sample letter of recommendation for education graduate school from coworker

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Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Examples 2022-2023

Grad school recommendation letters are an essential part of every graduate school application package–even in this (almost) post-COVID era of remote work and Zoom classes. Nearly all applications to graduate school still require at least two recommendation letters from individuals who can discuss your abilities, competencies, and personal character in a coherent way and recommend you for admission to graduate school.

Many referees have difficulty writing these recommendations themselves (for language issues or simply because they are busy) and some rely on the applicant to pen the draft of the letter and receive confirmation before submitting it to the graduate school. But regardless of who is writing the letter, there are a few key elements the recommender needs to include to craft a stellar recommendation for their graduate candidate.

Who should write a recommendation letter for graduate school?

Choosing which professors, supervisors, or advisors to request a graduate school recommendation letter from can be somewhat overwhelming. Should you choose someone who does not know you personally but who has connections to your target graduate school? If a famous professor writes you a grad school recommendation letter, will this automatically give you an advantage with the admissions committee? 

In general, graduate recommendation letters should come from people who know you well, who respect you enough to say glowing things about you as a student and researcher, and who hold positions in school or work that are above your own. At least one letter of recommendation should be submitted from a past or current professor or academic advisor. 

Another could be from someone in a slightly different role, including an employer, a research adviser, a senior colleague, or a professor from a different department or kind of class (e.g., a discussion class professor instead of a lecturer). No matter who it is, the recommender should know the applicant and recognize their accomplishments. It also helps if the recommender understands some details about the program to which their candidate is applying.

Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing who to ask for letters of recommendation for graduate school. Select someone who:

• Knows you well and can answer positively. Choose an individual who you have spent time with outside the classroom if possible. They should also be familiar with your career goals and hold a favorable view of you. 
• Has known you for quite a while. A recommendation letter for graduate school carries more influence if the person has known you for months or years instead of months. If you can, find someone who knows you from various contexts, such as a professor who is also your advisor. 
• Can speak to your strengths in relation to your graduate program. Choosing a finance professor to write your recommendation letter for an MBA program would be a good idea because they can write about the qualities that will aid you in pursuing an MBA (qualities you can also include in your MBA essay ) and a broader career in business. 
• Has substantive stories to share about you. Who was fortunate enough to see you succeed in an academic, extracurricular, or professional setting? Having someone write your LOR who has good stories to share about you is certainly going to benefit you more than someone whose class you took with two hundred other students. 

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Knowing how to request a letter of recommendation for graduate school can directly impact the quality of the letter your referee writes for you. Show respect and consideration for the time that your recommender is taking to write a glowing review that will get you into graduate school and positively impact the rest of your life. 

With this in mind, it may seem obvious that the very best way to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school is to do so in person. While this isn’t possible for all students (due to availability or schedule), it is the best route if you want to ensure that your LOR is not only written on time, but includes all the positive information about you that admissions committees want to see in a graduate candidate. When you cannot ask in person, sending an email is an appropriate second-best option. But remember to always be cordial and polite when making this request. 

What information should be included in a graduate recommendation letter?

Your referral letter should cover a range of skills, from academic abilities to research experiences, to applied experiences in and out of class. As the recommender, your letter should clearly answer some specific questions:

Your letter of recommendation should cover a range of skills, from academic abilities to research experiences, to applied experiences in and out of class. As the recommender, your letter should clearly answer some specific questions:

• What is your relationship with the student?
• Why should the graduate faculty listen to your opinion? (include your status, title)
• What makes this student special? (discuss their characteristics, qualities, traits)
• What specifically did this student do to impress you? (discuss their accomplishments, habits in class)
• What makes this student qualified for graduate school and for this program? (include specific courses or interests of the student in addition to abilities and traits)
• What do you know about the program the student is applying to?

What information does the LOR recommender need from me?

The recommender should be given sufficient time to write (and/or confirm) the letter. If it has been a while since you were last in contact, sending a background information file will make things easier. Include the following information so that the recommender can use a few details to bolster their letter:

• Classes the student has taken with the recommender
• Experiences you have shared
• Transcripts
• Research experience and internships
• Awards and achievements
• Academic/career goals
• Relevant professional experience

In addition to background information, make sure that the recommender has the necessary information to plan the writing in a timely manner and target the letter as much as possible:

• Graduate program application due date
• Copy of recommendation forms (if applicable)
• Instructions for submitting LORs (hard copy, soft copy, or direct to school)
• Details about the program and school the student is applying to

What style of writing should be used in a recommendation letter?

Although the letter of recommendation is more informal than academic writing, you should make sure that your language has no grammatical or mechanics errors and that it is of an academic level that reflects the author’s educational level and qualifications. Apply the following standards to the writing and the essay-drafting process:

• Make your language more personal in tone than research writing.
• Use the active voice and first-person point of view more often.
• Write chronologically, starting from important traits and then moving on to actions and achievements.
• Use lots of details—list course names, scores, and specific achievements of the student.
• Edit your letter before submitting it to the graduate admissions faculty.

How to Write a Grad School Letter of Recommendation Letter: LOR Outline

A well-structured recommendation letter (like any organized essay) will guide the reader logically towards an understanding of why this student is worthy not only of praise but of admission to graduate school. Grad school requires quite a few high-level scholastic attributes that not all students possess, and therefore it is important to focus on both the achievements of the candidate and on their personal character and potential to thrive in a difficult academic environment.

Use this outline as a letter of recommendation template in which to input your candidate’s achievements, skills, and traits. Note that the flow of information moves the reader into greater detail, using form phrases and transitions that increase the readability of the letter.

1. Greeting to the recipient

Dear {Name}, or To Whom It May Concern, To the graduate faculty of the {University / Department}

2. Opening paragraph: position; relationship to the applicant; general assessment of the applicant

It is my absolute pleasure to recommend {Name} for admissions to {Program} at {University}… I am a professor of {area of study} in the department of {department} at {University}.

3. Second paragraph: positive skill or trait; evidence of trait or skill; anecdotes demonstrating this skill

Jane has excellent communication skills. Her written work is both clear and concise, as well as interesting to read…

4. Third (up to fifth) paragraph: Other skills or traits; evidence of character and skills; detailed anecdotes

At a personal level, Jane is a well-disciplined, industrious student with a pleasant personality. She went well beyond the course expectations…

5. Final Paragraph: clear recommendation of the candidate to the specific school or program.

Jane is unquestionably an exceptional candidate for graduate study in {Program Applying for}. Jane’s work in “Developments in Anthropology” suggests that she would greatly benefit from the opportunities for intellectual development provided by a sustained period of graduate study…

6. Closing line: polite offer to be contacted if needed

If I can be of any further assistance, or provide you with any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Letter of Recommendation Template and Useful Phrases

Admission essays often contain template phrases or “form phrases” that allow the writer to plug in their specific information while not spending too much time deciding how to compose every single aspect of the writing. This can be especially useful for ESL authors because conventional expressions used in academic and essay writing can be difficult to learn and memorize. Use the following form phrases to help craft a more professional letter of recommendation.

