients, teachers, lecturers, or faculty members. 

A letter of recommendation also covers a person’s work ethic, attitude, and suitability for what they are applying for. It is a unique letter written based on the writer’s personal experience with you.

A good letter of recommendation is often stronger than a reference because the writer is recommending you for a certain job or program. These letters are addressed to a specific recipient, such as the hiring manager of a company.

Choosing the right person to write your letter of recommendation is essential. While it’s ideal for them to be a professional in their field, what’s more important is their relationship with you . Choose someone that has an understanding of your personality and career aspirations . 

Depending on your situation, you could ask a manager , supervisor, teacher, or coach. While they may know you best, family members and close friends aren’t a good idea, as they have an emotional bias.

It’s also important not to ask the same person to be both a professional reference and to write a letter of recommendation. This is because they serve different purposes.

It’s also preferable to have a diverse group of people vouching for your abilities. If the same person writes your letter of recommendation and acts as a reference, this could appear as though you do not have enough people willing to attest to your skills and personality.

Now that you understand what defines a recommendation letter, let’s focus on the next step in the learning process: how to ask for one.

• Make a list of possible people to ask
• Reach out to the person, followed by a formal letter
• Provide enough time
• Send your resume or brag sheet
• Provide other necessary details
• Send a thank-you letter

Let’s look at what each step entails.

1. Make a list of possible people to ask

Before you dive in and send your request, think about who would be the best person for the task. Make a list of your networking connections that are close to you. Remember, they should know you well enough to speak to your character on a personal level.

2. Reach out to the person, followed by a formal letter

If possible, it’s best to have an in-person conversation with the person you’d like to write your letter of recommendation. Writing a letter of recommendation requires time and effort, so you should put in some effort to connect with them , too.

If you can’t ask in person, the next best thing is to give them a call or send a friendly email. We’ve covered how to ask for a letter of recommendation via email below. 

Once you’ve made that initial connection, email a formal written request. This way, you can include all the necessary details, and you’ll have a paper trail of the request.

3. Provide enough time

Most professionals have busy schedules and many priorities to consider. Even if they are eager to write your letter of recommendation, you should give them ample time to write it. The last thing you want is a rushed letter.

4. Send your resume or brag sheet

Make it easy for the person writing your letter by sending them your updated resume or ‘brag sheet.’ A brag sheet is a list of relevant and transferable skills and accomplishments that you would like highlighted.

Sending these documents won’t just make the writer’s life easier. It will also prevent them from leaving out any important details that they may not have been aware of. 

5. Provide other necessary details

Give detailed information about the job or program you are applying for. This includes logistical information like who to address the letter to and the letter due date. 

6. Send a thank-you letter

A little bit of gratitude can go a long way. Express your appreciation by sending a thank-you letter or email to the person writing a letter of recommendation for you.

Another great way to show your appreciation for their act of kindness is to keep the writer of the letter updated. Keep them in the loop about your future endeavors so they know the impact their letter made.

Deciding who to ask for a letter of recommendation is a crucial part of the process. 

They need to be someone who knows you well. They also need to have neutral judgment and have some professional gravitas in your field. 

You might be tempted to ask someone who simply holds a lot of power . But it is more important that you pick someone who has personal experience with you as an individual.

The intention for your letter of recommendation is also a determining factor when choosing who to ask. 

Academic letters would be best written by a teacher or lecturer. Professional or career-based letters are best left to trustworthy colleagues, supervisors, or managers. 

Start to narrow your list of potential candidates down until you are left with just two or three. Then, you can ask those around you for objective guidance about who would be best suited for the task.

If you are between jobs or competing with others for a certain position, you might feel stressed and pressed for time. 

If you work or study in the same property as them, making a scheduled appointment and asking them in person would be the fastest way. 

If that isn’t possible, asking via email is the quickest, most efficient way to reach them. You could also call them to request the letter, then follow up with the details in an email.

Requesting a recommendation letter via email is different from asking in person because of the lack of eye contact and human interaction . You will need to be even more clear and deliberate about your request. 

If you are wondering how to ask for a letter of recommendation via email, we’ve got you covered. 

Here are some top tips for compiling a solid recommendation letter request via email:

• Use a concise subject line. You want the recipient to know exactly what to expect from your email. Avoid emojis, excessive punctuation, and long-winded statements.
• Make them aware of who you are. Advocate for yourself by announcing who you are clearly and confidently at the beginning of the email. If there’s a chance they don’t remember you from previous interactions, make sure to remind them of your connection.
• Be friendly but direct. This is a professional request for something that could drastically alter the trajectory of your career path . Be straightforward without compromising on affability.

