letter of rec resume

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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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Template Included!)

An email arrives in your inbox from a former employee or coworker. The subject line: “ Request: Recommendation Letter for Job” . At first, you feel thrilled and flattered to be asked to vouch for someone. Then, you start to think about the best way to do this. 

Reference letters can be challenging, especially when you want to craft something that’s well-written, personalized, and truly does that person justice to a hiring manager .

But worry no more! Writing a recommendation letter no longer needs to send you into a tailspin, thanks to our easy-to-follow guide.

What is a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a formal way to recommend someone based on their work, personal character, or academic performance. It’s your chance to tell potential employers, “Hey, this person is amazing; you should totally hire them!”

Think of it like recommending your go-to hairstylist to a friend. You wouldn't just say they're good—you'd highlight their skills, and why they're perfect for the job. This letter does the same, showcasing their strengths beyond a resume .

Many employers will use the letter of recommendation as a tool to get to know the candidate better through someone else’s lens. That is why it’s so important. Your words can make a big impact on the hiring managers' decision and pretty much determine whether a person will land their dream job or not. 

5 tips for writing a letter of recommendation

The good thing about reference letters is that they typically follow a similar structure. Sure, you can (and should!) add your personal touch, but no employer is expecting anything too extravagant or unusual. Here are five tips to kick-start your draft:

1. Ask for background information

First things first, you need to know why you’re being asked to write the recommendation letter. Are you writing a letter of recommendation for academic reasons, a personal character reference, a new job, or something else? If this person hasn’t already shared specifics on the letter, ask them to give you:

• Contact details for who the letter should be addressed to
• A current resume
• The description of the position they’re seeking
• Any specific examples they’d like you to include and highlight
• The timeframe for the letter to be sent

Having this info in-hand will help you focus on the right traits and accomplishments and position the person in the best way possible.

2. Establish the professional connection

Crafting a good recommendation letter begins by defining your relationship with the person being recommended. Establish how you worked together and for how long in a sentence or two. Did they report to you? Were they your boss? Did you work in different departments, but collaborated closely on a project?

3. Emphasize important strengths and skills

Evaluate the candidate’s work, focusing on their strengths and applying it to the position they’re seeking. For example, if they’re targeting a management position, showcase their leadership skills . Highlight tangible successes that can be quantified, detailing an increase in sales or how effective they were at managing budgets and/or people.

4. Highlight key achievements

Describe how they stood out from the rest of their colleagues and use specific examples that support your case, whether it’s taking the initiative on a complex project or spearheading a new company-wide program.

Concrete anecdotes will create a lasting impression. If you can, it’s nice to seal the deal with a comparison, such as saying they’re “the most effective salesperson I’ve ever worked with” or “one of the top two employees I’ve ever managed”—as long as that’s true, of course.

5. Master the letter of recommendation format

The letter of recommendation format also has a simple and straightforward structure. Of course it can vary depending on the purpose of the letter, but these are the four most necessary pieces of information to include:

• A formal salutation, such as “Dear [First and Last Name of the recipient]”
• A concise self-introduction
• A closing statement summarizing the key points of your recommendation
• A signature , including your name, your job or academic title, your company name and your contact information.

Still not sure what to say? Our basic template will show you how to write a letter of recommendation that not only is personalized, but highlights why your colleague should get the position they are seeking.

Letter of recommendation template

Dear [First and Last Name],

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend [Name] for [position] with [Company]. [Name] and I [relationship] at [Company] for [length of time].

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with [Name], and came to know [him/her/them] as a truly valuable asset to our team. [He is/She is/They are] honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, [he is/she is/they are] an impressive [soft skill] who is able to [result].

[His/her/their] knowledge of [specific subject] and expertise in [specific subject] was a huge advantage to our entire office. [He/she/they] put this skill set to work in order to [specific achievement].

Along with [his/her/their] undeniable talent, [Name] has always been an absolute joy to work with. [He is/she is/they are] a true team player, and always foster[s] positive discussions and bring[s] the best out of other employees.