Introducing yourself

• My name is  {Author}  and I have been a Professor of Math at  {University}  since  {date} .
• I write to you today to proudly express my support for  {Student}  in applying to your prestigious university.

Discussing your relationship with the applicant

• I first came to know  {Student}  while teaching him/her in my  {Course Name}  course…
• I was  {Student} ’s thesis advisor during his/her senior year.
• I have known  {Student}  for several years now and can attest to his/her strengths and quality of character.

Discussing the student’s general positive traits

• {Student}  has excellent communication skills and displays them regularly in class discussions.
• He/She is a highly intelligent and competent student who excels in many areas.
• Not only is  {Student}  hard-working and thoughtful, but he/she also demonstrates kindness and generosity towards his/her peers.

Demonstrating evidence of student’s character and skills

• She/he has shown herself/himself to be a true leader who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them in his/her work.
• {Student}  demonstrated his/her independence daily, completing difficult lab exercises by researching outside of class.
• During his/her internship,  {Student}  consistently managed his/her work responsibilities diligently and learned quickly. For example…

Discussing the school/program the student is applying to

• As  {University}  is renowned for its  {Program} , I believe this is an ideal place for  {Student}  to solidify his/her abilities and cement his/her knowledge of  {area of study} .
• The learning environment that  {University}  is famous for creating excellent opportunities in which  {Student}  to apply his/her skills.

Final endorsement and offer to be contacted

• For the above reasons, I am confident that  {Student}  will make an excellent addition to your graduate program, and I wholeheartedly support him/her for admission to your program.
• Thank you for your time and attention in reading my endorsement.

Further Tips for Writing Admissions Essays

• Highlight your self-motivation, competence, and potential in this essay
• Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in the active voice.
• Demonstrate through examples; don’t just write that you are a “persistent person”—show it!
• Approach every topic with continuity and focus.

The Final Step: Editing Your Recommendation Letter

As any good writer knows, it takes more than one draft to create a strong and compelling work of writing. After you have written your recommendation letter draft, there is still a lot of room for revision. One way to ensure that grammar mistakes and style errors do not get in the way of a strong letter is to let the admissions experts at Wordvice’s Admissions Editing Services edit and proofread your (of your candidate’s) letter of recommendation or other application essays, raising the chances that your candidate will be admitted to the program of their choice.

With a full suite of professional proofreading services , we edit thousands of admission documents each year for all kinds of authors of academic and admissions documents just like you. Furthermore, our application essay editing services , recommendation letter editing services , personal statement editing services , CV editing services , cover letter editing services , and SOP editing services are tailored to the needs of your specific admissions essay.

For more articles on writing and editing your essays and academic work, visit Wordvice’s Academic Resource page . 

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Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School: The Definitive Guide

Who, when, and how to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school, including word-for-word scripts and a sample letter.

Introduction

You’ve decided to apply to graduate school as the next step in your career journey. Whatever type of program you’re planning to attend, you’ll be asked to submit letters of recommendation as an admission requirement. You’ve been here before. You asked your high school teachers, advisors, or coaches for letters of rec when applying to undergrad. But how are letters of recommendation for graduate school different? What do you need to know in order to put your best foot forward and increase your chances of grad school admission?

Consider the purpose of your letters of recommendation for graduate school. In most situations, they’re written by your undergrad professors, so they’re a form of peer-to-peer advice. From one professor to another, the graduate program faculty are seeking the answer to a set of important questions. Do you have what it takes to excel in their program? And when there are so many qualified candidates to choose from, why should you be considered over other applicants? What personal qualities, experiences, and accomplishments make you the perfect fit for this program? 

Be careful not to underestimate the importance of a strong letter of recommendation for graduate school. If you have any weak areas in your application, say a less-competitive GPA or a GRE score slightly below average, an enthusiastic, detail-filled letter of recommendation may be the factor that redeems you and earns you an offer of admission. And if you’re competing against high-achieving applicants for a seat in a top graduate program, an impressive letter of recommendation has the power to sway the admissions committee in your favor.

So how do you secure impressive letters of recommendation for graduate school? We’ve compiled answers to the most pressing questions about grad school letters of recommendation so you can do everything in your power to impress admissions committees and make your grad school dreams come true.

Who should write your letters of recommendation for graduate school?

Most graduate school applications require you to submit two to three letters of recommendation, but different types of programs have different requirements about who your recommenders should be. You might be asked to submit a letter of recommendation for graduate school from a professor who teaches a specific subject. Or maybe you’ll have to get a letter from your work, research, or internship supervisor. For example, the Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA program requests letters of recommendation from both a current and a former work supervisor for applicants to be considered for admission. 

You want to be sure to pay close attention to the specific requirements of the grad schools on your application list. And if you’re given more freedom to decide your recommenders will be, you should still prioritize letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic ability or your experience related to the specific field of your intended graduate degree. An ideal set of recommendation letters would include one from a professor in a related subject, one from a research supervisor, and one from an internship or work supervisor.

Who would write the best letter of recommendation for graduate school

Choosing which professors, supervisors, or advisors to ask for graduate school recommendation letters can be challenging. Should you choose someone who doesn’t know you well but has an inside connection to the graduate school you’re applying to? If a prestigious professor writes you a letter of recommendation for graduate school would you get an automatic admissions advantage? 

These questions and more can keep graduate school hopefuls up at night, wondering how to maximize their admissions odds. To put your mind at ease, here are the best guidelines to use when selecting who to ask for letters of recommendation for graduate school. 

Someone who knows you well and positively. You should choose an individual who you’ve spent time with outside the classroom, who knows your career goals, and who holds a favorable opinion of you.   

Someone who has known you for a significant amount of time. A letter of recommendation for graduate school will carry more weight if the recommender has known you for two years instead of two months. Ideally, you want to find someone who has known you for a year or more in various formats (for example, as your professor, faculty mentor, and honor society advisor).

Someone who can speak to your specific strengths as they relate to the program. Choosing an economics professor to write your MBA letter of recommendation is a wise choice because they can speak to the specific qualities that will help you succeed in pursuing an MBA as well as a career in business. You might also choose a research, internship, or work supervisor to write your recommendation letter if they’re in the type of career you’re pursuing. 

