How to write a letter of recommendation (sample included)

Modak
July 21, 2025

Main takeaways

📄 A great letter of recommendation validates your qualifications, boosts your resume, and offers an external perspective on your character.

💼 When requesting a letter, choose someone who knows you well and provide them with the necessary details to make the letter more impactful.

💪 A well-crafted letter of recommendation can significantly enhance your chances of landing a job, internship, or academic opportunity.

Whether you’re applying for your first job, internship, or extracurricular opportunity, a letter of recommendation can make a significant difference in helping you stand out. But what if you’re not sure how to ask for one, or what a great letter looks like? This guide will provide you with helpful sample letters of recommendation, explain how to request them, and offer useful tips for writing one yourself.

In addition, we’ll explain how Modak can be an essential tool for teens who are stepping into the professional world, making it easier to manage money, track spending, and build financial habits as they start building their resumes.

Why you need a letter of recommendation 📝

A letter of recommendation is a powerful endorsement of your skills, work ethic, and character. It provides potential employers, teachers, or mentors with a personal account of your abilities, and it can help you secure opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Here’s why a great letter of recommendation matters:

  • Validates your qualifications: A recommendation letter highlights your strengths and gives credibility to your claims on a resume or application.
  • Shows what others think of you: It’s an external perspective on your character, work ethic, and abilities that employers or educational institutions value.
  • Boosts your resume: Whether you're applying for a job, internship, or college program, a strong recommendation letter can make you stand out from other applicants.
First interview

How to ask for a letter of recommendation 😅

If you’ve never asked for a recommendation letter before, it can feel intimidating. But with the right approach, it’s a smooth process. Here are the steps to ask for a letter of recommendation:

  1. Choose the right person: Ideally, ask someone who knows you well—whether it's a teacher, employer, mentor, or coach. They should be able to speak to your skills, work ethic, and character.
  2. Be Clear about what you need: Explain why you’re asking for the letter and how it will be used. If it’s for a job application, mention the position you’re applying for and the skills the employer is looking for.
  3. Give plenty of time: Don’t rush your recommender. Give them at least two weeks to write a thoughtful letter.
  4. Provide supporting information: Offer a copy of your resume, your accomplishments, and any specific points you’d like them to include. This will help them write a more targeted and detailed letter.
  5. Follow up with gratitude: After receiving your letter, be sure to thank your recommender. A simple thank you goes a long way.

Sample letter of recommendation examples

Below are some sample letters of recommendation to guide you in crafting a perfect letter, whether you're the writer or the one asking for the letter.

Sample 1: General recommendation letter for employment

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for the [position/job title] at your organization. I had the privilege of working with [Name] for [X months/years] at [Company/Organization Name] as their [Your Job Title]. During this time, [Name] proved to be an outstanding employee, consistently demonstrating [specific qualities such as reliability, leadership, etc.].

[Name] has a remarkable ability to [describe skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication]. One of the most impressive things about [Name] is their ability to [mention a notable achievement]. I have no doubt that [Name] will be an asset to your team and contribute positively to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] if you require any additional information.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]

How to apply for a job

Sample 2: Academic recommendation letter

Dear Admissions committee,

I am writing to recommend [Student’s name] for admission to your [University/College Program]. I have had the pleasure of teaching [Student’s Name] in my [subject] class for the past [X years/months], and in that time, I’ve been consistently impressed by their intellectual curiosity, determination, and positive attitude toward learning.

[Student’s name] is an exceptional student who consistently goes above and beyond in class. They have a natural aptitude for [specific skills related to the program] and demonstrate a true passion for [academic field]. What sets [Student’s Name] apart from other students is their ability to engage with complex concepts and apply them in creative and innovative ways.

I highly recommend [Student’s name] for your program, as I am confident they will make a meaningful contribution to your academic community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[School Name]
[Your contact information]

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How Modak supports your career

💳 Modak offers teens a Visa® debit card with no monthly fees(1)(4), making it easier to manage money as they step into the professional world.

📊 The app helps teens track spending and build healthy financial habits while providing rewards for good financial behavior.

🔐 Modak ensures that teens can receive payments and manage finances securely, without needing a traditional bank account.

Start your financial journey now!

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How Modak can help teens starting their professional journey 🤓

As you begin building your resume, requesting letters of recommendation, and applying for jobs or internships, it’s also crucial to manage your finances responsibly. That’s where Modak comes in.

When teens start earning money through their first job or side gigs, they often face the challenge of managing their finances without a traditional bank account. With Modak, teens can easily receive payments directly, get a Visa® debit card1, and spend money safely—all with no monthly fees4.

Modak is specifically designed for teens, making it easy for them to take their first steps toward financial independence and responsibility. As teens build their resumes and step into the professional world for the first time, Modak helps them develop strong financial habits by rewarding good money management inside the app. This makes Modak the perfect companion for teens who are launching their personal brand, working their first job, or gaining professional experience, all while managing their money with ease.

Boy holds VISA debit card

Conclusion: Stand out with a great letter of recommendation

A letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in landing your first job, internship, or extracurricular opportunity. By choosing the right person to write it, providing them with supporting information, and following up with gratitude, you can ensure your recommendation letter is a strong endorsement of your skills and character.

As you start building your professional network and taking on new opportunities, remember that Modak is here to help with the financial side of things. Whether you’re earning from a part-time job or side hustle, Modak helps teens to manage their money safely, build good financial habits, and start their journey toward financial independence.

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  1. Deposit account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Legend Bank, N.A., FDIC-Insured. Funds deposited into a Deposit Account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance.The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, visit: Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
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