A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is more than a formality — it’s your personal endorsement of someone’s skills, integrity, and potential. Whether it’s written for a job, a college application, or a scholarship, the right letter of recommendation format can make a lasting impression.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What a letter of recommendation means
- How to write one (with examples and templates)
- The correct format for students and professionals
- Tips for HRs, managers, and professors writing LORs
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal document written by a teacher, employer, or mentor to vouch for someone’s abilities and achievements. It helps recruiters or admissions officers evaluate a candidate beyond their resume.
Recommendation Letter Meaning
In simple terms, it’s a written endorsement that highlights a person’s:
- Skills and strengths
- Character and work ethic
- Achievements and impact
Example:
“I had the pleasure of supervising Riya during her internship at ABC Pvt. Ltd. Her analytical thinking and dedication made her a key contributor to our marketing projects.”
This kind of statement shows trust and credibility — something every professional letter of recommendation should communicate.
Why Is a Letter of Recommendation Important?
In India, many job seekers and students underestimate the power of a well-written LOR. But it can be the difference between getting shortlisted and being overlooked.
Here’s why:
- It adds credibility to your application.
- It shows third-party validation of your work.
- It builds trust in competitive academic or hiring processes.
When applying for jobs, candidates often attach a recommendation letter for a job from a previous employer to showcase their achievements — especially in fields like HR, marketing, or IT.
If you’re managing HR documentation or verification, payroll outsourcing services can help streamline employee records and recommendation letter handling.
Letter of Recommendation Format
A good letter of recommendation format should follow a simple, professional structure:
- Header – Date, name, and designation of the recommender
- Greeting – “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”
- Introduction – State your relationship with the candidate
- Body – Describe skills, achievements, and examples
- Closing – Summarize and include contact information
Sample Format
[Your Name]
[Your Designation]
[Company/Institution Name]
[Email ID] | [Phone Number]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name], who worked/studied under my supervision at [Organisation/Institution Name]. During this time, [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated [skills or qualities], contributing significantly to [specific project or outcome].
I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will bring the same enthusiasm and dedication to any future role. Please feel free to contact me at [email] for more details.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
This letter of recommendation template works well for both academic and professional use.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
Writing a recommendation letter doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Start with a Strong Opening
Explain your relationship with the candidate and why you’re qualified to recommend them.
Example:
“I have worked closely with Arjun as his project supervisor for two years at XYZ University.”
2. Highlight Specific Achievements
Avoid generic praise. Mention measurable results or examples.
“Arjun’s research on renewable energy solutions was published in an international journal, showcasing his analytical depth.”
3. Add Personal Attributes
Emphasise qualities like leadership, teamwork, and integrity — especially valuable in professional letters of recommendation.
4. Conclude with Endorsement
Reaffirm your recommendation confidently.
“I wholeheartedly recommend Arjun for the graduate program. He will be a valuable asset to your institution.”
If you’re writing for a job applicant, you can check how recruitment agencies in Mumbai use such letters during background verification and shortlisting.
Letter of Recommendation Examples
Example 1: Recommendation Letter for Job
“It is my pleasure to recommend Ms. Priya Sharma, who worked as a Senior Designer at our firm for three years. Priya’s creative skills, problem-solving ability, and leadership contributed significantly to our brand redesign projects. I am confident she will bring the same excellence to her next role.”
Example 2: Letter of Recommendation Format for Student
“I am delighted to recommend Rahul Mehta, who was one of my top-performing students in the B.Com program. His analytical skills and academic curiosity made him stand out. Rahul also volunteered for our student placement drive, showing initiative and teamwork.”
Example 3: Professional Letter of Recommendation
“As the HR Head at ABC Pvt. Ltd., I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Ramesh Patel. His commitment to employee engagement and policy implementation was outstanding. I highly recommend him for any HR leadership role.”
These examples demonstrate how tone and detail vary depending on context — academic, professional, or personal.
Brief Recommendation Letter Template
If time is limited, you can use this brief recommendation letter structure:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend [Name], who worked/studied with me at [Organization]. [He/She] consistently demonstrated exceptional [skills] and professionalism. I am confident that [Name] will excel in any future role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
This short version is useful for quick verifications or internal transfers — common in contract staffing companies in India.
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
If you’re the one requesting a recommendation, follow these steps:
- Ask Early – Give your recommender at least 2–3 weeks.
- Provide Details – Share your resume, goals, and key achievements.
- Be Polite – Always thank them for their time and effort.
You can use a letter requesting letter of recommendation format like this:
“Dear Sir/Madam,
I am applying for [program/job] and would be grateful if you could provide me with a letter of recommendation based on my work under your supervision.”
For corporate professionals, these letters often accompany internal promotion requests or vendor contracts — processes that can be streamlined with contract staffing solutions.
College Recommendation Letter Format
When applying to universities, most colleges in India and abroad require an academic LOR.
Sample Format for Students:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name], who was my student at [Institution Name]. [He/She] demonstrated exceptional academic performance and research interest throughout the course.
[Student Name] also participated in extracurricular activities, displaying leadership and collaboration. I strongly recommend [him/her] for admission to your program.
Sincerely,
[Professor Name]
This college recommendation letter format highlights academic achievements, extracurriculars, and character — all crucial for student applications.
Professional Letter of Recommendation Template
Professionals can use this structure when recommending a colleague or team member:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name], who worked under my supervision as [Designation] at [Company]. [He/She] consistently exceeded performance expectations and played a key role in [specific project].
I highly recommend [Employee Name] for future roles that require dedication and strategic thinking.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing or requesting a recommendation letter:
- Don’t copy generic templates — personalize them.
- Don’t include confidential data or salary info.
- Keep it formal and concise (250–400 words).
- Always get consent before using someone’s name.
Final Thoughts
A well-written letter of recommendation can transform an application. Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or a manager, crafting or requesting the right LOR shows professionalism and trust.
We understand how important credibility is in hiring. Our recruitment agency in Mumbai and contract staffing services help organisations hire qualified talent supported by trusted recommendations.
Learn more about HR and hiring best practices on our blog and make your next recommendation letter stand out.
With over a decade of experience in talent acquisition, strategic workforce planning, and compliance-driven recruitment, Suraj has a deep understanding of the HR landscape — from emerging gig models to enterprise-level staffing solutions. His expertise lies in translating complex hiring challenges into actionable, scalable strategies that drive both performance and retention.
What truly sets Suraj apart is his critical thinking approach to solving hiring bottlenecks. Whether it’s identifying inefficiencies in the recruitment pipeline or designing adaptive hiring frameworks, he applies structured reasoning, behavioral analysis, and market intelligence to deliver sustainable solutions.
Beyond recruitment, Suraj is passionate about bridging the gap between business intelligence and human potential, fostering data-backed HR strategies that empower organizations to make smarter hiring decisions.
- Insightful Questions to Ask Hiring Managers During Interviews - November 9, 2025
- Recruitment Challenges: What You Must Know in 2025 - November 9, 2025
- Recruitment Metrics and KPIs: The Complete 2025 Guide for Indian Recruiters - November 9, 2025
