A strong letter of recommendation can influence hiring decisions, admissions outcomes, scholarship awards, and internship opportunities. Whether you’re writing or requesting a recommendation, knowing what separates a generic endorsement from a compelling one can make a meaningful difference.

This guide includes several letter of recommendation samples for common scenarios, writing tips, a customizable template, and guidelines for asking for a letter of recommendation.

What Is a Letter of Recommendation & What Should It Include?

A letter of recommendation is a written endorsement that highlights a person’s skills, qualifications, work ethic, character, or academic achievements. Employers, colleges, scholarship committees, and internship programs often use recommendation letters to learn more about a candidate beyond what’s listed on an application, resume, or transcript.

A strong letter of recommendation explains how the writer knows the candidate, shares specific examples of their strengths, and clearly states why they’re a good fit for the opportunity.

Most letters of recommendation include:

  • The writer’s relationship to the candidate
  • A clear statement of recommendation
  • Relevant skills, qualifications, or personal strengths
  • Specific examples that support those qualities
  • A professional closing and contact information

Letter of Recommendation vs Reference Letter: What’s the Difference?

A letter of recommendation is usually written for a specific opportunity, such as a job, internship, graduate school program, or scholarship. A reference letter is often broader and may speak to a person’s character, reliability, professionalism, or overall reputation.

In both cases, the strongest letters include specific examples that help the reader understand the candidate’s strengths and potential.

How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation in 5 Steps

To write a strong letter of recommendation, introduce your relationship to the candidate, highlight relevant strengths, provide specific examples, explain why they’re a good fit, and close with a clear endorsement.

Most recommendation letters follow a simple structure that includes a greeting, an opening recommendation, body paragraphs highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments, specific examples that support those strengths, and a strong closing endorsement.

A well-written recommendation letter follows these steps:

  • Step 1:

    Start With a Greeting & Your Recommendation

    Begin with a professional greeting and address the recipient directly when possible (e.g., “Dear [Name],” “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Selection Committee”). Avoid outdated or overly generic salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern.”

    Then introduce yourself, explain your relationship to the candidate, and clearly state that you recommend them. Include how long you’ve known them and in what capacity, such as manager, professor, mentor, or colleague.

  • Step 2:

    Highlight Relevant Skills & Qualifications

    Focus on the skills, strengths, and qualifications that are most relevant to the opportunity. Consider the job, program, scholarship, or internship the person is pursuing and tailor your comments accordingly.

  • Step 3:

    Share Specific Examples

    Support your recommendation with concrete examples whenever possible. Highlight accomplishments, projects, leadership experiences, work ethic, or personal qualities that demonstrate the candidate’s abilities.

  • Step 4:

    Explain Why They’re a Strong Fit

    Use the body of the letter to connect the candidate’s strengths, accomplishments, and personal qualities to the opportunity they’re pursuing. This helps the reader understand not only what the person has accomplished, but also why they’re likely to succeed in the role or program.

  • Step 5:

    Close With a Strong Endorsement

    End the letter by reaffirming your recommendation and offering to provide additional information if needed. Include your contact information and a professional sign-off.

Letter of Recommendation Template

The template below includes all of the core elements found in an effective recommendation letter and can be customized for jobs, internships, scholarships, and academic programs.

[Date]

[Recipient Name]
[Company, School, or Organization]
[Address]

Dear [Recipient Name] or Hiring Manager,

I’m pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for [position, program, scholarship, internship, or opportunity]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [length of time] as their [manager, professor, mentor, coworker, etc.] at [Organization Name].

During our time working together, [Candidate Name] consistently demonstrated [key skill, strength, or quality]. One example that stands out is [specific accomplishment, project, or achievement]. Through this experience, they showed [relevant skills or qualities].

In addition to their qualifications, [Candidate Name] is known for [work ethic, leadership, professionalism, communication skills, character traits, or other strengths]. I’m confident these qualities will help them succeed in [position, program, or opportunity].