Without a doubt, I confidently recommend [Name] to join your team at [Company]. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that [he/she/they] will be a beneficial addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567 if you want to discuss [Name]’s qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

[Company Name]

Seems simple enough, right?

But I know that filling in those blanks is one of the toughest parts. So, let’s take a look at our recommendation letter example in practice, shall we?

Here’s how this recommendation letter draft would look for Joanne, a hypothetical sales employee I’d previously managed.

Recommendation letter sample

Dear Arya Smith,

It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend Joanne Adams for the Sales Manager position with The Sales Company.

Joanne and I worked together at Generic Sales Company, where I was her manager and direct supervisor from 2015 to 2019.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Joanne and came to know her as a truly valuable asset to our team. She is honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, she is an impressive problem solver who is able to address complex issues strategically and confidently. Joanne is inspired by challenges and never intimidated by them.

Her knowledge of sales etiquette and expertise in cold calling was a huge advantage to our entire office. Not only did she put this skill set to work, but she also led a series of training sessions on cold calling with the team—increasing our total sales by over 18% in just one quarter. I know that Joanne was a huge piece of our success.

Along with her undeniable talent, Joanne has always been an absolute joy to work with. She is a true team player, and always fosters positive discussions and brings the best out of other employees.

Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Joanne to join your team at The Sales Company. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that she will be a beneficial addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567 if you want to discuss Joanne's qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.

Kat Boogaard

Director of Sales

Generic Sales Company

There you have it—a reference letter that is quick to the point, enthusiastic yet professional, and would make anybody want to hire Joanne immediately.

Of course, keep in mind that this is simply a letter of recommendation template. You can definitely make some tweaks and inject creativity and personality into your own reference letter. In fact, I encourage you to do so!

In the meantime, this reference letter example should get you started and on the right track. Remember, be complimentary (while still being honest!). A negative recommendation serves no purpose, so if you find yourself going down that road, it’s better to tell the person no.

And, of course, ensure that you personalize every single letter or recommendation email that you write. The more customized you can make it, the better!

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What to Include in a Letter of Recommendation

• Formatting a Letter of Recommendation
• A Sample Letter of Recommendation
• Email Recommendation Message
• What Not to Include

If you have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for employment or for an academic program, you may be struggling to know what information to include—and what to leave out.

Letters of recommendation matter. A survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling showed that letters from counselors and teachers were weighted more heavily in the college admissions process than class rank or extracurricular activities.  

In a job search, a letter of recommendation can provide more information—and more a more positive impression—than simply providing a list of references for a potential employer to call.  

However, there is a right way and a wrong way to write these letters. To help your colleague, direct report, or student achieve their goals, you need to craft a document that’s both an endorsement and a pitch. Here’s how to do it.

Context. A recommendation letter should include information on who you are, your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the specific skills they have.

Specifics. Whenever possible, it's helpful to provide specific anecdotes and examples that illustrate your support. For example, rather than simply stating that a candidate is a strong writer, mention that they wrote a prize-winning essay. If someone has achieved awards or special recognition for their accomplishments, mention it.

A match between the position’s requirements and the candidate’s skills. Your goal is to write a strong recommendation that will help the person you’re recommending get hired or accepted. When writing a specific letter referring a candidate for a particular job opening, the recommendation letter should include information on how the candidate'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 recommendation letter accordingly. Try to use keywords from the job listing in your recommendation.

The letter should include your contact information for follow-up. Finally, be prepared to answer questions about your endorsement of the candidate.

Letter of Recommendation Format

This recommendation letter template shows the format of a typical letter of recommendation , with details on what to include in each paragraph of your letter.

Writer Name and Address Your Name Job Title Company Street Address City, State Zip Code Date

Salutation If you are writing a personal recommendation letter , include a salutation (Dear Dr. Williams, Dear Ms. Miller, etc.). If you are writing a general letter, say " To Whom it May Concern " or simply don't include a salutation.

Paragraph 1 – Introduction The first paragraph of the recommendation letter explains the purpose of the letter, as well as your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them, and for how long.