Someone who has meaningful stories to share about you. Consider who witnessed some of your greatest accomplishments or saw you demonstrate high levels of initiative, commitment, or teamwork. A letter of recommendation that includes specific stories instead of general platitudes (“show, don’t tell”) is more impactful.

Someone who communicates effectively. If all other aspects are equal and you’re trying to decide between two potential recommenders, you should consider who will be more likely to produce a strongly-worded, persuasive letter on your behalf. Some professors are more generous, organized, and enthusiastic than others—those are the ones who write memorable letters of recommendation for graduate school.

When to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school?

You should ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school between six weeks and two months before the application deadline. This gives your recommender plenty of time to draft, write, and revise your letter of recommendation—increasing the final quality and level of impact.

If you’re seeking a letter of recommendation for graduate school from a professor, be especially mindful of what’s going on during the semester when you make your request. Is it the week of mid-terms? Is it the end of the semester where they might be overwhelmed with other duties? Consider what state of mind they might be in. The beginning of the semester is usually a calmer time for academics and an appropriate point to make your ask.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school 

The manner in which you ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school can directly impact the quality of the letter your recommender provides. Showing respect, consideration, and professionalism will start your letter of recommendation off on the right note. On the other hand, being too casual or seeming unappreciative will make your recommender less unenthusiastic about their endorsement, if they agree to give it at all!

That being said, the best way to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school is in person. Occasionally, this just won’t be possible, in which case sending an email is an appropriate back-up. But try your best to arrange a face-to-face meeting when seeking a letter of recommendation. 

How to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school in person

First, you will want to arrange a meeting with your potential recommender. It’s not suggested to drop by a professor’s office without an appointment or trying to catch them before or after class. By scheduling an appointment, you show respect for their time and demonstrate you’re taking your grad school applications seriously.

Below are exact email scripts you can use to request a letter in person:

Word-for-word email script when planning to ask someone you know well in person

Dear [Professor’s Name], 

I hope this message finds you well. I’m planning to apply to [type of graduate program] this fall and was wondering if I could meet with you to seek your guidance on the process. I have always valued your advice and hope to benefit from your perspective as I take this next big step in my educational journey. If so, please let me know what days and times you would be available to meet. Thank you for your consideration!

[Your Name/Last Name]

Word-for-word email script when planning to ask someone in person whom you haven’t seen or spoken with in a while

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Name/Last Name], and I was a student in your [Course Number/Title] course during [Semester/year]. I greatly appreciated your class because [authentic reason].

I’m planning on applying to [type of graduate program] this fall and was hoping you’d be willing to share your perspective on the process. If so, please let me know what days and times you are available to meet with me. Thank you for your consideration!

Additional advice on asking for a letter of recommendation for graduate school in person

When you meet face-to-face with a professor, advisor, or supervisor to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school, be sure to clarify why you chose them in particular. Of all the potential individuals you could have asked, why are their opinions and perspectives most valuable to your application to grad school? Share why your experience and interactions with them have been valuable, and if applicable, how they have encouraged you to pursue a graduate education.

You can also identify the specific qualities and experiences you hope they will speak to in their letters. For example, you might ask your research supervisor to discuss your abilities with data analysis and interpretation if you were applying to a data-related degree program, such as the Master of Science in Data Science at Columbia University . 

If you’re meeting with someone you haven’t spoken to or seen in a while, you might want to frame your request in such a way to assess whether they feel capable of writing a strong letter of recommendation for you. For example, “Would you feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for graduate school that highlights my specific strengths?” A lukewarm, vague letter won’t increase your admissions chances, so if that’s the best one of your recommender options can provide, it would be better to thank them graciously for their time and search for a different recommender. 

How to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school by email

In the instance where meeting face-to-face is simply impossible, sending a well-crafted email is an appropriate way to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school. You only want to use this method with someone you know well. If you have someone in mind who you haven’t seen or spoken to recently, it’s imperative to meet them in person when making your request. 

Word-for-word email script when planning to ask someone you know well via email

I hope this email finds you well. I’m preparing to apply to [type of graduate program] this fall and was wondering if you’d feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for me. [Add a sincere sentence or two explaining why a letter from them would be valuable and what experiences or qualities they might speak to]. 

If you’re willing to write a letter, I will send the following supporting materials: 1) my transcript, 2) my resume, 3) a draft of my personal statement, and 4) the graduate program description. Thank you for your consideration!

What pieces of information to provide to your recommenders

In order to help your recommenders produce high-quality letters of recommendation for graduate school, you should provide them a small informational packet after they agree to your request. This packet should include the following items:

A current transcript

An updated resume or CV

A copy of your personal statement for graduate school

A list of your relevant extracurriculars, such as research, internships, or involvement in academic societies

An outline of your career goals

A list of the graduate schools you are applying to 

Reminders of anything specific you hope they’ll include in their letter, such as your accomplishments in their class or under their supervision

Detailed instructions for submitting the letter of recommendation for graduate school

The deadline to submit their letter

What should a letter of recommendation for graduate school include?

If you ask professionals outside the world of academia for letters of recommendation—your work or internships supervisors, for instance—you might get the question, “What should a letter of recommendation for graduate school include?” In this case, you should provide your recommenders with the following list which outlines what strong recommendation letters contain.

A description of how they know you, how long they’ve known you, and how they are familiar with your work.

An explanation for how they think you’ll be successful in the program that avoids generalities and uses specific anecdotes as proof.

A highlight of a few of your top qualities they’ve witnessed—again, using examples as evidence.

A high recommendation, particularly in comparison with your peers. For example, “She is one of the most ambitious/curious/insightful students I have encountered in my 10+ years of internship supervision. I highly recommend her to your graduate program.”

These objectives will guide any recommender to produce an outstanding, impactful letter of recommendation for graduate school and increase your grad school admissions odds.

When to send reminders about your letters of recommendation for graduate school

If by two weeks before the application deadline you haven’t received confirmation from your recommenders that they submitted your letters of recommendation, you will want to respectfully check-in with a reminder. Before you do, contact the grad school admissions office to verify the letter is still outstanding. If it is, you can send a reminder to your recommender via email. 

Word-for-word email script when reminding someone of the letter of recommendation deadline

I hope this email finds you well. I plan on submitting my graduate school applications [on date or in # of days/weeks], so I wanted to send you a reminder regarding your recommendation letter. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide you.

Thanks again for your support!