• Make it as easy as possible for them. You can show your respect for their time and energy by doing everything you can to make their job easy. Don’t leave the research up to them. For example, you could share your personal vision statement with them so they are aware of what you want to do and why.
• Attach the necessary information. The last thing you want is to appear disorganized. Triple-check that all of the necessary PDFs and documents are attached before hitting send. This includes documents like your resume and the job description of the position you are applying for.
• Be honest about your timeline. Ensure the person you ask knows the application deadline and when you hope to submit the letter. Even if you’ve left it to the last minute, it’s best to be honest. This way, they can politely decline if they aren’t comfortable writing the letter in time.

Asking someone for a letter of recommendation can be daunting because so much of your future relies on it. But the fact that you are here and doing the research is already an indication that you are taking it seriously.

Use this list of tips to help you feel more prepared.

• Don’t leave it to the last minute . A slap-dash request rarely conveys competence. Manage your time efficiently so that the letter writer has plenty of time to write a good recommendation.
• Preferably ask in person . When possible, request a letter of recommendation in person. This may allow for better communication through body language .
• Show appreciation . It is important to acknowledge that they are doing you a favor.

• Use a bit of flattery . There is nothing wrong with using a touch of flattery to amplify your chances of success.
• If they aren’t comfortable, ask someone else . If they are too busy or simply don’t want to assist, be understanding and move on to the next person on your list.
• Be graceful if they decline . Even though it can be disappointing, try to be accepting and understanding about a declined request.
• Be clear about what you need . Avoid a disappointing letter of recommendation by clearly stating what you would like the letter to include.
• Use professional and confident language . Avoid slang and being over-familiar. Pull out the stops and be your most professional self.

Below are two different examples for recommendation letter requests. Let’s first take a look at a professional example:

Dear Mr. Collier,

I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation in support of my application for Head Manager at JHI Associates. The hiring manager has asked me to provide a letter of recommendation from someone who knows me on a professional level and can speak to my skills and achievements.

Since we have worked together for several years, I believe you can provide some insight into my qualifications as an ideal managerial candidate. I learned a lot from you while working at Collier Caller Services. With this in mind, I think you would be a great person to vouch for my interpersonal and decision-making skills.

Please let me know if you are comfortable endorsing my candidacy for a managerial role. Should you be willing, I can provide you with all the necessary information to help you write your recommendation. 

I have attached my resume to bring you up to date with my experience and professional accomplishments.

Thank you in advance,

Mary Jackson

Now, let’s take a look at an academic example.

Dear Professor Jameson,

I thoroughly enjoyed your Mathematics class last semester, and I learned so much. In fact, it confirmed my belief that pursuing a career in accounting is the right choice. I’m hoping that you feel you got to know me and my academic abilities during the semester because I’d like to ask you to write a recommendation letter.

I’m working toward a scholarship that’s awarded by ACME Accounting. I have enclosed my cover letter to the scholarship committee and a copy of my application. I’ve also included a summary sheet of my achievements in your class and those outside the classroom to refresh your memory.

Could you please let me know if you are comfortable endorsing me for this scholarship? If need be, I would be more than happy to answer any questions or provide additional information that would help you write your recommendation.

Thank you for all your support and for taking the time to review my request.

Jenna Smith

Some of the most important parts of a recommendation letter request include the following elements:

• Formal greeting : Dear Name
• Statement of intent : I would like you to write me a letter of recommendation
• Offering specific details : It is for X Program or X Employment Position at X University/Business
• Purpose of letter : It will allow me to graduate/find employment
• Reason why you are asking them : We have X years of working experience together
• Affirmation of ambition : I am confident in my ability to reach this goal
• Gratitude : Thank you for your time
• Signature : Your Name

Drafting a request for a letter of recommendation may feel a little overwhelming. But keep in mind that it is a common practice in professional settings.

Ready to ask for a letter of recommendation?

Despite its ability to influence your career path , knowing how to ask for a letter of recommendation is not something everyone is taught. It’s normal to feel awkward about asking for a recommendation letter, especially if it’s from a boss if you are leaving your job .

However, it’s important to remember that most people are more than willing to oblige if you ask nicely, especially if you have a good relationship with them.

A strong letter of recommendation can help you stand out from other applicants during a job search. It can also reinforce your social capital in the corporate or academic world and increase your confidence in yourself.

All of these things are important for professional development.

If you’d like to take your career and individual transformation to the next level, BetterUp can help. Get in touch with us today to find the right expert coach for you.