Paragraph 2 – Details The second paragraph of the recommendation letter contains specific information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified, and what they can contribute. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details. Include specific examples attesting to the person’s qualifications whenever possible.

Paragraph 3 – Summary This section of the recommendation letter contains a brief summary of why you are recommending the person. State that you "highly recommend" the person or that you "recommend without reservation" or something similar.

Paragraph 4 – Conclusion The concluding paragraph of the recommendation letter contains an offer to provide more information. You can include a phone number within this paragraph. Another option is to include a phone number and email address in the return address section or signature of the letter.

Letter Closing Finish up your letter with a formal letter closing and your name and title. If you are mailing a hard copy of the letter, include your signature underneath your typed name:

Signature (for hard copy letter)

Writer Name Job Title

While letter templates are great starting points for your own message, you should always edit a letter to fit your situation. You can also review samples of recommendation letters to help you write your own.

Review a Sample Letter of Recommendation

Here's an example of a letter of recommendation written by a coach for a student athlete.

George McAdams Coach / Biology Teacher Thomas Jefferson High School 8740 Highland Avenue Hillside, Illinois 60162 (000) 123-1234 gmcadams@email.com

May 21, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with much enthusiasm that I am writing this personal recommendation for my student, Keeshan Williams. Keeshan has been an indispensable member of the Thomas Jefferson High School football team that I coach since his freshman year in 2018-2019.

Keeshan is truly one of our star students at Thomas Jefferson High School. Not only has he twice been recognized as MVP for our football team, but he also is an honors student, maintaining a 3.85 GPA as he completes a full schedule of AP classes in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus. He is an acclaimed student leader, holding offices in student government and Beta Club, and also volunteers as a Biology tutor in our peer mentoring program.

Keeshan possesses a maturity and focus that far exceeds those of most students his age. Determined to eventually go to college and medical school (to pursue a career in sports medicine), he has worked various part-time jobs in retail to help fund his education, and understands how to provide attentive customer service, operate point-of-sale systems, and build team morale and project ownership.

I thus highly recommend Keeshan Williams, confident that he will bring the same drive and dedication to your organization that he brings to the classroom and the football field.

Please contact me at the email or phone number listed here if there is any other information I can provide.

Signature (hard copy letter)

George McAdams

What to Include in an Email Recommendation Message

When you’re sending your recommendation letter by email, you can eliminate the “Writer’s Address” section and include your name, address, title, email address, and telephone number in the signature section of your message:

Best regards,

Writer Name Job Title Email Phone Company Street Address City, State Zip Code

The subject of your message should include the candidate's name:

Subject: Recommendation - Applicant Name

What Not to Include in a Letter of Recommendation

If you do not feel comfortable recommending someone—whether it's for a job or graduate school or for something else—it's best to let the person requesting the recommendation know that you cannot write it , rather than writing a negative letter. This will give them an opportunity to seek out someone who can wholeheartedly write a positive recommendation.

Keep in mind that your own reputation is in play when you write a letter of recommendation; you do not want to endorse someone in a letter who you do not think will perform well since it could cast a negative light on your own judgment.

You also do not want to lie in the letter: Don't exaggerate accomplishments. Overblown praise can diminish the impact of your recommendation. But be aware that since most recommendation letters skew very positive, any criticism will be very noticeable.

Key Takeaways

A Letter of Recommendation Can Help a Candidate Achieve Their Goals: Students and job candidates use these letters to help make their case to academic programs and employers.

Don’t Agree to Write a Letter Unless You Can Strongly Endorse the Candidate: Tepid praise in a recommendation is worse than no praise at all.

Use a Template to Help You Format Your Letter: But be sure to customize the content for the specific requirements involved.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling. “ 2017 State of College Admission .” Accessed Nov. 5, 2020.

Chron. “ Importance of a Reference Letter for Employment .” Accessed Nov. 5, 2020.

How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

Some colleges will ask for two or three letters of recommendation during the application process. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.