Once you do receive notification that the letter of recommendation for graduate school has been received, be sure to send a thank you letter or email to your recommender. And after you’ve received your admissions decision and chosen which program to attend, remember to send them a final update and thank them again for their role in your success.

Sample letter of recommendation for graduate school

Dear Program Committee: 

I hope you will strongly consider accepting Constance Wong to your PhD in Counseling Psychology program. I recommend her most highly to you. I am an associate professor at Chapman University. I have known Constance for approximately 3 years. I served as her instructor for Group Counseling, Theories of Psychology, and Counseling Techniques Laboratory.

Constance is simply phenomenal. Please allow me to explain. Constance is a hard-working, reliable, and talented counselor-in-training. She was one of the most engaged and committed students I have ever taught. During my class sessions, she frequently made incisive contributions to discussions and emanated a cheerful, humorous spirit. Constance was also highly receptive to feedback and instruction. I gained the sense that she relished opportunities to learn from supervisory feedback. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed having her in classes. 

Her counseling skills are very well developed. I had the opportunity to observe Constance’s group and individual counseling skill development in my courses. She evidenced a highly empathic, genuine, and sensitive presence. Simultaneously, she balanced these gifts with mastery of a skill-set referred to as “executive functioning” (for example, providing structure for counseling sessions, implementing plans, and managing time). It was exciting for me to witness this unique combination. 

Finally, Constance’s professionalism and dedication are unparalleled. Her assignments were always submitted on time and with exceptional quality. I could count on her to participate as a team player in group projects. In fact, she is one of those rare students who sought out extra opportunities for professional development: she completed advanced training in grief counseling for children and volunteered as a group facilitator for Good Grief, Inc. Similarly, she attended professional development workshops on play therapy and assisting children through tragic events. Such experiences illustrate her strong commitment to the field of psychology. 

I sincerely hope you will take the opportunity to meet and know this exceptional individual. I offer this recommendation without reservation and would be happy to discuss Constance’s qualifications further should you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Terry N. Schumer, PhD

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

When someone asks you to write a graduate school letter of recommendation , it demonstrates that they value your opinion, trust you and believe in your writing skills.

But as flattering as it is to be asked, there is also some pressure associated with crafting an effective and convincing letter of recommendation. After all, the applicant is counting on you to influence the admissions board and highlight their accomplishments, strengths and skill sets.

The good news is, writing a graduate school letter of recommendation is more intuitive than you think. Below, we’ve rounded up all the tips you need to write the perfect letter for anyone in your sphere.

What Is a Letter of Recommendation?

First off, let’s go over what a letter of recommendation is.

A letter of recommendation is a brief, written endorsement needed for certain jobs, programs or schools that details a person’s qualifications for whatever they’re applying for.

It’s written by a trusted and valued source: usually a past employer, teacher, mentor or colleague. In a letter of recommendation for graduate school, the writer describes the person’s skills, their personality and why they’re the right fit for the program. This is all so the institution has confirmation of the applicant’s ability to succeed in the program.

If you don’t believe you’re the right fit to write a student’s recommendation, that’s OK, too. You can politely decline and explain to the student why. You can also offer to help them find someone else who’s a more appropriate choice.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Grad School

Once you’ve decided to accept and write the letter of recommendation, take a moment to consider some key questions before you begin crafting your statement.

• What is your relationship like with this person?
• What do you think of their work you’ve seen? How would you describe it?
• What are significant memories you have with them?
• What qualities or strengths does this person have?
• What would you specifically want somebody to know about this person?
• What value would this person bring to this grad school program, and how would they thrive in the field after the program?

What to Ask From Someone Before Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Of course, there is some student information you’ll want to obtain before starting your recommendation. To ensure you’re addressing all the right points and representing them in the best light possible, make sure you ask them the below questions.

The basics . First off, you should find out where this letter is going, to whom it should be addressed, what the deadlines are and how they’d like you to submit it (mail, email, etc.).

Why they want to go to this program and why they are drawn to this school . It’s important to know the motivation behind their graduate school studies: Is it for the love of learning? To get a better job? To switch fields altogether? This will help inform what you write in the letter. Similarly, it’s good to know why a specific school is calling them as well.

Any strengths or qualities they want highlighted . Each person will have different qualities they want you to discuss in their letter of recommendation. If the strengths they mention are ones you agree with and seem relevant to the degree program, definitely include them. You should also ask about what achievements they’ve made that will help them stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Their resume . No one can memorize a person’s entire job and education history. A resume can help remind you of special projects and exemplary work they’ve accomplished in the past, which you can then emphasize in your letter.

What to Include in a Letter of Recommendation for Grad School

There are specific things you should always include in a letter of recommendation for graduate school to make it shine and improve the applicant’s chances of admission.

These are the points that you must undoubtedly touch on throughout your recommendation:

How do you know the applicant? It’s important to describe who you are and how you know the applicant, as well as how long you’ve known them. Personal anecdotes are a must, and they boost your credibility.

Why are they a good fit for the program? Include an explanation for why you think they would specifically thrive in the program. Avoid being vague or general. Dive into why the school would be the perfect fit, and vice versa!

What are their most shining accomplishments? Describe their achievements, especially the ones you’ve personally witnessed. In addition, reference their top strengths and qualities. Again, avoid generalities and use vivid anecdotes.

Can you explain any gaps or discrepancies? A letter of recommendation is often a good time to clear up any troubling parts of the student’s resume or work history — perhaps there was an employment gap or grades dip because they were caring for a sick relative, for example. If you’re aware of any weak spots on their resume from extenuating circumstances, this is the time to note it.

What sets the applicant apart from the rest? Be sure to conclude on a strong note with a very clear, concise recommendation. Highlight what sets them apart from other people, so the program can clearly understand why they should admit this candidate into their college or university.

How to Format and Structure a Graduate School Letter of Recommendation

As for structure, letters of recommendation should not be longer than a page. Start off with a greeting (“Dear [Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern,” if you don’t know the recipient). In the opening paragraph, explain who you are, the nature of your relationship with the student and your overall impression of them.

Within the body of the letter, you can expand on their personality, skills and achievements — along with personal anecdotes — before wrapping up with a final strong and clear recommendation for the applicant.

Then, feel free to add in a polite offer to contact you if they need more information and a formal parting signature. Double-check for spelling and grammar, too, as any mistake could weaken your credibility.

Once you’ve proofread the letter, all you have to do is submit it as instructed and patiently wait for an update from the applicant. Best of luck!

For more information, explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

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Grad School Letter of Recommendation Example

With tips on who, how & when to ask for a grad school letter of recommendation..