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Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to ask for a letter of recommendation: complete guide.

Letters of Recommendation

Don't make your teacher feel like a hamster racing on the wheel of time.

When Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

The first step in requesting a letter of recommendation involves timing . Even for seasoned teachers and counselors, each individual letter takes time and thought to do well. I recommend asking your recommenders at least a month before your application deadlines. In some cases, even earlier is better.

Some teachers put a cap on how many requests they take. If they have a first come, first served policy, then you should ask even earlier than a month before your deadlines so you don't miss out. A lot of teachers get inundated by the end of the semester , when they might be already busy getting exams scored and grades completed, not to mention spending time with friends and family over winter vacation. Because of this, it's a good idea to ask your recommenders early in the semester, like in September.

Junior year teachers are often a good choice, because they had you recently and for a full year (whereas your senior year teachers might not know you that well yet). It can also be a good idea to ask your junior year teachers at the end of junior year , when you're fresh in their mind from being a student in their class all year (also a good idea if you have early decision deadlines). It gives them an entire summer to work on your letter. Just make sure to politely remind them a few weeks before your deadlines, if they haven't submitted your rec letter by then.

Once you've figured out who you're asking and when, how can you frame your request in a positive way? First, I'll talk about how to ask a teacher and then how to ask your counselor , as the process and your relationships with these people is probably a little different.

Make your request in person, so you don't end up with a letter like this.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher

How are you going to approach your request? What should you say? What information do you need to give your teacher? As long as you've prepared yourself in these three aspects, you're all set to make your request. Let's break each down one at a time.

How to Make Your Request

In person . I highly recommend asking for your recommendation face to face. Depending on your teacher's schedule and school culture, it may be appropriate to email your teacher to set up an appointment or meeting. Asking for a letter of recommendation solely over email could be interpreted as impersonal, distant, and less mature, an impression you don't want to make in the mind of a recommender.

I also wouldn't recommend asking during class time, but instead find time during a free period, after school, or whenever the teacher has free time to meet. The request may be short, but you still want to create space in case your teacher wants to further discuss your plans.

What to Say

While it can feel scary and vulnerable to ask a teacher for this favor, remember that teachers, especially ones that have juniors and seniors, expect this . In fact, it's part of their job description. Likely all of these teachers write letters of recommendation for students every year and want to help you succeed and continue on in your education. It may also help you to remember that a lot of teachers know what it's like to be on the other side of this process, as they usually undergo observations and evaluations every year.

The best way to calm your nerves and ensure the conversation goes smoothly is to prepare what you'll say. I recommend phrasing your request simply and directly, without a lot of "ums," "likes," or "I forgot what I was about to say, so let's take a raincheck—how about next Thursday?" Something like this could work:

"I really enjoyed your class. I've learned a lot from you and feel like you've gotten to know me well. I'm apply to College X for next year and would be really flattered if you could write me a strong letter of recommendation for my application(s)."

Note the phrasing of a strong recommendation. You want to make sure your teacher can write you a strong and compelling letter, not a generic one. If, worst case scenario, your teacher declines or seems hesitant, simply thank them and ask somebody else. You wouldn't want a weak letter that wouldn't help, or could even hurt, your application. You want to find a recommender who will agree to write a letter for you without reservation.

If you've asked someone who knows you well and agrees to provide you with a letter of rec, then it's a good idea to share some further information with him/her. In a lot of schools, they call this a "brag sheet."

The "brag sheet" isn't really about bragging, not even backdoor brags.

Information to Give Your Teacher(s)

First off, your teachers need to know the logistics . When are your college deadlines? How do they submit the letter of rec? In most cases, your early decision deadlines will be in October and your regular decision deadlines will be in early January. Typically, writers upload their recommendations through the Common Application or, if your school uses it, through Naviance.

Beyond the requirements, I strongly advise providing your teacher with your brag sheet, or your reflections on who you are and what you value. Usually the guidance office distributes these to juniors and seniors, inviting students and parents to comment on it. The more detailed and thoughtful you are about your values, goals, and accomplishments, the more useful your brag sheet will be to the writer. While you might not be used to or all that comfortable writing about yourself, you should take the time to reflect deeply about what you care about and what experiences have been especially meaningful in your life.

This will help your teacher add further dimension to your recommendation, as well as help differentiate you from other students they're writing about. In a perfect world your recommenders are bursting with fun and poignant anecdotes to share about you in their class, but in reality most teachers could use your help to complement what they plan to say .

I would recommend going into your request ready with your completed brag sheet. If the teacher agrees, then you can pass it over. Be ready to have a discussion on it if the teacher wants to hear your thoughts.

