How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (+ Templates)

What Makes a Recommendation Letter Strong

A great letter of recommendation does more than say someone is "hardworking." It gives a specific role for the writer, concrete examples of the candidate's impact, and a clear, confident endorsement. Vague praise reads as lukewarm; specifics read as genuine.

The Standard Structure

1. Opening — who you are and how you know the candidate
2. Context — the capacity and duration of your relationship
3. Body — 2–3 specific achievements with measurable results
4. Character — the personal qualities that set them apart
5. Endorsement — an unambiguous recommendation
6. Close — your contact details and offer to follow up

Sample Opening Lines

It is my pleasure to recommend [Name], whom I supervised for three years as [Your Role] at [Company]. In that time she consistently delivered work of a standard well above her peers.

Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Generic praise with no examples ("a great team player")
• ❌ Any lukewarm or hedged language — it reads as a red flag
• ❌ Focusing on tasks instead of results
• ❌ Forgetting to state your relationship and how long you've known them

Don't start from a blank page — use our free letter templates or generate a draft with the recommendation letter generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a recommendation letter be?

One page, or roughly 350–450 words. Long enough for two or three concrete examples, short enough to stay focused.

Can I write my own letter for someone to sign?

It's common for busy referees to ask you to draft it. Keep it honest and specific, then let them edit and sign — the endorsement must be genuinely theirs.

What if I can't give a strong recommendation?

It's better to decline politely than to write a lukewarm letter, which can quietly harm the candidate more than no letter at all.