Why do colleges ask for recommendations? Colleges value recommendations because they:

• Show your talents beyond test scores and grades.
• Describe real-life examples of your personality and character .
• Discuss your relationships in the academic community.

A recommendation letter can help your application stand out, especially when it highlights your skills, accomplishments, and positive attitude toward education.

When Should I Ask for a Recommendation Letter?

Teachers need as much time as possible to complete a recommendation letter. They often have many recommendation letters to write, along with lesson planning and grading.

You should try to get your request to them as soon as possible, but give your references at least a month to complete and submit your letters. The start of your senior year is a good time to begin asking teachers for recommendation letters, especially if you’re applying for early decision. Remember, the more time your teacher has, the more likely they'll write you a thoughtful, detailed letter.

Who Should I Ask to Write a Letter of Recommendation?

It's up to you to find people to write academic letters of recommendation. These tips can help you through the process:

• Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of rec from a specific person, such as a core subject teacher, specific subject teacher, or school counselor.
• Get advice from teachers, counselors, and family members on who would be best to write your recommendation letters.
• Be sure to select a current teacher or one from your junior year, preferably one who knows you well. Don't choose teachers you had several years ago, since colleges want to know who you are and what you are like now.
• Teachers who know you outside of the classroom are a good choice. Consider a teacher who led a club you were in.
• If requested by the college, you can also think about other adults who know you well. A coach, employer, or club adviser can say a lot about your skills and character. Ask your admissions officer if it okay to submit recommendations beyond what is required by the college.
• Above all else, choose someone who will be enthusiastic about writing your letter.
• If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid letters that sound weak or forced.

How to Be Sure You Get a Glowing Letter of Recommendation

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. While teachers don't intend to, their letters can start to seem generic after a while. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory so that they can share specific details about your school career.

It can also be helpful to provide your teacher with a resume or “brag sheet.” Something you might want to include on your brag sheet or in your discussion with your teacher include:

• Your class participation
• Some of your best work/projects
• What you learned in their class
• Anything they need to discuss for specific work examples

If you need to get a college letter of recommendation from a counselor, be sure to do the following:

• Make an appointment to meet with your counselor if that’s an option, or follow your school’s specific process for receiving a counselor recommendation.
• Discuss your skills, accomplishments, and hobbies. Also, talk about what you want to do in college and beyond.
• If you have low grades or any other issues on your transcript, talk to your counselor about what happened and what you've done to improve.

It's also a good idea to follow up with your teacher or counselor to see if they have any questions on what is listed on the brag sheet or need more information. And don’t forget to say, “Thank you!”

Final Recommendation Tips

Before asking for a letter of recommendation, remember these tips:

• Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
• Requests for recommendations are often sent via email. Make sure that they have the correct email address of the recommender.
• Let teachers know the deadline for each college and ask them about their preferred turnaround time.
• You can keep track of your letter of recommendation submissions in your application portal. You can politely follow up with your teacher if the deadline is approaching but you see your letter has not been submitted yet.
• Once your letters are complete, write a thank-you note to your references. Once you decide which college to attend, you can also tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Below are some of students' most-asked questions about how to ask for a college letter of recommendation.

How do I address a recommendation letter?

Be sure to give your teacher or counselor the instructions for how the recommendation will be submitted, but most recommendations are sent through an application portal. Instructions are usually provided to the recommender in the electronic request they receive from the portal.

How do I ask teachers for letters of recommendation?

It can seem daunting to ask a teacher for a recommendation, but remember that your teachers are among your biggest supporters and they want you to succeed.

The best way to ask is to simply ask. Find a time when your teacher isn't busy and ask them directly. Don't go with friends, and try to avoid emailing. Be sure you have any information your teacher may need to write the recommendation and give them plenty of time to complete it.

How should I ask for a letter of recommendation by email?

Try to avoid asking by email if at all possible. However, if you're in an unavoidable situation—for example, you or your teacher changed schools—then emailing is fine. Start by reminding them of who you are, and tell them something specific you liked about their class.