I strongly recommend [Candidate Name] and believe they would be a valuable addition to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Job Title]
[Company or Institution]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

Letter of Recommendation Examples by Scenario

The best letter of recommendation will vary depending on who’s writing it and the opportunity the candidate is pursuing. The letter of recommendation samples below cover job applications, internships, graduate school, scholarships, character references, and recommendations from managers, coworkers, mentors, and professors.

Letter for a Job Application

May 15, 2026

Taylor Greene
Serviceable Solutions
123 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Taylor Greene,

I’m pleased to recommend Priya Patel for the project coordinator position at Serviceable Solutions. I have known Priya for three years as her operations manager at Mountaintop Tech.

During our time working together, Priya consistently demonstrated strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. One example that stands out is her work coordinating a company-wide software implementation project. Through this experience, she showed strong attention to detail, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to keep complex projects on schedule.

In addition to her qualifications, Priya is known for her professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude. I’m confident these qualities will help her succeed in the project coordinator position.

I strongly recommend Priya and believe she would be a valuable addition to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Marcus Lee

Operations Manager
Mountaintop Tech
marcus.lee@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter From a Manager

June 1, 2026

Hiring Manager
Standard Customer Care
456 Oak Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Jordan Ramirez for the customer success specialist position at Standard Customer Care. I served as Jordan’s customer service manager at Evergreen Financial for four years.

During our time working together, Jordan consistently demonstrated excellent customer service, professionalism, and sound judgment. One example that stands out is their work on a customer retention initiative, which improved client satisfaction scores and reduced escalated complaints. Through this experience, they showed strong problem-solving skills, patience, and the ability to build trust with customers.

In addition to their qualifications, Jordan is known for their reliability, teamwork, and calm communication style. I’m confident these qualities will help them succeed in the customer success specialist position.

I strongly recommend Jordan and believe they would be a valuable addition to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Alicia Morgan

Customer Service Manager
Evergreen Financial
alicia.morgan@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter From a Coworker

June 10, 2026

Renee Wallace
Curated Creative Group
789 Pine Road
Austin, TX 78701

Dear Renee Wallace,

I am happy to recommend Ethan Brooks for the marketing specialist position at Curated Creative Group. I have known Ethan for more than two years as his coworker at Magnificent Media.

During our time working together, Ethan consistently demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills. One example that stands out is his role in developing content strategies for a new digital marketing campaign. Through this experience, he showed strong audience awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, writers, and account managers.

In addition to his qualifications, Ethan is known for his dependability, professionalism, and willingness to support his teammates. I’m confident these qualities will help him succeed in the marketing specialist position.

I strongly recommend Ethan and believe he would be a valuable addition to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Sofia Nguyen

Senior Marketing Specialist
Magnificent Media
sofia.nguyen@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter From a Mentor

May 22, 2026

Admissions Committee
Leadership Scholars Program
University of Michigan
500 S State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is my pleasure to recommend Maya Thompson for the Leadership Scholars Program. I have known Maya for two years as her mentor through the Future Leaders Initiative.

During our time working together, Maya consistently demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a strong commitment to personal growth. One example that stands out is her development of a community volunteer project that recruited local students to support neighborhood food drives. Through this experience, she showed excellent leadership, organization, and communication skills.

In addition to her qualifications, Maya is known for her maturity, professionalism, and willingness to help others. I’m confident these qualities will help her succeed in the Leadership Scholars Program.

I strongly recommend Maya and believe she would be an outstanding addition to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Daniel Carter

Program Mentor
Future Leaders Initiative
daniel.carter@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter From a Professor

April 18, 2026

Graduate Admissions Committee
State University
100 College Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,

I strongly recommend Olivia Chen for admission to your Master of Public Health program. I have known Olivia for three years as her professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Western College.

During our time working together, Olivia consistently demonstrated intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to academic excellence. One example that stands out is her independent research project examining barriers to preventive healthcare in underserved communities. Through this experience, she showed exceptional research, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.

In addition to her qualifications, Olivia is known for her professionalism, work ethic, and thoughtful contributions in both classroom and research settings. I’m confident these qualities will help her succeed in graduate school.

