Letter of Recommendation for a Job — Free Template
A letter of recommendation for a job should answer one question for the hiring manager: why is this person a good fit for this role? This version helps a former manager, colleague, teacher or client connect the candidate's real strengths to the job they're applying for.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
Dear Hiring Manager,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for a job. [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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Tailor it to the job
Ask the candidate for the job posting before you write. If the role involves leading people, talk about leadership. If it involves customers, talk about how they treat customers. Two or three relevant strengths beat a long list of every good quality.
One concrete example does most of the work. Pick a moment that shows the candidate doing something the new job will require.
Who makes the best recommender
Former supervisors are usually the strongest choice because they've seen the candidate's work over time. Colleagues, clients and teachers can also write good letters, especially for early-career candidates.
Whoever writes it should be ready for a phone call. Many employers will follow up with recommenders before making an offer.
Timing and follow-up
Send the letter before the candidate reaches the final interview stage, when employers are most likely to read it closely. Let the candidate know when it's been sent, and tell them if you're expecting a call so they can give the employer the best time to reach you. Keep a copy, because the same candidate may ask you for a letter again later in their career.
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 for job
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Steven Park
Owner, Park & Daughters Landscaping
steven@parklandscaping.com, (555) 433-7761
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Luis Hernandez
Dear Hiring Manager,
It is my pleasure to recommend Luis Hernandez for a job. Luis worked for my landscaping company for three seasons, and for the last two he supervised one of our crews.
Luis is hardworking, safety-conscious and excellent with customers. He plans each day carefully, keeps equipment in good shape and never cuts corners when no one is watching. Customers often called to compliment his crew's work.
One example shows the kind of person Luis Hernandez is. When a storm brought down trees across one of our largest commercial properties, Luis organized his crew and cleared the site safely in two days, coordinating with the property manager the whole time. That client has since doubled the work they give us.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Luis Hernandez without reservation. I am confident Luis Hernandez will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at steven@parklandscaping.com, (555) 433-7761 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Steven Park
Owner, Park & Daughters Landscaping
Frequently asked questions
Do employers still read recommendation letters?
Many do, especially for roles where trust and reliability matter, smaller businesses and jobs where the candidate is changing fields. Even when an employer prefers phone references, a letter gives the candidate something to share and makes your phone call easier.
Should the letter mention the specific company?
If the candidate is applying to one job, naming the company or role makes the letter stronger. If they plan to use it for several applications, keep it general and use "To Whom It May Concern."
What should I avoid?
Avoid vague praise, personal details unrelated to work, comments about age, health or family, and anything you can't stand behind. Keep it honest and focused on how the person works.
Can a coworker write a job recommendation?
Yes. A peer who worked closely with the candidate can describe teamwork and day-to-day reliability in ways a manager sometimes can't. Explain your role and how you worked together.
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.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.