Be sure to include any links they may need. In most cases, once you have asked your teacher or counselor if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation, you will then submit the recommendation request via your application platform, like Common App. Your teacher or counselor will receive the request directly from the portal. You should confirm specific instructions for each institution or scholarship that you need a recommendation for. If the letter has to be sent through the mail, get their mailing address so that you can send them the information plus an addressed and stamped envelope.

How do I politely ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

Some teachers get so many requests for college recommendation letters that they simply can't accept them all. You can often make yourself stand out just by being polite.

Ask your teacher at an appropriate time during the day, and be sure to ask as far in advance as possible. Provide your teacher with anything they may need, like an email address or letter template, work samples, resume, and anything else that can be helpful. When you make it easy on your teacher, they'll be more likely to say yes.

How do I request a letter of recommendation from a principal?

Stop by the school office or send an email requesting a meeting with your principal. Be direct, and ask politely. As your principal probably won't have as much knowledge of your academics, you should prepare a summary and a resume. Don't forget to ask your principal as far in advance of the letter's due date as possible.

How do I ask for a letter of recommendation from someone I don't know well?

While you should always try to choose teachers who know you well for your recommendation letters, sometimes, you have no option. You should only use this option if the school you are applying to requires a letter of recommendation and you have not established a relationship with any teachers or counselors. Otherwise, you should always ask someone who knows you well. When asking someone you don't know well, the best option can often be asking them in person and then telling them more about who you are.

If the first conversation goes well, you can send a follow up email more information and consider requesting another meeting. Since they don't know you well, be sure to have a resume and a summary of your time and accomplishments in their class.

Who should I not ask for a letter of recommendation?

You may be tempted to ask a well-known teacher, but if that teacher doesn't know you well, the letter won't mean a lot. You should also avoid teachers that you had several years ago.

Don't ask a family member or a friend for a recommendation as a college may not take them seriously. You should always follow the guidelines from the colleges you are applying to when choosing who to write your letter of recommendation. Finally, if you have a teacher that doesn't have the best opinion of you, avoid asking them for a recommendation letter.

What should a college letter of recommendation include?

A recommendation letter should feel personal to the school: The teacher should state why you'd be a good fit for that particular college, and should include information that will not be found elsewhere on your application. For example, your letter of recommendation shouldn’t repeat the list of student activities already on your college application. It should include any relevant projects or work you've done. Experiences that relate to your character and academic potential are helpful, too. The teacher should include specific details about their experiences with you. Letters of recommendations can be brief and bullet points are fine! Remember that admissions officers are reading thousands of these letters, so sometimes less is more.

Find the right college for you.

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How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (With Templates)

Take these tips from career experts and hiring managers on who and how to ask for a letter of recommendation.

A letter of recommendation is a formal document written by someone who can speak highly of an individual based on their abilities or qualities as a student or professional. It is often required when applying to college or graduate school, and can even be used as a vehicle for a promotion at your job. 

When done right, a letter of recommendation can give you an edge in the college application or job selection process — so knowing how to ask for one is a crucial skill.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

• Get confirmation from the person you are asking to write it.
• Make the process of writing it as easy as possible.
• Express gratitude to the person who writes it and provide them with an update on the outcome of the application.

What Is a Letter of Recommendation?

Letters of recommendation attest to your strengths, capabilities and attributes and are written by someone who is familiar with your work in a company or educational setting. The purpose of the letter is to help you get a job or secure admission into a college or academic program of your choice.

A letter of recommendation can also help when moving into leadership or other opportunities at your current employer, said Blake Tomlinson, senior talent acquisition manager at cybersecurity firm BeyondTrust . In this case, they are the most effective when targeting a particular position, rather than trying to serve as a one-size fits all for every role.

Letter of Recommendation vs. Reference Letter

Requesting a letter of recommendation shouldn’t be confused with asking someone to serve as your reference .

Letters of recommendation are often used to vouch for an applicant during college, graduate school or research position admissions, while reference letters are often used in the job application process to ensure a candidate meets proper qualifications.

