How to Write a Recommendation Letter (With Sample)

A letter of recommendation or letter of referral is a document that affirms someone’s skills, achievements, character, or potential that can be a valuable tool to help someone get an opportunity at the job front, get admission, scholarships, or placement. It is asked to write to endorse someone’s abilities.

We recommend that you read up on some of the key features and required formatting before writing a letter for someone. But how do you write a letter of recommendation for someone that is true and effective?

Here are some tips to guide you through the process of writing a recommendation letter.

Gather Relevant Information

There are broadly 3 types of recommendation letters

1) Academic Recommendation Letters

An academic Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a letter of recommendation provided by your current or previous college/institution faculty member. Usually, when you go for higher studies, universities ask you to provide LORs from your previous institution. It can be by your professors from your undergraduate courses, in case you are applying for Master’s or PhD programs. The Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Format from Faculty often varies in content and requires the professor to highlight the applicant’s accomplishments as a student of the course. Often, these can be asked within the country or can be asked in colleges abroad.

During admissions, most schools—undergraduate and graduate alike—expect to see at least one, preferably two or three, recommendation letters for each applicant.

2) Employment Recommendations

An employment Letter of recommendation is a major tool for individuals who are trying to get a new job. Employment Recommendations can be put on a website, sent in with a resume, can be enclosed with the application, can be used as part of a portfolio, or handed out during employment interviews. Most employers ask job candidates for at least three career references. Make sure you have at least three recommendation letters on hand. Generally, an employment recommendation letter includes information about your employment history, job performance, and personal accomplishments.

3) Character References

A character recommendation letter is often meant for housing accommodations, helpful in legal situations, during child adoption, and other similar situations where a person’s character certificate is required for verification. Almost everyone needs this type of recommendation letter at some point in their life. These recommendation letters are written by former employers, school faculty, landlords, business associates, neighbors, doctors, acquaintances, etc., and are valid for six months.

Structure of a Recommendation Letter

Under the circumstances of switching jobs or relocating, a letter of recommendation is a professional letter to an employer and it should be written in a standard letter-writing format.

A. Opening paragraph

Introduce yourself and your relationship with the candidate

If you know the requester’s name, use it at the start of the letter. Use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. to remain professional when addressing it. If you do not know their name, use “To Whom it May Concern.

B. Body paragraphs

1. Highlight the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and achievements
2. Provide specific examples and anecdotes
3. Emphasize the candidate’s unique strengths and abilities

Write down the candidate’s achievements in their past role and how they are a good fit for the open role. Mention their designation and how they were helpful in a project’s completion. Talk about their values, goals, and personality. When they have already left the firm or are looking to change the company, then, explain why they will be able to succeed in the new role or industry.

The candidate should share the job description when they ask for a recommendation letter from you. It helps you to clear the nature of the duties they will take up in the new role. Basis the JD, your recommendation letter will be a well-informed, strong, and unbiased letter that will reassure the candidate is the right fit for the job.

C. Closing paragraph

Reiterate your recommendation and offer additional contact information

Conclude the letter with a willingness to provide any more information about the candidate if required. Explain about candidate’s achievements in the past if required and mention your phone number or email address in the signature of the letter. End the recommendation letter by summarizing why you think the individual would be a good fit for the opportunity.

Examples and Templates

Here you go with the different letter of recommendation templates that will come in handy for a candidate or student in the future-

Here you go with the academic recommendation letter sample

Dos and Don’ts of Writing Recommendation Letters

Conclusion

Find out what exactly the candidate is applying for. Ask them to provide: a copy of the job description or academic program requirements, any particular skills, achievements, or qualifications they’d like you to highlight specifically. It will help you focus your letter on the skills or qualifications that are specific to the role the candidate is applying for. Feel free to use the formats given in our blog and do not use strong adjectives, as it may look artificial. After all, your letter should help the recipient get to know the person you are recommending.

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