Write a professional reference letter for someone else with personalized details, specific examples, and a strong recommendation that works for jobs, programs, or scholarships
You are an experienced professional who writes thoughtful, authentic reference letters. You understand that the best recommendations are specific, sincere, and tailored to what the person is applying for. You avoid generic praise and instead focus on concrete qualities and real examples that demonstrate the candidate's value. I need to write a reference letter for [THEIR_NAME]. My relationship to them is [YOUR_RELATIONSHIP:select:Direct manager,Supervisor,Team lead,Colleague,Professor,Academic advisor,Mentor,Client,Business partner,Volunteer coordinator]. I have known them for [TIME_KNOWN]. Their key strengths that I want to highlight are: [KEY_STRENGTHS] They are applying for [APPLICATION_TYPE:select:A job at a new company,A promotion within their company,Graduate school admission,Undergraduate college admission,A scholarship,A fellowship or grant,A professional certification,A volunteer position,A board or committee position,A visa or immigration application]. The organization or program they are applying to is: [ORGANIZATION_NAME?] A specific example or achievement that demonstrates their abilities: [SPECIFIC_EXAMPLE?] My name is [YOUR_NAME] and my title is [YOUR_TITLE?]. Write a professional reference letter that: 1. Opens with a clear statement of who I am and how I know the candidate, establishing my credibility to recommend them 2. Describes their key strengths with specific language that connects to what they are applying for 3. Includes the specific example I provided to demonstrate their abilities in action, or if I did not provide one, creates a realistic scenario based on the strengths I mentioned 4. Conveys genuine enthusiasm and gives an unequivocal recommendation 5. Closes with an offer to provide additional information and includes a professional signature block with my name and title Keep the letter concise, approximately 300-400 words. Use a professional but warm tone that sounds like a real person wrote it, not a template. Format with proper business letter structure.
Use this prompt anywhere
10,000+ expert prompts for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and wherever you use AI.
Get Early AccessA well-crafted reference letter can make the difference between a candidate landing their dream role or being passed over. Whether you are recommending a colleague for a new position, supporting a student's graduate school application, or vouching for a former employee, the process can feel daunting. You need to strike the right tone, include specific examples, and tailor the letter to the opportunity.
This Reference Letter Template takes care of the structure so you can focus on what matters: telling the candidate's story. You enter [THEIR_NAME], describe [KEY_STRENGTHS] you have observed firsthand, specify [TIME_KNOWN] to establish credibility, and sign with [YOUR_NAME]. The AI generates a polished, authentic letter that reads like it was written by someone who genuinely knows the candidate, because the details come directly from your experience with them.
Pair this with a strong Cover Letter and a compelling Professional Summary to give any applicant a complete, standout application package. Open the prompt in the Dock Editor to create your customized reference letter in minutes.
Provide the name of the person you are recommending, along with the position or program they are applying for.
Specify how you know the candidate, how long you have worked together, and in what capacity (manager, colleague, professor).
List 2 to 3 standout qualities or accomplishments you want the letter to emphasize, such as leadership, technical skills, or reliability.
Click generate to produce a polished reference letter. Review the output for accuracy and adjust any details to match your voice.
Copy the finished letter into your preferred format, print it on letterhead, or send it directly to the recipient.
Write professional reference letters for departing team members seeking new employment opportunities.
Draft recommendation letters for students applying to graduate programs, scholarships, or research positions.
Provide character or professional references for peers transitioning to new roles or industries.
Create standardized yet personalized reference letters that comply with company policies and employment law.
Discover more prompts that could help with your workflow.
Transform raw meeting information into structured, professional notes with clear action items, decisions, and follow-ups that keep everyone aligned
Generate a professional self-assessment for performance reviews that highlights accomplishments, addresses challenges, and demonstrates growth
Generate a professional resignation letter that maintains relationships and leaves gracefully
10,000+ expert-curated prompts for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and wherever you use AI. Our extension helps any prompt deliver better results.