“When you ask someone to be a reference, it’s simply saying that you’re available to speak about the candidate to an organization,” JR Keller, assistant professor of human resource studies at Cornell University , told Built In. “Asking them to write a letter of recommendation is a bit different. It’s much more proactive.”

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Who Is Qualified to Write a Letter of Recommendation?

Teachers or professors.

For letters of recommendation to a college or graduate school, select teachers and professors who are familiar with your classroom participation, class projects or office-hour visits.

“You want a professor who has a taste of the kind of person you are, rather than just knowing you as a name on a class roster,” said Sarah Sikowitz, a director in Career and Professional Development at Harvard Business School .

Managers or Supervisors 

A former manager can write a letter of recommendation with specific outcomes of a project and how well it was executed or even how you tackled certain hurdles at work.

“You should ask your current or former direct manager or supervisor, someone who actually saw your work, your metrics, your performance on a day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month basis and who is in a position to assess you,” Zafar Choudhury, a senior recruiting leader at Amazon Web Services , told Built In.

Coworkers or Team Members 

It’s wise to have a number of people in mind outside of your manager that you can approach for a letter of recommendation, including coworkers, team members or people in your professional network that you’ve worked with. For example, if you don’t land the job and need another targeted letter for a different prospective employer, you don’t want to have to go to the same person each time to write another letter, said Kevin Susman, vice president of brand and communications at Matrixx Software . 

Vice Presidents or Executives 

A letter of recommendation from a vice president or other high-level executives may catch the attention of recruiters or hiring managers who skim through applications in a matter of seconds, said Victoria Neal, HR Knowledge Advisor with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) . 

At the same time, though, a letter from an executive might be complimentary but vague, and not be able to highlight specific project outcomes or day-to-day challenges like a direct manager would.

How Do You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Ask your recommender at least a month before it’s due.

Make the request for a letter of recommendation at least a month before it is due, but ideally as soon as possible.

Additionally, give professors and former work associates at least a week to make up their mind whether they want to write you a letter of recommendation on your behalf, Tomlinson said. Other career experts also noted to give people an easy out when inquiring about their willingness to write a letter of recommendation.

Ask In-Person, By Phone or By Email

Tomlinson recommends making a letter of recommendation request in-person whenever possible, but asking over the phone or by email can be effective as well. 

Asking for a letter of recommendation either verbally or in writing both have its pros and cons. In-person or over the phone requests make it easier to get a read on whether your recommender would feel comfortable writing one for you. Email requests could give them more time to consider instead of putting them on the spot.

Tell Your Recommender Why You Chose Them

Let the recommender know why you have chosen them — maybe it’s because you really enjoyed working with them or you knocked it out of the park on a few projects with them and you want to highlight those successes, Tomlinson said.

Keep the Request Detailed, But Short

In your initial email request, be sure you include all the necessary details and make it as easy as possible for your recommender to write the letter, but also keep it concise, said Rachel Amos, director of career services and employer relations for Carnegie Mellon University ’s Information Networking Institute. You’ll want to briefly tell them why you need it and what it’s for, plus any deadlines or instructions on how to send it.

In general, it’s helpful to provide a list of talking points, career accomplishments as well as a copy of your resume and the job description. If you’re asking a teacher or college professor for a letter, it’s important to include your GPA, accomplishments in their class and other classes, and extracurricular activities. 

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Work-Related Letter of Recommendation Template

Dear [person’s name],

I hope all is well with you. I’m currently interviewing at [company] for the position of [position] and wanted to inquire if you would be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf.

It’s been [X weeks, months or years] since we worked together at [company], when I was a [former role] and you were my [former role]. I remember this time fondly and truly enjoyed working with you and the work we did.

As my former [role], I believe you can speak to my skills in [select your skills that match up to the ones sought in the job description] and experience in [select your qualifications that match up to the ones sought in the job description] with specifics and examples. 

I have included a copy of my resume, a list of my accomplishments and the job posting for your reference. Additionally, if you would prefer, I could write a draft of my letter of recommendation for you to review and approve or adjust if needed. Please let me know if this is your preference.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could write and return the letter of recommendation to me by [name a date at least two weeks before you plan to use it]. This will provide me enough time to forward it onto the recruiters and hiring managers at [company].