Looking at a grad school letter of recommendation example or two can be very useful when preparing your graduate school application. Whether you've been asked to  write your own letter of recommendation  or you're still trying to figure out how to ask for a recommendation, examples will give you a better idea of what your letter needs to include, how it should be formatted, and who it should come from. In this blog, we share a grad school letter of recommendation example, and we also provide some tips to help you get the best letter of recommendation possible from your chosen writers.

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Article Contents 7 min read

What is a graduate school letter of recommendation.

If you have decided to go to graduate school, then you need to know that your grad school letter of recommendation is one of the most important application components you will submit. It is an objective evaluation of your suitability for graduate school in the form of a letter written by a third party who has either worked with you, taught you, or supervised you in the past. 

These recommendation letters are extremely important because they allow the grad school admissions board to learn more about you directly from one of their peers, a professor, or from a different respected professional. This professional's assessment of your skills and abilities helps the board determine whether you have what it takes to excel in their program and why your strengths and background make you the perfect fit for their school.  

Some grad school programs give students the option of submitting letters of recommendation instead of making it a required part of the admissions process. If your chosen school happens to be one of them, we recommend that you still submit at least two letters of recommendation, as they will add valuable information to your overall application. 

Before we look at the typical format of a grad school letter of recommendation, you should remember that some schools provide specific instructions for the letters of recommendation. Always verify the admission requirements of the program you are applying to. If there are any instructions for the recommendations, it is imperative that you share them with your chosen writers so that they can write the letter according to the school's specifications. 

That said, unless otherwise stated by the school, your grad school letter of recommendation should be a one-page document, neatly organized into four to six paraphs. We recommend that it be written in a classic font that is easy to read, like Ariel or Times New Roman, in 10 to 12 points.

Wondering how to get into grad school?

Keep in mind that your grad school letter of recommendation is a formal academic document. So it is best to keep the structure simple and easy to follow. We recommend the following:

The closing statement is just almost as important as the opening one. It needs to be strong, and it should include the recommender vouching for your application once again, followed by a standard closing phrase and the writer's name and signature. ","label":"Closing","title":"Closing"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

To Whom it may concern, 

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter recommending Aisha Diallo for your Applied Social Psychology master's program. I am an associate professor at [Name of University], and I have known Aisha for approximately three years. I first met her when she was a student in my Theories of Psychology class during her freshman year. I was so impressed with her that when she applied for a research assistant position in our department a few months later, I was compelled to give her the role. 

As a student, Aisha is passionate and committed to her studies. When she first started in my class, she struggled with some of the material, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she enrolled in a tutoring class only a few weeks into the semester. Most students do not take that kind of initiative during their first year in college, so her actions told me that she was committed to doing well in my class and her studies in general. 

Additionally, her passion for psychology is undeniable. During class discussions, she frequently asked questions and made intelligent contributions, which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a research assistant, she continues to do the same - asking about different procedures, doing her own research about some of the concepts discussed in the lab, and going the extra mile to ensure every task she is given is meticulously completed. 

Despite being involved in several extracurricular activities while maintaining an impressive GPA, she showed up early for every shift, delivered every assignment on time, and on several occasions, she stayed after hours to help her colleagues take care of other administrative tasks like writing emails to follow up with the participants of our study or updating the bulletin boards around our office to make sure all of the posters and infographics are up to date. 

Over the past three years, I have gotten to know Aisha as a student, an employee, and a person. I can confidently say that her passion for the field of psychology, hardworking nature, and strong desire to learn will make her a great addition to any program. 

I hope you will strongly consider accepting her to your program, and I remain available if you have any questions about her candidacy.

Joshua Smith, PhD 

Ask the right recommenders

If you want to secure a strong letter of recommendation, you need to select your recommenders carefully. Most graduate school programs ask for at least three letters of recommendation, and typically at least one of them needs to be written by a professor or instructor from your undergraduate program. However, picking the right referee is not as simple as choosing someone with the right professional title. 

We recommend that you ask yourself the following questions for the recommenders that you are considering asking for a letter: 

You should try as much as possible to select writers who are connected to your chosen field of study as they can speak to the specific qualities that you need to succeed in your program. For example, if you're hoping to get into the  Wharton school of business  to pursue their MBA\/MA in international studies, getting a grad school letter of recommendation from a business or a political studies professor would be a good idea. "}]">

Ask early and courteously

Many students are unsure when or how to ask for grad school letters of recommendation. When applying to college, the timeline is more straightforward, so students have a pretty good idea of when and how to ask for  college recommendation letters.   For graduate school, you must remember that the manner in which you ask for a letter of recommendation will directly impact the quality of the letter that you receive if you even receive one at all.

It is your responsibility to make sure that your chosen writers have all the information they need to write and submit a strong grad school letter of recommendation. We suggest putting together an information packet that you can give to your chosen writers to make sure that they are prepared. Make sure that this includes your contact information so that they can reach out if they need additional information. 

Your information packet should include the following items:

• An updated copy of your  CV for graduate school 
• A copy of your admissions essays (e.g., statement of purpose, personal statement,  statement of intent , etc.)
• A list of the graduate schools you are applying to 
• An autobiographical document detailing your relevant extracurricular experiences and a rough outline of your career goals.
• A short list of specific accomplishments, experiences, and anecdotes from your time with them that they can include in the letter. 
• Any specific formatting and submission instructions provided by the graduate schools you are applying to. 
• The deadline to submit their letter
• Your contact information 

Your grad school letter of recommendation is one of the most important application components that you will submit because it tells the admission committee how other professionals view you and what they think of your abilities. So, you must secure quality letters of recommendation if you want to improve your chances of getting into graduate school.

That will depend on your chosen program. Typically, graduate programs ask for two or three letters, but that varies greatly from one school to another, so always verify the requirements of the school you are interested in.

It should be a one-page letter unless your chosen school requests something different.

It would be best if they didn't. You want your recommendation letter to come from an objective source that has worked with you or evaluated your work over a long period of time. Friends and family members usually don't fall in that category, so the admission board will think that they are biased.

Some graduate school programs will give you specific instructions for recommendation letters, so always verify those first. You should get a recommendation from individuals who know you well and worked with you long enough to talk about your skills and abilities using specific examples.

It would be best if you asked as early as possible. We recommend that it be at least six to eight weeks before the letter is due so that your chosen writer has enough time to write a strong letter.

Whenever possible, you should ask for a recommendation letter in person. However, if meeting face to face is not an option, you can craft a professional email and send it to your chosen writers.

You should provide them with as much information about your grad school candidacy as possible. You can share a copy of your personal statement, grad school CV, and your transcripts, for example. Make sure they also have your contact information in case they need additional details.

