Essential Elements of a Reference Letter: What to Include for Success
Updated 17 October 2025
This document is a template for a professional letter of recommendation. It enables a sender to endorse an applicant for a position or academic program, highlighting their skills, professionalism, and accomplishments. The template is designed for easy customization with various placeholders for specific details.
[sender name]
[sender address]
[sender city]
[sender state/county]
[sender zip/postal code]
[recipient name]
[recipient address]
[recipient city]
[sender state/county]
[recipient zip/postal code]
Date: [date]
Re: Reference for [applicant name]
Dear [recipient name],
I am writing this letter to strongly recommend [applicant name] for [position, graduate school, etc] at [company, school, etc]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] for [length of time], during which we have [describe how you have interacted with the person, e.g., worked together, been in the some class, etc].
During the time I've known [applicant name], [he/she/they] has displayed exceptional skills in [list relevant skills]. [he/she/they] has always demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responsibility, and integrity in [his/her/their] work.
[optional paragraph detailing specific accomplishments, instances that highlight relevant skills, etc.]
Furthermore, [applicant name] has excellent communication skills and gets along extremely well with team members. [his/her/their] ability to manage tasks efficiently and work well under pressure reflects [his/her/their] strong work ethic and commitment to success.
I am confident that [applicant name]would be a valuable asset to your [company, school, etc], and I recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your contact information].
Sincerely,
[sender name]
_________________________________
[your signature if sending a hard copy]
About this template
What is this template?
Essential Elements of a Reference Letter: What to Include for Success is a free, ready-to-use Employment template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Employment template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. Always review the final wording against the laws that apply where you live or do business.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Employment usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.