I am extremely grateful you would consider taking time out of your day to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. Your willingness to do this means a great deal to me. 

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

College-Related Letter of Recommendation Template

Dear [Professor or Dr.] [person’s name],

I hope all is well with you. I’m currently applying to [college or program] where I hope to study [major] and I wanted to inquire if you would feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I truly enjoyed having you as my [advisor or professor] in [subject] when I attended [college]. It’s been [X months or years] since I [attended your classes or had you as an advisor] and truly enjoyed that experience and gained valuable knowledge.

I have included a copy of my resume, a list of my accomplishments and personal background, which I hope will be of value when writing the letter of recommendation and providing specific examples of my talents and abilities in and outside of the classroom.

The deadline to submit the letter of recommendation is [deadline date]. Please submit the letter of recommendation per the instructions of the [college/university or program]. 

I am extremely grateful you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. It means a lot to me that you would take time out of your busy schedule to help me. 

What to Avoid When Asking for a Letter of Recommendation

8 steps to avoid when asking for a letter of recommendation.

• Don’t ask for a letter of recommendation at the last minute.
• Don’t text your request asking for a letter of recommendation.
• Don’t send a poorly written, incoherent request to write a letter of recommendation.
• Don’t forget to say why you are asking for a letter of recommendation.
• Don’t forget to give a deadline of when the letter needs to be submitted.
• Don’t ask someone to write a letter of recommendation who isn’t familiar with your work or academic performance.
• Don’t constantly nag the letter writer to submit the document, though it’s okay to send one or two reminders.
• Don’t rewrite the letter of recommendation.

Don’t Make a Last Minute Request

“One thing to avoid is asking for a letter of recommendation and telling them it’s due by tomorrow. It shouldn’t feel like a last minute request,” Keller said, noting professors should ideally be given at least a one month notice.

Don’t Request a Letter Over Text Message

Not only should you avoid sending the request by text, but also be careful to send requests that are poorly written or contain typos, Keller said.

Don’t Leave Out Why You Need a Letter 

There shouldn’t be any confusion around why you’re reaching out for a letter of recommendation, Tomlinson said, adding, “Inform the writer of your motivation. I wouldn’t leave it open for interpretation.” 

Don’t Ask Someone Who Isn’t Familiar With You or Your Work

Never ask people to write a letter of recommendation for you if they are not familiar with your work. 

Don’t Rewrite the Recommendation Letter

If someone has taken the time to write a letter of recommendation, don’t re-write the letter either, Susman said.

“Be cognizant of the fact that you’re making an ask of someone,” he added. “And, frankly, they are putting their reputation out there for you and you should treat it with respect.”

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Signs Someone Won’t Write a Letter of Recommendation

Your recommender doesn’t know you well enough.

On some occasions, people have asked Susman to write a letter of recommendation where he felt uncomfortable with their request. Those feelings stemmed from not knowing the person well enough to write the letter of recommendation and he had to turn them down.

“The best letter of recommendation is going to be from somebody who can say the most about you,” Amos said.

Your Recommender Keeps Rescheduling Your Request 

If the person who you’ve asked to write a letter repeatedly reschedules your meeting to discuss your request, it’s time to look for alternative options.

“If they drag their feet on responding back to you, they’re probably not a good person to ask for a recommendation,” Choudhury said. “They are either too busy or reluctant because their experience with you wasn’t great.”

Your Recommender’s Company Doesn’t Allow Letters of Recommendation

If a former manager or executive at a company where you worked declines your request for a letter of recommendation, it could stem from the company’s policy that prohibits writing letters of recommendation on corporate letterhead or from a company email account, Susman said. If that is the case, inquire whether a personal letter of recommendation can be written. 

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When to Send a Letter of Recommendation in an Interview

In a job application process, some career experts advise uploading the letter of recommendation at the same time you upload your resume and work samples, while others suggest including it with a thank-you note after the final round of interviews.

