What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal document written by someone who can attest to your qualifications, character, and abilities. These letters are commonly required for job applications, graduate school admissions, scholarships, and professional certifications. A strong recommendation letter provides specific examples and genuine endorsement from someone who has observed your work or academic performance firsthand.
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
- Ask early. Give your recommender at least 2-3 weeks to write the letter. More time for detailed or multiple letters.
- Choose the right person. Select someone who knows your work well and can provide specific, relevant examples.
- Ask in person or by phone. A personal request shows respect. Follow up with an email containing the details.
- Provide context. Share the job description, your resume, and key points you would like them to address.
- Make it easy. Provide the submission deadline, format requirements, and where to send the letter.
- Send a thank-you note. Always express gratitude regardless of the outcome of your application.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
If you have been asked to write a recommendation letter, here is a structure that works well:
Opening
State who you are, your relationship to the person, and how long you have known them. Immediately express your strong recommendation.
Body (1-2 paragraphs)
Provide specific examples of the person's skills, achievements, and character. Describe situations where they demonstrated the qualities relevant to the opportunity they are pursuing. Be as specific as possible - concrete examples are far more persuasive than general praise.
Closing
Summarize your recommendation and offer to provide additional information. Include your contact details and professional title.
Recommendation Letter Example
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Michael Rodriguez for the Project Manager position at your organization. As Michael's direct supervisor at Greenfield Technologies for the past three years, I have had the opportunity to observe his exceptional organizational skills, leadership ability, and dedication to delivering results.
During his time on my team, Michael successfully managed the implementation of our new enterprise software system - a $1.2M project involving 40 stakeholders across five departments. He completed the project two weeks ahead of schedule and 8% under budget. His ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders was instrumental in gaining organization-wide buy-in. When unexpected challenges arose, Michael consistently demonstrated calm problem-solving and creative thinking.
Beyond his technical skills, Michael is a natural leader who mentors junior team members and contributes positively to team culture. I have no hesitation in giving him my highest recommendation. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 if you would like to discuss his qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Park
Director of Operations, Greenfield Technologies
Tips for Strong Recommendation Letters
- Be specific - vague praise is not convincing
- Include measurable achievements when possible
- Address the specific qualities the opportunity requires
- Keep the letter to one page
- Use professional letterhead if available
- Only write a letter if you can be genuinely positive - declining is better than writing a weak letter