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Sample Recommendation Letter for Graduate School

How a Well-Worded Reference Can Give Your Application a Boost

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Whether you're applying to business school, medical school, law school, or another program, scholarship, or fellowship , most graduate school applicants are going to need two to three letters of recommendation that will be submitted to the admissions committee (along with your undergraduate transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, etc.) as part of the application process .

Not every school requires letters of recommendation. You can often get by without one at some online schools and even brick-and-mortar schools that have more relaxed admission requirements. However, schools with highly competitive admissions processes (i.e. the ones that get a lot of applicants but don't have classroom space for everyone) use recommendation letters, in part, to determine whether or not you are a fit for their school.

Why Graduate Schools Ask for Recommendations

Graduate schools seek recommendations for the same reason employers require career references. They want to know what people who have seen your work and experienced your efforts firsthand have to say about you. Nearly every other resource you provide to a school is a first-person accounting. Your résumé is your interpretation of your career achievements, your essay answers a question with your opinion or tells a story from your point of view, and your admissions interview includes questions that, again, are answered from your point of view. A recommendation letter, on the other hand, is all about someone else's perspective on you, your potential, and your accomplishments. 

Most graduate schools encourage you to choose a reference who knows you well. This ensures that their letter of recommendation will actually have substance and won't simply be full of fluff or vague opinions about your work attitude and academic performance. Someone who knows you well will be able to provide well-informed opinions and concrete examples to back them up. 

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Grad School

This is a sample recommendation for a graduate school applicant was written by the applicant's college dean, who was familiar with the applicant's academic achievements. The letter is short but does an ample job of emphasizing things that would be important to a graduate school admissions committee, such as GPA, work ethic, and leadership ability. Notice how the writer includes plenty of adjectives to describe the person being recommended. There's also an example of how the subject's leadership capability has helped others.

To Whom It May Concern:

As the Dean of Stonewell College, I have had the pleasure of knowing Hannah Smith for the last four years. She has been a tremendous student and an asset to our school. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Hannah for your graduate program.

I feel confident that she will continue to succeed in her studies. Hannah is a dedicated student and thus far, her grades have been exemplary. In class, she has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.

Hannah has also assisted us in our admissions office. She has successfully demonstrated leadership ability by counseling new and prospective students. Her advice has been a great help to these students, many of whom have taken time to share their comments with me regarding her pleasant and encouraging attitude.

It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Hannah without reservation. Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to your establishment. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Roger Fleming

Dean of Stonewell College

As positive as this letter is, it would have been even stronger if the writer had provided additional specific examples of his student's achievements, or had pointed to quantifiable results. For example, he could have included the numbers of students the subject had worked with or detailed specific instances in which she had helped others. Examples of any plans she'd developed, how she implemented them, and what the outcome was once they were put to use would have been useful as well. The more detailed the letter, the more likely it is to tip the admissions scale in your favor.

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation (Template + Tips)

Learn how to write a letter of recommendation, including tips on what to include and when to say no.

A letter of recommendation is a letter written on behalf of an applicant by someone who can vouch for that person’s educational or professional performance. This letter is typically sent to an admissions officer or hiring manager considering a candidate for admission, employment, or a scholarship.

Letters of recommendation help round out an application. They do this by offering insight into an applicant’s personal qualities like integrity, intellectual curiosity, or leadership potential. Writing a strong letter of recommendation as a teacher, counselor, manager, or co-worker can help give an applicant an edge over their competition.

Letter of recommendation template

Use this template to get you started on writing a properly formatted recommendation.

Letter of recommendation sample

Here’s an example of a strong recommendation letter written using the template above.

How to format a letter of recommendation

Different organizations have different recommendation letter requirements. Be sure to ask the requester about any specific guidelines. In general, a letter or recommendation can be broken down into the following sections:

Recipient Name

Recipient Title

Recipient Address

Greeting: Address the recipient by name if possible (Dear Ms/Mr).

Personal introduction: Begin the body of your letter by introducing who you are and your relationship to the applicant.

Recommendation: What makes the candidate a good fit? Offer specific examples of skills or qualifications that match the role.

Anecdote or example: Include a personal anecdote about what it’s like to work with the candidate. Include any workplace or people skills you’ve observed them to possess.

Closing: Give an overview of why you’d recommend this person.

Contact information: Provide your email address and phone number so the recipient can follow up.

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Tips for writing a strong letter of recommendation

If you’re writing a recommendation letter, you likely want the candidate to have the best chance of getting a positive result. Here are some tips for writing a good letter that may stand out to admissions officers, potential employers, or anyone else reviewing the letter.

Do your research.

Find out what exactly the candidate is applying for. Ask them to provide:

A copy of the job description or academic program requirements 

Their resume

Any particular skills, achievements, or qualifications they’d like you to highlight 

This will help you focus your letter on the skills or qualifications that are specific to the role the candidate is applying for. 

Be specific.

Please feel free to use a template (like the one above) to guide your writing, but remember to make it personal. Use examples and specific details to illustrate why this person is the best candidate. Choose strong, accurate adjectives over general terms or cliches. 

Think about what the person reading the letter might want to know. Include details or insight that wouldn’t necessarily show up on a resume or application. Your letter should help the recipient get to know the person you are recommending. 

Read more: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (Template + Tips)

Stay positive.

Your recommendation should confirm that this candidate is a strong contender for whatever they’re applying for. Demonstrate honest enthusiasm, and avoid any comments that could be construed in a negative light. If you can make a superlative comparison between this person and others you’ve worked with (e.g. “she’s one of the best student aides I’ve had the pleasure to work with in my career as a professor”), do so.

Keep it formal and concise.

Use a business letter format using a twelve point font size in either Arial or Times New Roman. Write your letter on your business or organization letterhead if possible. The recipient likely reads dozens if not hundreds of letters, so keep yours concise and to the point. Aim for at least one page but no more than two. 

Don’t be afraid to say no.

If you feel like you’re unable to offer a glowing recommendation for a candidate, it’s okay to say no. A mediocre endorsement can often do as much damage as a negative one. While it may feel uncomfortable, it’s perfectly acceptable to respectfully decline a request.

Follow the instructions.

You’re vouching for this person. Be sure to follow any specific submission guidelines carefully, and get your letter in on time (or early). If your letter makes a good impression, that will carry over to the candidate you’re endorsing.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation

Chances are that you’ll be asked to provide letters of recommendation as part of an application you’re submitting sometime during your education or career. This is particularly true when you’re applying for graduate programs. One or more letters of recommendation are almost always part of the application process.

