A recommendation or letter of support should begin with the sender and receiver’s full name, title, and address or using the sender’s letterhead, if available.
The body of the recommendation should contain these elements, in approximately this order:
- Introduction: “My name is [Full Name] and I am the [job title] in [department and/or organization].”
- Recommendation: “I am writing today in strong support of [Full Name].”
- Context: “I have known [First Name] since [year] when I met him/her [under what circumstances].”
- Specific Reason for Support: “[Name] has [specific qualities]. S/he exemplified these when we worked together on [project title] in [year]. The project lead to [specific outcome]. Furthermore, [more details]. For these and other achievements, [mention of awards].”
- Comparison of Person’s Abilities: “[Name] is easily one of the best workers I have met in my [specific years] in the industry.”
- Reiteration of recommendation: “It is for these reasons that it is my honor to recommend [Name] for XYZ.”
- Offer for follow-up: “If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [phone] or via email.”
Letters of recommendation are almost invariably positive. People don’t usually ask for a recommendation unless they think they are going to get a good one. Therefore it is important to give an accurate idea of just how good the person is. Below are two examples of letters – one for an outstanding student and one for a good student.
Sample Letter of Recommendation for an Outstanding Student
“It is my pleasure to recommend Wonderful Person to Awesome College. As a high school science teacher, I have had the pleasure of knowing Wonderful since 9th grade, when s/he took my Biology class. Wonderful is currently excelling in my AP Biology class. In addition, Wonderful has been an active member of the school’s Science Club for the past four years. As President of the Club, Wonderful has launched a very aggressive – and highly successful – renewable energy campaign in the school.
[More details]
"Wonderful is one of the most impressive students I have met in my 20 years of teaching. S/he is not only intelligent and hard-working, but creative, easy-going, and truly responsive to others. I have no doubt that Wonderful would excel in whatever endeavor s/he tries, and believe he would be an asset to your school. I recommend Wonderful without reservation.”
Sample Letter of Recommendation for a Good Student
“I am writing you today to recommend Good Guy to Awesome Internship. As Associate Professor of Sociology at Good School, I have known GG for two years. He received an A in my Intro to Sociology class last year, and did as well in last semester’s Seminar on Social Unrest. GG is a solid performer. He was always punctual and prepared, made insightful contributions to our discussions, and helped his fellow classmates with complex projects.
"Outside of class, GG has told me about his interest for helping with [Social Cause]. His passion and knowledge on this issue are clear to me, and I have no doubt that he would benefit greatly from Awesome Internship.
"GG is as solid a student as any I’ve met in my 8 years of teaching at the college level. I have no doubt he would get the job done, and be truly helpful to your staff. I recommend GG without reservation.”
There is no one way to write a letter of recommendation, no right or wrong language to include. But by including the elements above, a writer can be sure to form a complete, straightforward letter that will help the reviewer make a critical assessment.
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