Recommendation Letter

Use this recommendation letter template to support an employee, student, coworker, or applicant.

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CategoryWork Reading time1 minute Last updatedJune 2026

This template is for general informational use and should be customized for your situation. It is not legal, financial, employment, housing, or school advice.

[Date]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient],

I am pleased to recommend [Person Name] for [Position, Program, or Opportunity].

I have known [Person Name] for [Length of Time] and have seen their [Skills, Character, or Work Quality] firsthand.

I believe they would be a strong candidate and am happy to offer my recommendation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

What is a recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter is a written message used to communicate a specific request, notice, explanation, or response. The goal is to be clear, respectful, and easy to understand.

When should you use it?

Changing jobs
Requesting a workplace change
Keeping communication professional

Tips for writing this letter

Keep your tone professional and respectful.
Include the most important date, request, or next step.
Avoid unnecessary personal details.

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit this template?

Yes. Select Edit Letter to customize the plain-text draft before copying or printing.

Should I keep it short?

In most cases, yes. A clear, respectful message is usually better than a long explanation.

Can I send it by email?

Usually yes, unless the recipient specifically requires a printed, mailed, or signed copy.