The Ultimate Guide to Letter of Recommendation Templates and Samples in 2025

A strong letter of recommendation can be the key that unlocks a new job, a university admission, or a scholarship. It provides a credible, third-party perspective on a candidate’s skills, character, and achievements. For the person writing it, knowing how to structure this endorsement is crucial.

This guide provides everything you need to craft compelling and effective letters. You will discover the essential components of a strong recommendation letter format, practical writing tips, and multiple LOR samples to guide you. We will also provide a versatile letter of recommendation template you can adapt for various situations.

What is Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a formal document that endorses an individual’s qualifications for a specific opportunity. It offers a detailed view of their strengths, positioning them as an ideal candidate. In competitive selection processes, a well-written letter can significantly influence the decision-makers.

Many people refer to it by its acronym, LOR. Understanding the LOR full form, Letter of Recommendation, helps clarify its purpose in professional and academic settings. Using a structured letter of recommendation template ensures you include all necessary elements while maintaining a professional and persuasive tone.

Utilising a letter of recommendation template can streamline the process, ensuring that all essential elements are covered while maintaining a professional tone. These LOR samples provide a structured approach that saves time while maintaining quality.

How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation

Crafting an impactful letter involves understanding its purpose, gathering the right information, and writing with clarity and sincerity.

Understanding the Purpose and Audience

Before you start writing, consider the letter’s goal and who will read it. Is it for a graduate school application, a new job, or a scholarship? Each context requires a slightly different emphasis. Tailoring your message to the audience ensures your recommendation letter format hits the right notes and addresses what the readers truly care about.

Gathering Relevant Information and Achievements

The power of any recommendation lies in its specificity and accuracy. Before drafting, collect specific examples of the candidate’s work, projects they led, goals they met, and skills they demonstrated. Verifying this information maintains professionalism and strengthens your letter with concrete evidence, moving beyond vague praise.

Writing Tips: Clarity, Specificity, and Sincerity

Clarity:

• Use straightforward language and avoid jargon.
• Follow a logical recommendation letter format with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• State your relationship to the candidate and the context in which you’ve worked together right away.

Specificity:

• Replace general statements with specific examples. Instead of “is a good worker,” write “increased team productivity by 15% by implementing a new filing system.”
• Use metrics and data to quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Ensure a relevant accomplishment supports every claim in the letter.

Sincerity:

• Write with genuine enthusiasm and honesty.
• Avoid exaggeration, as it can undermine your credibility.
• A professional tone and authentic praise create a convincing and trustworthy document.

How to Format a Letter of Recommendation

While requirements can vary, a standard recommendation letter format includes the following components:

1. Date
2. Recipient’s Details: Name, Title, Company/Institution, Address
3. Salutation: “Dear Dr. Smith,” or “Dear Hiring Manager,”
4. Introduction: State your name, position, and your relationship to the candidate. Clearly state you are recommending them for the specific role or program.
5. Body Paragraphs: This is the core of your letter. Provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the candidate’s skills and character. Use one paragraph per key idea or theme.
6. Conclusion: Summarize your endorsement and reaffirm your confidence in the candidate. Offer to provide more information.
7. Closing: Use a formal closing like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,”
8. Your Signature
9. Your Printed Name, Title, and Contact Information

Letter of Recommendation Template for Students

Below are adaptable templates and LOR samples for common scenarios.

For a Student

This letter of recommendation template is designed for academic applications, scholarships, or entry-level positions.

Structure and Key Components:

• Header: Your contact information and the date.
• Salutation: Address the specific person or committee.
• Introduction: Identify the student, the opportunity, and your connection (e.g., “as their history professor for two semesters”).
• Body: Discuss the student’s academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and specific strengths. Mention relevant projects, class participation, or research.
• Character Assessment: Highlight personal qualities like maturity, integrity, or leadership, supported by brief examples.
• Conclusion: Give a strong, closing endorsement.

Tips for Highlighting Academic Achievements and Character

1. Mention the achievements of the student. It could be exception scores, leadership projects, or accolades in extracurricular activities.
2. Highlight the projects where students demonstrated the skills to provide a reliable example.
3. Mention the personal attributes of the student with an example or anecdote.

Example Template for Students

[Your Name] [Your Title/Position] [Your Institution] [Your Email] | [Your Phone Number] [Date] [Admissions Committee/Scholarship Board] [Institution Address] Dear [Recipient’s Name], It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Program Name/Scholarship Name] at [University Name]. As [Your Relationship, e.g., their Science Teacher for 12th Grade], I have watched [Student’s Name] develop into a diligent and insightful scholar. [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional understanding in [Subject], often contributing unique perspectives that elevated class discussions. For their final project, they [describe a specific, impressive project or achievement]. This work showcased not only their grasp of [specific concept] but also their strong research and problem-solving abilities. Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is a respectful and motivated individual. They voluntarily tutored peers who were struggling with the course material, showing patience and excellent communication skills. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the intellectual capacity and personal drive to excel in your program. They have my highest recommendation. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

Letter of Recommendation Template for Employees

Use this letter of recommendation templates to endorse a current or former colleague for a new professional role.

