Can a recommendation letter be reused?

Yes, but it is recommended to slightly adapt it to each specific job, program or immigration application.

Can I draft a recommendation letter for my recommender?

Yes. It is common practice for candidates to draft a letter which the recommender then reviews, edits and signs.

Recommendation & Reference Letter Generator

Q: Who can write a recommendation letter?

Managers, professors, supervisors, senior colleagues, project leads, business partners or other professionals who know the candidate well.

Q: How long should a recommendation letter be?

Typically one page, around 300–600 words, with clear examples and a professional tone.

Ready-to-use recommendation letter templates

Select a template and click “Copy” to use it as a starting point.

1. General professional recommendation letter

To whom it may concern,

I am pleased to recommend [CANDIDATE NAME] for [PURPOSE / POSITION]. I have worked with [HIM/HER/THEM] for [DURATION] in my capacity as [YOUR ROLE] at [ORGANISATION].

During this time, [CANDIDATE NAME] consistently demonstrated [KEY STRENGTHS] and contributed significantly to [KEY ACHIEVEMENTS].

Based on my experience, I am confident that [CANDIDATE NAME] will add strong value to any organisation or project that [HE/SHE/THEY] joins.

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR POSITION]
[ORGANISATION]
[CONTACT DETAILS]

2. Employment reference letter

To whom it may concern,

This letter is to provide a professional reference for [CANDIDATE NAME], who worked at [COMPANY NAME] as [CANDIDATE POSITION] from [START DATE] to [END DATE].

As [HIS/HER/THEIR] direct manager, I observed [CANDIDATE NAME] consistently deliver high-quality work, including:
- [ACHIEVEMENT 1]
- [ACHIEVEMENT 2]
- [ACHIEVEMENT 3]

[CANDIDATE NAME] is reliable, professional and highly motivated. I fully recommend [HIM/HER/THEM] for [TARGET ROLE / PURPOSE].

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR POSITION]
[COMPANY NAME]
[CONTACT DETAILS]

3. Academic / student recommendation letter

To the Admissions Committee,

I am writing to recommend [STUDENT NAME] for admission to [PROGRAM / UNIVERSITY]. I have known [STUDENT NAME] for [DURATION] as [HIS/HER/THEIR] [ROLE: professor / supervisor] at [INSTITUTION].

[STUDENT NAME] consistently ranked among the top students in [COURSE / PROGRAM] and demonstrated strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic excellence.

I am confident that [STUDENT NAME] will be an asset to your program and will contribute positively to your academic community.

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[POSITION]
[INSTITUTION]
[CONTACT DETAILS]

4. Immigration / visa recommendation letter

To whom it may concern,

I am writing in support of [CANDIDATE NAME] and [HIS/HER/THEIR] application for [TYPE OF VISA / IMMIGRATION PROGRAM].

I have known [CANDIDATE NAME] for [DURATION] in my capacity as [YOUR ROLE] at [ORGANISATION]. During this time, [HE/SHE/THEY] has demonstrated outstanding professional competence, integrity and a strong work ethic.

In my professional opinion, [CANDIDATE NAME] would be a valuable addition to [DESTINATION COUNTRY] and fully meets the standards expected from applicants to [PROGRAM NAME].

I strongly recommend [CANDIDATE NAME] for [TYPE OF VISA / PROGRAM] without reservation.

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[POSITION]
[ORGANISATION]
[CONTACT DETAILS]

5. Character reference letter

To whom it may concern,

I am pleased to provide a character reference for [CANDIDATE NAME], whom I have known for [DURATION] as [RELATIONSHIP, e.g. colleague, neighbour, family friend].

Throughout this time, [CANDIDATE NAME] has consistently demonstrated honesty, reliability and a high level of personal integrity. [HE/SHE/THEY] is responsible, respectful and can be trusted with significant responsibilities.

I fully support [CANDIDATE NAME] in [HIS/HER/THEIR] application for [PURPOSE] and have no hesitation in recommending [HIM/HER/THEM].

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[RELATIONSHIP / POSITION]
[CONTACT DETAILS]

Generate a custom recommendation letter

Select the type of recommendation and fill in the fields below.

Letter type

Your name

Your position / relationship

Your organisation (if applicable)

Candidate name

How long have you known the candidate?

Purpose (job, visa, program)

Key strengths / qualities

Key achievements or examples

How to write a strong recommendation letter

A strong recommendation letter clearly explains who you are, how you know the candidate, and why you believe they are suitable for a specific role, program or immigration pathway. The letter should be structured, factual and written in a professional tone.

Key elements of a good recommendation letter

Clear identification of the recommender (name, position, organisation)
Explanation of the relationship with the candidate
Duration of the relationship and context (work, academic, personal)
Specific strengths and skills of the candidate
Concrete examples of achievements or contributions
Clear conclusion and level of support (strongly recommend / recommend)
Contact details for verification

Types of recommendation letters

Employment reference letters
Academic and student recommendation letters
Immigration and visa support letters
Character reference letters
Professional endorsements for grants or programs

The generator on this page helps you structure each type of letter while leaving room for real details and personal examples. You can adjust the wording to match your own style.

Frequently asked questions

Is a recommendation letter always required?

No. It depends on the program, employer or immigration authority. However, a strong letter often increases the chance of a positive decision.

Who can write a recommendation letter?

Former or current managers, professors, supervisors, senior colleagues, project leads, business partners or trusted professionals who know the candidate well.

Can friends or family members write recommendation letters?

For character references — sometimes yes. For jobs, universities and immigration, a professional or academic recommender is usually required.

How long should a recommendation letter be?

Typically 1 page (300–600 words). It should be detailed enough to be meaningful but not excessively long.

Should the letter mention weaknesses?

Not necessarily. The letter should be honest but focused on strengths and relevant experience.

Does a recommendation letter need a signature?

Yes. A handwritten or digital signature and the recommender’s contact details are strongly recommended.

Can I send a recommendation letter by email?

Yes. Many organisations accept recommendation letters as PDF attachments or direct emails from the recommender.

Can I reuse the same letter for different applications?

Yes, but it is better to slightly adapt the purpose, role and examples to the specific application.

Is it acceptable to draft a letter for my recommender?

Yes, this is common. The recommender can review, edit and sign the letter if they agree with the content.

Can a recommendation letter be used for immigration purposes?

Yes. Many immigration programs and visa categories require reference letters to confirm experience, skills and character.