Letter of Recommendation — Free Template & Generator
A good letter of recommendation explains how you know someone, what makes them stand out and one real example that proves it. Answer the questions below and your letter of recommendation fills itself in as you type.
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Free to preview[Your full name]
[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for [What you're recommending them for]. [How you know them, and for how long]
[Their key strengths]
One example shows the kind of person [Name of the person you're recommending] is. [A specific example or story]
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] [How strongly you recommend them]. I am confident [Name of the person you're recommending] will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your email and phone number] if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Templates for your situation
Each version starts with the right wording for that situation already filled in.
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What to do, step by step
Agree to write it only if you can be positive
A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no letter at all. If you don't know the person well enough to be specific and enthusiastic, say so and suggest someone who does.
Ask for the details you need
Get the deadline, where the letter goes, who it should be addressed to and what the opportunity is. A résumé, job posting or program description helps you choose the right strengths to highlight.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Lead with how you know the person, pick two or three strengths that fit the opportunity, and back them up with one concrete example.
Keep it to one page and proofread it
Most readers skim. Three or four short paragraphs, the person's name spelled correctly and no generic filler will do more than a long letter.
Send it the way the recipient asks
Upload it to the application portal, email it as a PDF or hand a signed copy to the candidate. Keep a copy in case you're asked to write another one later.
What if you don't know the person well enough to write a strong letter?
It's fine to say no. A short, honest reply such as "I don't think I know your work well enough to write the strong letter you deserve" is kinder than a vague recommendation that admissions officers or hiring managers will read as a warning sign.
If you're willing but unsure what to say, ask the person for a quick list of things you worked on together, the qualities they'd like you to speak to and any accomplishments you may not know about. Many strong letters start from a conversation like this.
If you can only speak to part of their experience, write about that part honestly and specifically. A narrow letter with a real example is usually more useful than a broad one full of general praise.
Example letter of recommendation
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Daniel Okafor
Senior Engineering Manager, Brightline Software
daniel.okafor@brightlinesoftware.com, (555) 214-7730
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Maya Chen
Dear Hiring Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Maya Chen for a job. I was Maya's direct manager at Brightline Software for three years, from 2023 until she left in 2026 to pursue a new opportunity.
Maya is one of the most dependable engineers I have managed. She writes clear, well-tested code, raises problems early instead of hiding them, and is the person teammates go to when they are stuck. She also mentored two junior developers who now lead projects of their own.
One example shows the kind of person Maya Chen is. Last spring, a payment bug threatened a major customer launch two days before the deadline. Maya volunteered to lead the fix, organized a small team, traced the problem to an outdated third-party library and shipped a tested solution a day early. The customer launched on time and later renewed their contract.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Maya Chen without reservation. I am confident Maya Chen will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at daniel.okafor@brightlinesoftware.com, (555) 214-7730 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Daniel Okafor
Senior Engineering Manager, Brightline Software
Frequently asked questions
What should a letter of recommendation include?
Explain who you are and how you know the candidate, including how long. Then describe two or three specific strengths relevant to the opportunity, support them with a concrete example, and close with a clear statement of your recommendation and your contact details so the reader can follow up.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
Usually one page, or roughly 300 to 500 words. Admissions committees and hiring managers read many letters, so a focused letter with one strong example is more effective than a long one. Some graduate programs expect a little more detail, so check any instructions you've been given.
Who should write a letter of recommendation?
Someone who knows the candidate well in a setting related to the opportunity: a manager or colleague for a job, a teacher or professor for school, a coach or supervisor for a volunteer role. A detailed letter from someone who knows the person well beats a vague one from someone with an impressive title.
Can the candidate write their own letter for me to sign?
Some recommenders ask for a draft, but many schools and employers expect the letter to be written by you, and a self-written letter often sounds like one. A better approach is to ask the candidate for notes and accomplishments, then write the letter in your own words.
What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a reference letter?
A letter of recommendation is usually written for a specific opportunity and argues why the person is a strong fit. A reference letter is often shorter and more general, confirming someone's work history or character for an employer, landlord or school. The two terms are frequently used interchangeably.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.