Free Letter of Recommendation Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

Free — No Sign-Up RequiredPDF & WordUpdated April 1, 2026

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This template is attorney-reviewed and built to US legal standards. It does not substitute for professional legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.

Document Completeness15%

Your Full Name*

Your Title*

Your Organization / Company*

Your Email*

Your Phone

Recipient Name

Enter the specific recipient's name if known, or use 'Admissions Committee' / 'Hiring Manager' as appropriate.

Recipient Title / Department

Recipient Organization

Date of Letter*

MM/DD/YYYY

Subject's Full Name*

Your Relationship to the Subject*

How Long You Have Known Them*

Purpose of This Letter*

Key Strengths*

List 3–5 specific strengths. These will be woven into the opening paragraph.

Specific Achievement — Example 1*

Describe a specific situation, the actions the subject took, and the measurable result. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works well here.

Specific Achievement — Example 2*

A second concrete example showing a different dimension of the subject's abilities strengthens the letter significantly.

Closing Recommendation Strength*

Additional Closing Note (Optional)

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[Your Full Name]

[Your Title]

[Your Organization / Company]

[Your Email]

[Date of Letter]

Dear Selection Committee,

It is my genuine pleasure to recommend [Subject's Full Name] for the position they are seeking. As [Subject's Full Name]'s [Your Relationship to the Subject] for the past [How Long You Have Known Them], I have had the opportunity to observe their work closely and can speak with confidence to their abilities and character.

[Subject's Full Name] consistently demonstrates [Key Strengths]. In my experience, these qualities set them apart as a truly exceptional individual.

ONE EXAMPLE THAT STANDS OUT

[Specific Achievement — Example 1]

A FURTHER DEMONSTRATION OF THEIR ABILITIES

[Specific Achievement — Example 2]

I am confident that [Subject's Full Name] will bring the same dedication, creativity, and positive energy to your organization that they have demonstrated throughout our time working together.

Without reservation, I offer my highest recommendation for [Subject's Full Name].

Sincerely,

_______________________________

[Your Full Name]

[Your Title]

[Your Organization / Company]

Document Completeness15%

Your Full Name*

Your Title*

Your Organization / Company*

Your Email*

Your Phone

Recipient Name

Enter the specific recipient's name if known, or use 'Admissions Committee' / 'Hiring Manager' as appropriate.

Recipient Title / Department

Recipient Organization

Date of Letter*

MM/DD/YYYY

Subject's Full Name*

Your Relationship to the Subject*

How Long You Have Known Them*

Purpose of This Letter*

Key Strengths*

List 3–5 specific strengths. These will be woven into the opening paragraph.

Specific Achievement — Example 1*

Describe a specific situation, the actions the subject took, and the measurable result. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works well here.

Specific Achievement — Example 2*

A second concrete example showing a different dimension of the subject's abilities strengthens the letter significantly.

Closing Recommendation Strength*

Additional Closing Note (Optional)

What Is a Letter of Recommendation Template?

A letter of recommendation is a formal endorsement written by someone who can speak to an individual's professional skills, character, academic ability, or potential. Recommendation letters are a critical component of job applications, graduate and professional school applications, scholarship applications, and award nominations. A strong letter provides specific examples of the subject's accomplishments and clearly articulates why they are an exceptional candidate for the opportunity at hand..

When Do You Need It?

Write a recommendation letter when a colleague, employee, former student, or mentee asks you to support their application for a new job, graduate or professional school program, scholarship, award, or other opportunity. You should only agree to write the letter if you can genuinely and enthusiastically recommend the person — a lukewarm letter can do more harm than good..

What's Included in This Template

Writer contact information and letterhead
Optional recipient address block
Relationship and context establishment paragraph
Two specific achievement and strength examples
Tailored closing recommendation strength
Formats for job, graduate school, scholarship, and general use
Professional signature block

How to Fill It Out

Enter Your Contact Information — Fill in your name, title, company or institution, email, and phone number. These appear in the letterhead and signature block and allow the recipient to follow up with you.

Identify the Subject and Your Relationship — Enter the name of the person you are recommending, your relationship to them (e.g., direct manager, professor), and how long you have known them. This context establishes your credibility as a recommender.

Select the Recommendation Type — Choose the purpose of the letter — job, graduate school, scholarship, award, or general. This adjusts the emphasis and language in the document.

Describe Strengths and Provide Examples — List the subject's key strengths in the Strengths field, then provide two specific, detailed examples of their accomplishments. The more concrete and specific the examples, the more persuasive the letter.

Choose Your Closing Recommendation Strength — Select the strength of your recommendation. 'Highest recommendation' is the strongest endorsement and should reflect genuine conviction. Download and sign on your company letterhead.

Legal Requirements & Notes

Recommendation letters carry the writer's professional reputation. Be truthful — making false statements in a professional recommendation can expose you to defamation liability if the statements are false and harmful, or fraud claims if false positive statements induce a third party to rely on them. Only agree to write a letter if you can do so honestly and positively.

Free Letter of Recommendation Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

ONE EXAMPLE THAT STANDS OUT

A FURTHER DEMONSTRATION OF THEIR ABILITIES

What Is a Letter of Recommendation Template?

When Do You Need It?

What's Included in This Template

How to Fill It Out

Legal Requirements & Notes

Frequently Asked Questions