How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Tips and Samples)

All letters of recommendation involve common elements that you can master easily. Read on to learn more. The tricky part with LORs is to get the writer to format and structure the letter according to your preferences. It is advisable to give them an idea beforehand of what you expect and guide them on the path subtly. Read on to learn how.

Going by the dictionary definition, a letter of recommendation is a letter in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities, of the person being recommended, in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task. A recommendation letter is a crucial document that can significantly influence a student's or employee's application for college, jobs, or other opportunities. Writing an effective recommendation letter requires a clear understanding of the candidate's strengths, experiences, and the context of the recommendation. This guide will provide detailed steps on how to write a recommendation letter, along with various examples tailored for different scenarios.

Recommendation letters are specifically requested to be written about someone and are always addressed to a particular requester. Letters of recommendation are essential for admissions to institutions of higher education or scholarship eligibility. Most of us have never written a letter of recommendation before, and the process can seem intimidating. Fortunately, all letters of recommendation involve common elements that you can master easily. The tricky part with LORs is to get the writer to format and structure the letter according to your preferences. It is advisable to give them an idea beforehand of what you expect and guide them on the path subtly. Read on to learn how.

Structure of a Recommendation Letter

A well-structured recommendation letter typically includes the following sections:

1. Date
2. Recipient Name
3. Recipient Title
4. Recipient Address
5. Greeting: Address the recipient by name if possible.
6. Personal Introduction: Introduce yourself and your relationship to the candidate.
7. Recommendation: Discuss the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the opportunity.
8. Anecdote or Example: Provide specific examples that illustrate the candidate's strengths.
9. Closing: Summarize your recommendation and offer your contact information for follow-up.
10. Signature

Tips for Writing a Strong Recommendation Letter

• Be Specific: Use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate the candidate's abilities and character traits.
• Stay Positive: Maintain an encouraging tone throughout the letter.
• Tailor Your Letter: Customize the content based on the specific opportunity (college program, job position, etc.).
• Keep It Concise: One should write a recommendatiion letter in one page, and should be clear and to the point.
• Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos.

Examples of Recommendation Letters

One can check the examples of recommendation letters from below. 

Sample Recommendation Letter for a Student

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Institution] [Your Contact Information] [Date] [Recipient's Name] [Recipient's Title] [Recipient's Institution] Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for [specific program or university]. I have had the pleasure of teaching [Student Name] in my [subject] class for the past two years at [School Name].  Throughout this time, [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to learning. For instance, during our project on [specific topic], [Student Name] took the initiative to lead our group, showcasing not only leadership skills but also an ability to collaborate effectively with peers. In addition to [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Student Name] is actively involved in [extracurricular activities], where [he/she/they] has shown remarkable dedication and creativity. I believe that [his/her/their] strong work ethic and passion for learning will make [him/her/them] a valuable addition to your program. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address] if you require any further information. Sincerely, [Your Name]

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for College

When writing a letter of recommendation for college admissions, focus on academic achievements, character traits, and specific contributions made by the student in school settings. Highlight their potential for success in higher education.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Friend

For a friend, maintain a personal tone while emphasizing their skills and experiences relevant to what they are applying for. Include anecdotes that showcase their character and work ethic.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker

In this scenario, discuss your professional relationship with the coworker, highlighting their contributions to projects or team dynamics. Provide specific examples that demonstrate their skills relevant to the position they are applying for.

Recommendation Letter from Professor

A professor’s recommendation should focus on academic performance, research capabilities, and contributions in class discussions or projects. It should convey respect and admiration while providing evidence of the student’s abilities.

Letters of Recommendation: Common Questions by Scholarship Experts

Sometimes a scholarship provider or college admission department will tell you what topics your letter of recommendation should cover. When they do not, it is probably best to have the letter writer talk about your strengths, his/her relationship with you, and why he/she feels you would be deserving of the scholarship or admission. The writer can even provide examples of challenges he/she has seen you overcome, significant achievements you have made, and initiatives you have taken. 

How to Write a Recommendation Letter by TheProfessorIsIn.com

Recommendation letter writing is really an art, considering the major role that these letters play in every student’s career. Also, if anyone thinks these letters are not really read by the admissions officer, they are wrong. These LORs are taken very seriously and are deconstructed and discussed. Hence, the letter’s structure and format need to be in place.

Top Five ‘Letter of Recommendation’ Mistakes by Pathfinder Careers

Just as a good recommendation letter can be an asset, a bad recommendation letter can be a hindrance. While writing such a personal piece, there are a lot of things that can go wrong unintentionally. Instead of telling you what to write, let us focus on things that you should not write. In other words, here is a look at the loopholes in a bad letter of recommendation. Read More

Sample Letters of Recommendation by University of Michigan

Same as the application procedure, the way the LORs are written depends heavily on the institute and the course being applied. The narrative and the tone of the letter will depend on the ideology and culture of the college. Depending on the fact whether you want to appear like a college fit or not, the way the letter will be written should be modified. Here are a few examples of letters written by professors about different students. Read More

Recommendation Letter Format by Buzzle

In order to write a good Letter of Recommendation, it is important to focus on the letter’s conciseness, correctness, and clarity. Learning how to write such a letter becomes much easier if you understand the proper format of a letter of recommendation. The format given here will guide you when you are drafting such a letter.

Learn to write LORs with the help of videos by university experts