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Sample Graduate School Recommendation Letters

The three sample recommendation letters that follow, which you can download by clicking on the link below, are effective because they detail what makes the students stand out as exceptional and because they paint individual pictures of each student. Note how these excerpts, excerpted from each of the three letters, individualize and humanize the student:

“I have been especially impressed by Janet’s determination and sparkle.” “I enthusiastically supported her application for the student position on the Mythic University Board of Trustees for the same reasons. She was the runner-up for that distinguished post, and Mythic University lost out on a true leader. But I believe her time is yet to come.” “In short, John is both scholarly and culturally entrenched, ambitious but not pretentious, self-deprecating yet confident, forthright but unassuming, delightfully irreverent yet appropriately respectful—a complex and whole human being.”

In addition, the writers of these three letters take advantage of many of the rhetorical strategies discussed in Chapters 3 and 4 of this manual: enhancing their own credibility, narrative technique, anecdotal evidence, recommending by citing others, and using active verbs and transitions.

Finally, a late paragraph in the last letter, at the prompting of the graduate scholarship application, even provides a few criticisms of the student. Because these criticisms are offered even-handedly and efficiently, I would argue that the letter has even more ethos, and it is noteworthy that the student still landed the desired scholarship.

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What is a recommendation letter for graduate school, benefits of recommendation letters, tips to request a recommendation letter for graduate school, 1. choose the recipient of your correspondence, 2. make a formal proposal, 3. provide information to the writer, 4. allow time to write the letter, 5. write a letter of gratitude, how to write a letter of recommendation for graduate school, 1. collect additional information about the institution, 2. describe your identity to the reader, 3. discuss the candidate’s pertinent characteristics, 4. provide specific illustrations from your experience, 5. reiterate your support for the candidate, how do you write a strong letter of recommendation, how do i choose my recommenders for graduate school, what is the best introduction for recommendation, share this post on your network, you may also like these articles, 15+ sample physician assistant letters of recommendation in pdf | ms word.

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15+ Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School – PDF, DOC

Being the professionals they are, most tutors will turn down students seeking Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School if they are too busy or when they dislike the subject’s character or approach. A few however go ahead to accept such offers only to produce shoddy work. They may do this either to punish the student or to get them off their backs. Whatever the reason, you should never accept to speak negatively of a person in a College Recommendation Letter . You may also see more types of recommendation letter templates from our official website template.net.

Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

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FREE 45+ Sample Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School in MS Word | Apple Pages | Google Docs | PDF

A letter of recommendation for graduate school  is a letter that states the letter writer’s support for the applicant. The strengths of the candidate are expressed in descriptive, yet not flowery terms in order to put him or her in the best possible light. A written paper specially penned down by someone where mainly the virtues, features and strong points are documented of an individual, who is recommended for a particular job (especially admissions) is basically known as a letter of recommendation.

Sample Letter Of Recommendation For Graduate School

Sample letter of recommendation - 23+ free documents in doc, sample recommendation letter for graduate school - 8+ examples ..., sample military letter of recommendation - 7+ examples in word ..., free letter of recommendation for graduate school.

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Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Student

Fresh graduates with little or no work experience need a general recommendation letter from their teachers and institutions to be able to stand against the competition against an opening. Here’s what the letter should highlight.

Letter of Recommendation for Academic Graduate School

In this case, the letter of recommendation would offer a student get into an academic  program in the higher education institution of his/her choice.

This comes from high school teachers/principals and other authorities. This recommendation letter for student is supposed to recommend the particular student for admission into a graduate program.

Letter of Recommendation for Graduation Program

A letter of recommendation for Graduation Program is support to convey a request for authorities for a particular student to be entered into the graduation program.

Application Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Another recommendation letter format for helping students into graduate honors programs; this document highlights the special skills and achievements by a particular student.

Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School from Employer

So, if you are looking for an “Expert” type letter- here it is. This letter talks about the co-worker(colleague) employee and the qualities and proficiency that will help him in his graduate study.

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Another sample letter is here, which a teacher-cum-employer writes about the candidate. It talks about the persona, and achievements of the applicant that makes the student an exact choice for the graduate school.

Reference letters now-a-days plays the role of “Trump Card” in almost every graduation school which decides the admission process of the particular candidate.

Well, basically there are mainly two types of reference letters.

Expert: These types of letters are by and for the ones who work in the same profession and give his comments on whether the applicant will be able to carry on the future project.

Non- Expert: Such letters are written by those who come from the outside world of the candidate’s projected field and are more of a character certificate.

Letter of Recommendation for MBA Sample

Here’s another sample university recommendation letter for MBA where the writer spots out and talk about the traits of the individual with examples. Taking this as consideration one can assure the success of the letter.

Principal Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Template

A sample letter of reference from the Principal is here for you. This points out as to why the learner is a good competent for the graduate school and helpful too.

Sample Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School from Professor

So, here’s another sample interesting template of reference letter for the viewers where he writes of about how he knows the candidate and also the capabilities on various contexts.

Letter of Recommendation for Master Degree

Need one who can write even after not meeting you? Don’t worry..we also have that for you. A letter whether good or bad depends specifically on the correct contents and how finely it gets fitted into the particular program you are applying for.

A recommended letter assesses the talents, merits and personality of the contender. The substance and the quality of the letter depict the potential and how exactly the person suits for the position.

A letter of recommendation like a Military Letter of Recommendation can come in handy for a student to gain admission into a college. The purpose of this letter is to

• List the qualifications and skills of the applicant
• Give a clear example of his abilities by citing real life instances
• Assuring the college about the credibility of the person

How to create:

Begin with a typical letter writing style, praise the candidate, tell how come you know the person, research and write about the qualities and achievements of the aspirant, end the letter on a positive note.

Once you have agreed to be the mentor of a student and are all set to write a Recommendation Letter to the dean of the respective graduate school, you should be all set to make some efforts such that the letter can lead to an acceptance of the applicant to the school. In case the applicant is a former student, a family member or a peer, you would be well versed with his positive qualities. These should be definitely highlighted in the letter. You should also explain your association with the person and why you think he should be given admission to the school.

A comprehensive, precise, action-targeted words, well- structured and to-the-point contents are the key to the success of a letter of recommendation.

When writing a Character Letter of Recommendation for a person to help him get into a graduate school, it is important that you compose an impressive letter. Listed below are a few tips for writing an impeccable letter.

