Academic or Professional Letter of Recommendation

What a good one includes

• A clear opening statement defining the recommender’s relationship to you, including how long and in what capacity they have known you.
• A specific, quantifiable achievement or project that illustrates your work ethic and problem-solving skills rather than just listing job duties.
• An assessment of your personal attributes, such as leadership, emotional intelligence, or adaptability, that make you a great colleague.
• Contextual cues that match the writer's professional standing and voice, making the endorsement feel authentic to their perspective.
• A strong, unequivocal statement of recommendation specifically tailored to the target role, program, or industry.
• A professional closing offer to provide further information, complete with placeholders for the recommender's contact details.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing a generic letter filled with overused buzzwords like 'hard worker' instead of highlighting specific, memorable contributions.
• Reciting your entire resume chronologically rather than focusing on two or three impactful stories that prove your value.
• Using a tone that is too boastful or uses vocabulary that your recommender would never realistically use in their professional communication.
• Failing to align the highlighted skills with the specific requirements of the job or academic program you are applying for.

Frequently asked questions