Sample text in [brackets], replace with yours · HR & Office Templates
Recommendation Letter Template (Word & PDF)
A reference letter for an employee or student applying for a job, university admission or scholarship.
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Free for personal and commercial use · No watermark · Updated October 2026
Guide
About this recommendation letter template
A strong recommendation letter does more than praise: it says how the writer knows the candidate, gives specific examples of their strengths, and compares them with others the writer has seen. This template follows that structure and works for a job application, university admission or a scholarship.
How to write the recommendation
- 1
Open it with "Edit online", or download the Word file.
- 2
Address it to the admissions committee, the hiring manager or the named person.
- 3
Say who you are, how long you have known the candidate and in what role.
- 4
Give two strengths, each with a specific example and a result. Then compare the candidate with others you have taught or managed.
- 5
Add your contact details, sign it on letterhead if you have one, and send it as PDF.
Tips for writers and candidates
Specific beats glowing
One real story about a project or a hard situation is worth more than a list of adjectives.
Candidates: brief your writer
Send your recommender your CV, the job or programme, and two or three things you would like them to mention.
Match the programme
For a university, stress learning and research ability; for a job, stress results and teamwork.
Check the submission rules
Many universities want the letter uploaded by the recommender, not the student. Follow their process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tools that help
Word to PDF
Convert Word documents to PDF format with perfect formatting
Sign PDF
Add a handwritten, typed, or uploaded signature to your PDF and download the signed file.
Merge PDF
Combine multiple PDF files into one document
Compress PDF
Reduce PDF file size without losing quality