I strongly recommend Olivia and believe she would be an excellent addition to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Dr. Elena Martinez

Associate Professor of Health Sciences
Western College
emartinez@westerncollege.edu
555-555-5555

Letter for an Internship

March 30, 2026

Internship Selection Committee
CoolTech Innovations
250 Innovation Way
Denver, CO 80202

Dear Internship Selection Committee,

It is my pleasure to recommend Noah Williams for the summer marketing internship at CoolTech Innovations. I have known Noah for one year as his supervisor in the Career Development Office at River Valley University.

During our time working together, Noah consistently demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and strong communication skills. One example that stands out is his role in helping organize a campus career fair attended by more than 50 employers and hundreds of students. Through this experience, he showed strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under deadlines.

In addition to his qualifications, Noah is known for his positive attitude, dependability, and eagerness to learn. I’m confident these qualities will help him succeed in your internship program.

I strongly recommend Noah and believe he would be a valuable addition to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Lauren Mitchell

Career Services Coordinator
River Valley University
lauren.mitchell@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter for Graduate School

February 12, 2026

Graduate Admissions Committee
State University
100 College Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,

I am delighted to recommend Aiden Foster for admission to your Master of Business Administration program. I have known Aiden for four years as his supervisor at Curiosity Consulting.

During our time working together, Aiden consistently demonstrated leadership, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills. One example that stands out is his role in leading a client process-improvement initiative that reduced project turnaround times and improved team efficiency. Through this experience, he showed strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to lead cross-functional teams.

In addition to his qualifications, Aiden is known for his professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to continuous learning. I’m confident these qualities will help him succeed in graduate school.

I strongly recommend Aiden and believe he would be an excellent addition to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Turner

Senior Director of Operations
Curiosity Consulting
rebecca.turner@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter for a Scholarship

March 5, 2026

Scholarship Selection Committee
Future Leaders Foundation
800 Education Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Dear Scholarship Selection Committee,

I am honored to recommend Isabella Garcia for the Future Leaders Scholarship. I have known Isabella for three years as her guidance counselor at Lincoln High School.

During our time working together, Isabella consistently demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to serving others. One example that stands out is her organization of a peer tutoring program that connected struggling students with volunteer tutors and improved participation in after-school academic support services. Through this experience, she showed initiative, leadership, and a genuine commitment to helping her community.

In addition to her qualifications, Isabella is known for her integrity, perseverance, and strong work ethic. I’m confident these qualities will help her succeed in college and beyond.

I strongly recommend Isabella and believe she is highly deserving of this scholarship opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Karen Mitchell

School Counselor
Lincoln High School
karen.mitchell@email.com
555-555-5555

Letter for a Character Reference

April 7, 2026

Dear Selection Committee,

I am happy to provide this character reference for Cameron Reed. I have known Cameron for six years as a volunteer coordinator and community member through the Oakridge Community Center.

During our time working together, Cameron consistently demonstrated integrity, dependability, and compassion. One example that stands out is their leadership during a community fundraising campaign that helped provide school supplies and meals to local families in need. Through this experience, Cameron showed exceptional dedication, organizational skills, and a genuine desire to help others.

In addition to these qualities, Cameron is known for being trustworthy, respectful, and supportive of those around them. I’m confident these characteristics will serve them well in any personal or professional endeavor.

I strongly recommend Cameron and believe they would be a positive addition to any organization, program, or community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Thomas Bennett

Volunteer Coordinator
Oakridge Community Center
thomas.bennett@email.com
555-555-5555

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

A strong recommendation letter starts with choosing the right person to write it. Whether you’re applying for a job, internship, graduate program, or scholarship, asking thoughtfully can increase your chances of receiving a detailed and supportive recommendation.

  • handshake

    Choose Someone Who Knows Your Work

    The best recommendation letters come from people who can speak specifically about your skills, accomplishments, and character. Depending on the opportunity, this might be a manager, professor, mentor, coworker, coach, or volunteer supervisor.

  • speech

    Ask Early

    Whenever possible, ask at least two to four weeks before the letter is due. Giving the writer plenty of notice shows respect for their time and allows them to prepare a stronger recommendation.

