Recommendation Letter template

Canonical template for the Recommendation Letter format.

[Header: Writer name, title, institution, date]
[Optional: Letterhead block]

Dear [Admissions Committee / Hiring Manager / Selection Committee / Name],

[Opening paragraph: state the writer's relationship to the candidate, how long and in what
capacity they have known them, and the letter's purpose - recommending for [specific
program/role/opportunity].]

[Body paragraph 1: first piece of specific evidence. Describe a concrete situation, project,
or observation from direct experience that demonstrates a quality relevant to what the evaluator
is assessing. Name the context, the candidate's actions, and the outcome or signal.]

[Body paragraph 2: second piece of specific evidence. Address a different dimension - a
complementary quality or a situation that shows range or depth. Optional: preempt an observable
gap with context the file does not contain.]

[Closing paragraph: direct endorsement. Name the candidate, name the opportunity, and make the
recommendation unambiguous. Optional: offer to discuss further.]

[Signature: writer name, title, institution, contact information]