What is a General Recommendation Letter?

A General Recommendation Letter is a written endorsement of a person's skills, qualities, or character, provided by someone who knows them well enough to speak credibly on their behalf. Unlike letters tailored to a single opportunity, a general recommendation is designed to be versatile — suitable for a range of applications. It's typically written by someone with firsthand knowledge of the person's abilities or character, such as a former manager, professor, mentor, or colleague, and reads well whether the reader is a hiring manager, an admissions officer, or a program coordinator.

When People Use It?

• Supporting a job application or career move where a reference is requested.
• Endorsing a student for academic admissions, a scholarship, or a fellowship.
• Backing an application for a volunteer position, club membership, or community program.
• Providing a candidate with a reusable letter when the specific opportunity hasn't been finalized yet.
• Offering a general reference that an applicant can use across multiple applications.

Why People Use It?

• It works across a range of situations, so there's no need to start from scratch for each new application.
• It follows a clear opening, body, and closing that land well with any reader, from a hiring manager to an admissions officer.
• It adapts quickly for different recipients, making it a reliable resource for anyone who writes recommendations regularly.
• A polished, well-organized letter reflects well on both the writer and the person being recommended.

What the Template Gives You?

• The writer's name and contact information.
• Date and recipient information, or a general salutation where the reader isn't named.
• An introduction of the writer and their relationship to the individual.
• An explanation of how long and in what context the writer has known the person.
• A description of the individual's skills, qualities, and strengths.
• Space for specific examples or accomplishments that support the endorsement.
• A clear statement recommending the individual.
• A professional closing with a signature.