Letter of recommendation template

Use this letter of recommendation template to give references to a former student or a former team member. Tailor this sample to fit your feedback on that specific person. This letter may also be called "employee reference letter."

How to write a letter of recommendation

So, what do you include in a letter of recommendation? Follow this efficient process to get started:

  1. Know the Purpose
    • Understand the specific purpose of the letter. Is the person applying for a master's program, an internship, or a job? Determine who the recipient is and what they are most interested in.
    • Tailor your content to the purpose. For example, highlight a candidate's machine learning project for an educational program in that field or emphasize leadership skills for a job requiring such qualities.
    • If necessary, ask the person for more details or use general examples if you lack specific information.
  2. Consider the Person Requesting the Recommendation
    • Refresh your memory on the person's work or experiences with you. If they were a student, recall the projects they completed. If they were a team member, review any notes on their performance.
  3. Start with a Template

Letter of Recommendation for an Employee

Dear [insert name],

I am writing to recommend [employee_name]. [He/She/They] worked with us at [company_name] as a [employee_job_title] and [reported to me/worked with me] in my position as [insert your job title].

As an employee, [employee_name] was always [insert quality]. During [his/her/their] time in my team, [he/she/they] managed to [insert example].

[Employee_name] is a delight to work with, and I wouldn't hesitate to hire [him/her/them] again.

Thanks,

[Your name and signature]

Personalize Your Draft

Use these templates as a guide, but modify them to fit your needs. Provide context for each example, use a natural voice, and be honest, as the candidate may be questioned about the examples provided.