In addition to giving revealing insights about your character and interaction with other students, your teachers are the best authorities on your academic performance and potential.

Your counselor, on the other hand, can speak more to your role in the school community and growth over your years in high school . Because your relationship with your counselor is different from that with your teachers, you may approach your recommendation request differently.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation from your School Counselor

Almost all colleges that require recommendations want one from your school counselor. This recommendation is usually called the "secondary school report." While you can choose which teachers to ask for reference letters, you probably don't have a decision to make when it comes to the counselor letter of rec. Lots of students have the same counselor throughout their four years of high school.

You also probably don't have to ask the same way you do with your teachers, as your counselor expects to write recommendation letters for all students on his or her caseload who are applying to college. With this recommendation, it's less about the request and more about how you can help your counselor write the strongest reference letter possible.

In some high schools, especially big ones, students don't always get to know their counselors very well. If that's the case for you, then your brag sheet, as well as face to face meetings, is especially important for sharing who you are and what your goals are. If you have a passion for environmental biology, tell your counselor all about it. If you can't wait to join your college's newspaper and report on important events around the community, share that. The more your counselor knows about you and what sparks your interest, the more life they can breathe into your recommendation letter.

Most counselors will schedule at least two college meetings with the students on their caseload, one in the spring of junior year to discuss college planning and one in the fall to talk about how your applications are going. If you're applying early action or early decision, you should let your counselor know in the spring of junior year, or at least at the very beginning of senior year.

The best recommendation letters don't just use vague descriptions that could apply to anyone. They prove their assertions by relating specific stories. If you haven't had a ton of interactions with your counselor, it's especially important to include significant experiences and challenges on your brag sheet , as well as to get to know your counselor in meetings. For most schools, you can schedule a meeting with your counselor, so don't feel like you have to wait for him or her to call you down to the office.

Reference letters for college are a big part of a counselor's job, and they can get especially busy with them around deadlines. Ask your counselor early and meet with him or her so you can make a strong impression, show how important your applications are to you, and jumpstart their letter writing. The more specific you are and the more you share with your counselor, the stronger and more colorful his/her recommendation letter will be.

Just like with your teachers, it's up to you to tell your counselor when your deadlines are and any special requirements they need to complete. After you've spoken to your recommendations and obtained their support, what are the next steps?

Next Steps After Your Recommendation Request

It's always a good idea to follow up with your recommenders a week or two before your deadlines with a polite reminder. In this reminder, you could thank them again for providing you with a letter of rec, express your excitement about your future plans, and invite them to contact you if they need any more information from you. If you word it this way, then it won't feel like you're asking why they haven't uploaded their letter yet (unless they have, in which case, thank them again!).

Some teachers will let you see your letter before submitting it and invite your revisions or feedback. This is totally up to the recommender, and not actually common in admissions procedures (usually letters are expected to be confidential ). If your teacher doesn't offer to show it to you, I wouldn't advise pressuring her to. This could indicate that you don't trust her to write a strong letter—and if that's the case, you should ask someone else, anyway!

Most letters will be submitted online , but in the rare case that your teacher wants to mail it, you should provide her with a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope. After all's written and submitted, write your teachers and counselor a thank you note. Once the decisions start rolling in, let them know where you got in!

If you take just a few points from this article, these are the most important ones to remember.

Key Takeaways for Recommendation Requests

• Ask a teacher (or two) who knows you well and in whose class you excelled. The better relationship you have with your recommender, the more insightful your recommendation letter will be. It helps if the teacher is known to be a strong writer, too!
• Request your reference letters in person. This adds a personal touch and shows respect.
• In addition to telling your recommenders your deadlines and important logistics, give them thoughtful reflections on your values, goals, and accomplishments on your brag sheet. Take time with this, as it could be a huge aid as your recommenders write your letter.
• Thank them for helping you apply to college, and let them know where you end up!

Perhaps the most important takeaway is that letters of recommendation are important, as are the connections you have with your teachers and counselor in high school. Approach this part of your application with a plan, and express your appreciation of your recommenders' role in helping you get into college. All this commitment and goal-setting is definitely the kind of thing you could put on a brag sheet.

What's Next?

In order to add recommenders to the Common Application, first you have to respond to the FERPA waiver . Read all about what it means and how it affects your right to access your letters of recommendation.

College admissions get more and more competitive every year, so you want to present yourself with the best application you can. Read about how to build a versatile college application here.

Did you know that a couple schools ask for recommendations from peers , and some students send them along as supplements? Read the complete guide to peer recommendations here .

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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