  • key

    Share Relevant Information

    Help the writer by providing details about the opportunity and why you’re applying. Consider sharing:

    • The job description, program details, or scholarship requirements
    • Your resume or CV
    • Relevant projects, accomplishments, or experiences
    • The submission deadline and instructions
  • clipboard

    Make Your Request Clear & Professional

    When asking for a recommendation, be direct about what you need, why you’re asking that person, and when the letter is due. Avoid common mistakes, including vague requests like “Can you write me a recommendation?” Instead, explain the opportunity, give them enough context to write a strong letter, and make it easy for them to say yes or decline.

    Here’s an example:

    Would you be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for my graduate school application? I’ve really valued your guidance and believe you could speak to my research skills, academic performance, and interest in the field. The deadline is November 15, and I’d be happy to send my resume, personal statement, and program details to make the process easier.

  • sparkles

    Follow Up With Gratitude

    After the recommendation has been submitted, send a thank-you note or email. Expressing appreciation helps maintain the relationship and acknowledges the time and effort the person invested in supporting you.

Template & Example of a Letter of Recommendation Request

Asking for a recommendation is easier when your request is clear, specific, and respectful of the other person’s time. Use the template and example below to explain what you need, why you’re asking them, and how they can submit the letter.

Letter of Recommendation Request Template

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying for [job, internship, graduate program, scholarship, or opportunity] and was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I thought of you because [reason they are qualified to recommend you]. The recommendation is due on [date], and it can be submitted by [submission method, such as email, online portal, or direct upload link]. I’d be happy to provide my resume, application materials, instructions, or any additional information that would be helpful.

Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and support!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter of Recommendation Request

Hi Professor Martinez,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying to several Master of Public Health programs and was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I really valued your guidance during my public health research project and believe you could speak to my academic performance, research skills, and interest in the field. The recommendation is due on November 15, and the letter can be submitted through the application portal using the link I’ll send separately. I’d also be happy to provide my resume, personal statement, and any other materials that would be helpful.

Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and support!

Best regards,
Olivia Chen

Getting Recommendation Letters Right

A good recommendation letter should feel personal, professional, and credible. The strongest letters explain how the writer knows the candidate, point to real examples, and connect their strengths to the opportunity at hand. Whether you’re writing one or asking for one, a little preparation can help make the final letter more useful, specific, and convincing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good example of a letter of recommendation?

A good example of a letter of recommendation clearly explains how the writer knows the candidate, highlights relevant skills and qualifications, and includes specific examples of accomplishments or strengths. The strongest recommendation letters are tailored to the job, internship, scholarship, or academic program and end with a confident endorsement.

What are the six details that should be included in a letter of recommendation?

The six details that should be included in a letter of recommendation are the writer’s relationship to the candidate, a clear recommendation, relevant skills and qualifications, specific examples of accomplishments, an explanation of why the candidate is a good fit, and the writer’s contact information.

What are good things to say in a letter of recommendation?

Good things to say in a letter of recommendation include comments about the candidate’s skills, work ethic, leadership abilities, communication skills, reliability, character, and accomplishments. The most effective recommendations support these qualities with specific examples.

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

A letter of recommendation should typically be one page long, or about 300 to 500 words. This length gives the writer enough space to explain their relationship with the candidate, highlight key qualifications, and provide meaningful examples without becoming overly detailed.

Can a coworker write a letter of recommendation?

Yes, a coworker can write a letter of recommendation, especially if they’ve worked closely with the candidate and can speak to their skills, work ethic, and contributions. While managers and supervisors are often preferred, and some employers may give greater weight to supervisor recommendations, a detailed recommendation from a coworker is still valuable.

Who should not write a letter of recommendation?

People who don’t know the candidate well, can’t provide specific examples, or aren’t able to give a positive endorsement should not write a letter of recommendation. Family members are also generally not recommended unless a character reference is specifically requested.

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Kirsten Chorpenning Career Advice Writer

Kirsten Chorpenning is a career advice writer who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers find rewarding jobs in today’s dynamic work environment.

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