• Get a clear idea from the applicant about why he intends to apply to the particular school or the specific course.
•  It is very important to elaborate on the traits and positive qualities of the applicant. However, just making claims would not be enough.  Try to support these with proper instances.  
• The tone of the letter should be positive and vague words should best be avoided.  
• Tailor the letter in accordance to the school and the course for which you are writing the recommendation.

How To Ask for A Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Timing stands as the most crucial factor to ask for a letter of recommendation . Firstly, try to know about the person’s willingness to write for you and that we have the sample here about how to do that.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Graduate School

A letter template by a Professor who has known the applicant for years, transcripts about the numerous aspects of the student’s aptitudes and how has matured and developed her talents.

Sample Letter of  Recommendation  for Graduate School from Friend

Another simple  Recommendation Letter for a Friend  where it is kept short, less elaborated, specific and straightforward. It is also good to share as how you know the student and put in words of the time duration you know him/her.

Sample Recommendation Letter for  Graduate School

Here’s for you another letter from the bundle citing the good qualities with the relevant deeds of the candidate and what repo did he earn from that particular assignment.

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If you need some help to write a letter of recommendation to a medical pharmacy or a doctoral medical shop, you can use the aforesaid template to get an idea of the format that should be followed. The template also gives you a clear idea of the sections that should be included in the letter.

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Purpose of letter of recommendation for graduate school

• It discusses the scholarly capacity of the candidate.
• It dwells on the personal character of the candidate.

A balance between these two points should be struck. Depending on the type of application, any one factor can be emphasized.

What should be included in a letter of recommendation for graduate school?

• It should discuss the scholarly ambitions and his or her superlative performance.
• A letter of recommendation for graduate school can also discuss certain weaknesses of the student or any vague point in the student’s record, if it is deemed suitable.
• Personal information about the student such as a death in the family or hardships can also be mentioned after discussing with the student.

Free templates for a letter of recommendation for graduate school are available for download and use of print versions. Premium templates may charge a fee.

Wondering how to go about writing a letter of recommendation for graduate school? Go ahead and check out our vast collection of these letter templates that we have to offer. Designed by professionals, these are in sync with the latest industrial specifications, thus enabling you to draft an impressive recommendation letter. Easy to download and customize, coming up with a unique letter of recommendation takes just a matter of a few minutes.

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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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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, letter of recommendation sample: close colleague.

Letters of Recommendation

You don't have to be somebody's boss to write her a recommendation letter. You might have a coworker ask you to write one when she applies for an internal promotion or a position outside the company.

The sample letter in this article is written by a colleague for someone applying to a leadership position at another company. As a coworker and friend to the candidate, the writer can speak both to her professional skills and to her personal interests. Read on to see how the writer supports his colleague's job application.

Sample Recommendation Letter #7: Written by a Coworker

Mr. Ernie Sanders Chief Marketing Officer Globex Tech 55 Valley Road Palo Alto, CA 95014

Dear Mr. Sanders,

I'm very pleased to recommend Alice for the position of Editor-in-Chief with Globex Tech. As a fellow IT Content Editor at CloudArk, I've worked alongside Alice for the past five years. Not only has she been a key player on our team, but she's also become a close personal friend. Alice's skills and leadership qualities would make her an invaluable addition to your information technology content development team.

While Alice has found success at CloudArk, helping increase our blog traffic from a few thousand to over one million monthly readers over her time here, she's looking to maximize her skills as a leader within a larger company. Our small start-up doesn't yet have the opportunities for leadership for which Alice is qualified. Alice is poised to step into a role of editorial management for a content program with the potential for global reach.

Alice can plan, create, and market IT content and build a global presence for Globex Tech. She's an excellent writer and editor with a facility for translating technical information into engaging content. She has used her knowledge of the tech world both to popularize CloudArk's blog and to develop a platform for educational training, including IT-related certifications, workshops, and webinars. She has her finger on the pulse of technological trends and provides content that's both useful and captivating to readers.

Alice marries her writing skills with a working knowledge of digital and inbound marketing. She works across social media, email campaigns, and other public relations outreach to effect viral engagement. Her last three posts across our social media platforms generated an all time high of 20,000 shares and helped bring in many unique visitors. In a leading position with your company, Alice would use strategic tactics, like search engine optimization and social media metrics, to take your web presence to the next level.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Alice has personal qualities that make her well-suited to leadership. She's naturally fallen into the role of "point person" that many of us go to with questions. She's not afraid to take risks and often suggests new directions to explore. Alice was instrumental in introducing our educational platform for training, for instance, a direction that has proven to be very fruitful. She's committed to quality, growth, and progress, and she inspires her team members to strive for the same. In short, Alice is a person with vision.

On a personal note, Alice has become a close friend over our years of working together at CloudArk. She organized several social events for the company, like bar meet-ups and 5k races, helping to facilitate team cohesion and allowing us to form a great friendship. In fact, we're going trail running this Saturday. Alice's fun and friendly personality are just icing on the cake of her many other qualifications.

Alice has my highest recommendation for the position of Editor-in-Chief with Globex Tech. I'm excited to see the directions in which Globex Tech will grow under Alice's leadership. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thanks very much for your time.

Robert Wordsworth IT Content Editor CloudArk [email protected] (866) 811-5546

Robert sounds confident that Alice has the editorial and social media skills to be Editor-in-Chief.

Recommendation Letter #7: The Breakdown

This recommendation letter sample is one written by a coworker for someone applying outside of the company. This coworker describes his personal friendship with the applicant while also pointing out the applicant's professional skills and work performance. He starts with a statement of strong support, as well as an explanation of why Alice is looking to step into a leadership position at a larger company.

Robert describes Alice's past accomplishments and future potential. He shows how she contributed to CloudArk's growth , describing her skill in content creation and knowledge of technological trends. He also touches on her digital and content marketing abilities, both of which would be essential in her target job.

In addition to discussing her experiences, Robert explains that Alice has the leadership capabilities and vision to move into an Editor-in-Chief position. He says she's become the "point person" for her colleagues while also excelling at collaborative work. Alice's skill is further evidenced by virtue of the fact that the letter is written by a work colleague. As Alice's friend, Robert's also able to touch on some of her personal interests, providing an additional dimension to the letter.

Overall, Robert states strong support for Alice's application and gives examples as to why she's ready to step into a position of editorial leadership. His letter presents Alice's editorial and marketing qualifications and proves that she's established positive relationships with her colleagues.

What's Next?

Not everyone asks a coworker or manager to provide them with a letter of recommendation. People who are just out of college often ask a former professor. Check out this next recommendation letter sample to see how a professor supports a former student's job application !

Are you looking for more rec letter samples? Refer to this complete reference letter guide to find more samples and learn more about the letter writing process .

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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