Structure and Key Components:

• Header: Your professional contact information.
• Introduction: State your recommendation for the specific role and the nature of your professional relationship.
• Body: Focus on key professional skills and accomplishments. Use data and specific examples to demonstrate their impact (e.g., “managed a team of 5,” “increased sales by 10%”).
• Personal Qualities: Highlight soft skills like leadership, teamwork, or reliability with brief anecdotes.
• Conclusion: Reiterate your strong recommendation.

Example Template for Employees

[Your Name] [Your Current Title] [Your Company] [Your Email] | [Your Phone Number] [Date] Hiring Manager [Company Name] [Company Address] Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Employee’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I was [Employee’s Name]’s direct manager at [Previous Company] for [Number] years, and I consider them one of the most valuable members of our team. In their role as [Their Previous Title], [Employee’s Name] was instrumental in [describe a major achievement, e.g., launching the new client portal]. Their efforts led to a [quantifiable result, e.g., 25% reduction in customer support calls]. They possess outstanding skills in [key skill, e.g., project management and data analysis]. [Employee’s Name] is also a natural leader and a collaborative team player. When our team faced a tight deadline, they organized daily check-ins and helped redistribute workload, ensuring we delivered the project on time without sacrificing quality. I am certain that [Employee’s Name] will be a tremendous asset to your organization and I give them my highest endorsement. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more details. Best regards, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

LOR Template for Masters Applications

Below are the key components of the ATS-friendly resume template and the reference letter format. This recommendation letter format is tailored for graduate schools and emphasizes research potential and academic rigor.

Structure and Key Components:

• Introduction: Clearly state your recommendation for the specific graduate program and your academic relationship with the candidate.
• Body:
  • Academic Performance: Comment on their intellectual abilities, performance in your class, and grasp of complex concepts.
  • Research Capabilities: This is critical. Detail any research experience, their methodology, curiosity, and analytical skills.
  • Personal Qualities: Discuss their maturity, perseverance, and potential for success in a demanding academic environment.
• Conclusion: Provide a confident and comparative endorsement (e.g., “one of the top 5 students I have taught in a decade”).

Example Template for Master’s Applications

[Your Name] [Your Title/Position] [Your Department/University] [Your Email] | [Your Phone Number] [Date] Graduate Admissions Committee [Department Name] [University Name] [University Address] Dear Members of the Admissions Committee, I am delighted to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the Master of Science program in [Program Field] at [University Name]. I served as their advisor for [Project Name] and taught them in two advanced-level courses, [Course 1] and [Course 2]. In my courses, [Applicant’s Name] consistently performed at the top of the class, demonstrating a profound ability to engage with complex theoretical material. Their final paper on [Paper Topic] was exceptionally well-reasoned and displayed a level of critical thinking rare in undergraduate students. Most impressively, during their [Project Name] research, [Applicant’s Name] displayed remarkable initiative. They independently [describe a specific research action], which ultimately revealed [key finding]. This shows the curiosity and tenacity required for successful graduate-level research. [Applicant’s Name] has the intellectual depth, research aptitude, and personal drive to thrive in your rigorous program. I rank them among the most promising students I have encountered in my [Number] years of teaching and give them my strongest recommendation. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] [Your Title]

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Recommendation Letters

Even with a great letter of recommendation template, it’s easy to make errors that weaken your message. Be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Generic Language: Phrases like “hard worker” or “nice person” are meaningless without context.
• Incorrect Length: Keep it to one page, typically three to five paragraphs. Too short lacks substance; too long loses the reader’s attention.
• Focusing on Weaknesses: The purpose is to recommend. Do not highlight flaws or areas for improvement.
• Overstating Abilities: Exaggeration can be easily spotted and damages your and the candidate’s credibility.
• Ignoring Formatting Standards: Stick to a professional recommendation letter format. Unconventional structures can appear unprofessional.
• Forgetting Contact Information: Always include your phone number and email so the recipient can follow up.
• Skipping Proofreading: Typos and grammatical errors suggest carelessness. Always proofread carefully.

Final Tips for a Powerful Letter

• Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter.
• Customize Every Time: Tailor each letter to the specific opportunity. A generic letter is easy to spot and less effective.
• Be Enthusiastic but Honest: Your genuine belief in the candidate should come through, without veering into hyperbole.
• Proofread Meticulously: A single error can undermine the professionalism of the entire document.

Using these guidelines and LOR samples, you can create a compelling letter of recommendation that effectively supports someone’s aspirations and makes a real impact on their future.

Conclusion

A well-written letter of recommendation can have a lasting effect on a candidate’s future opportunities. Using a clear template and highlighting real strengths and achievements, you support the individual and offer valuable insights for decision-makers.

Keep in mind that your words matter. Creating a personalized and organized recommendation can open doors and help someone reach their academic or career goals. Whether you’re endorsing a student, colleague, or mentee, your recommendation can be the key that unlocks their next big chance.

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.

Read more:
Letter of Recommendation for Masters Program: LOR Samples
Effective Tips for Professional Reference Letter 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)