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How to Show Appreciation for a Letter of Recommendation

Thank your recommender for their time and effort.

It sounds simple but it’s a step that’s often overlooked. You should not only thank the person for their willingness to write a letter of recommendation but also thank them after they have written it.

Update Your Recommender on Your Application Outcome

It’s important to loop back with the person who wrote your letter of recommendation to update them on the final outcome of your job interview or college admissions effort.

“When you get your answer whether you’ve been admitted or not admitted, hired or not hired, follow up with this person and thank them again,” Sikowitz said. “I think it’s just a really nice way to close the loop.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How to ask for a letter of recommendation.

When asking for a letter of recommendation from someone: 

• Ask them in-person, by phone or by email at least a month before the recommendation is due.
• Explain what you need the recommendation for and why you chose them to provide one.
• In an initial email request, briefly provide details about your recommendation letter, such as deadlines, delivery instructions and any information to help them write about you (accomplishments, projects, GPA, copy of resume and job description if applicable).

Is is okay to email to ask for a letter of recommendation?

It is okay to email someone to ask them for a letter of recommendation, especially if you have only interacted with this person remotely. However, it is suggested to ask for a recommendation in-person or over a phone call if possible.

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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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• Letters of Reference

You often observe things like a student's punctuality, ability to work with others and how they confront challenges. In a strong field of candidates, these insights may provide an employer with important information that a GPA and resume can't always reflect.

For students with little or no professional experience, professors and co-op or internship supervisors become likely candidates to write letters of reference on the student's behalf.

What to Include

Letters are particularly effective when they relate directly to the skills necessary for a specific job or position. This may require that you meet with the student to discuss the desired placement prior to writing your reference. And while you will naturally want to present a student in the best possible light, it is important to present factual information, based on your own observations.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), if you are asked to provide a reference, you should also consider these questions:

• Who will see this information?
• Is the person asking for a reference entitled to that information?
• What is the purpose of the information?
• Is the information accurate?
• Is the information misleading?

View a sample letter >>

Discrimination Laws and FERPA

While most employers will not ask you to provide information that they can't lawfully request from the applicant, it is important to understand what information you can and cannot disclose. You can find additional resources through NACE, including:

Information about discrimination laws, FERPA and other suggested guidelines >>

A Faculty Guide to the Ethical and Legal Standards in Student Hiring >>

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How to Ask For a Letter of Recommendation: Complete Guide

Letters of Recommendation

Asking someone to write you a letter of recommendation can feel almost as daunting as asking that special someone out to a movie. You're putting yourself out there, just hoping they like you back enough to say yes! Luckily, most of your teachers are well accustomed to writing letters of recommendation for students and are glad to support you in your academic goals.

Plus, who wouldn't want to recommend you for college? You're great.

To ensure your request goes as smoothly as possible, you should be thoughtful about who and how you ask. This guide will go over the steps on how to request a recommendation letter for your college applications successfully (though this guide works equally well for applications for graduate school and jobs). First, let's briefly go over what you need to know before making your request.

What You Should Know Before Requesting a Recommendation Letter

Before you pop the question, make sure you thoroughly understand the purpose of recommendation letters in your college applications. Along with your college essay, they should help personalize your application and tell a story about who you are as a student and person.

While other parts of your application display your grades, activities, and other accomplishments, letters of recommendation can go beyond the resume and help you come to life in the eyes of admissions officers. Recommendation letters can speak to your academic potential, character traits, and personality, as well as about how you've connected with others in the school community over the past few years.

Because reference letters have this important function of revealing aspects of your personality and giving insight into your character , you should choose someone who knows you well and can give specific anecdotes about you. You might also have learned through word of mouth which teachers write the strongest letters. Sometimes seasoned faculty members have written a lot of letters over the years, and may have established solid reputations with admissions officers at certain colleges.

Some colleges require one teacher recommendation, while others ask for two. Most schools also require a letter of rec from your counselor. This guide will discuss how you can request strong recommendations from both your teachers and your school counselor. First and foremost, make sure to ask well in advance of your deadlines.

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 .

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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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