A recommendation letter is a detailed endorsement from someone who has observed the candidate’s work or academic performance. Write on organizational letterhead when possible, establish your credibility upfront, and use specific examples to substantiate claims. Keep the tone confident and professional.
Include the following elements:
- Header: Your name/title, organization, and contact; date; recipient details.
- Relationship and duration: Capacity in which you know the candidate and for how long.
- Strengths summary: 3–4 core competencies relevant to the opportunity.
- Evidence/examples: 2–3 concrete examples with outcomes, metrics, or third‑party recognition.
- Character: Work ethic, integrity, teamwork, leadership, or other personal qualities.
- Recommendation statement: Explicit and unambiguous endorsement for the target role/program.
- Contact and closing: Invite follow‑up and sign with your title and organization.