Reference Letter vs Recommendation Letter: What’s the Difference? [Examples]

Whether you're applying for your dream job or seeking admission to an academic program, you may need a letter that endorses your skills and qualifications to help you get your foot in the door.

But what’s the difference between a reference letter vs recommendation letter? And how do you know which one is right for your situation? In this article, you’ll the key differences, when to use each one, and get examples and templates to use as a guide.

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Struggling to secure strong endorsement letters? Use Teal’s AI Resume Builder to craft personalized achievements that make it easy (and faster) for your writers.

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What is a reference letter?

A letter of reference is a general endorsement of a person’s abilities or work ethic. It is closely related to a character reference. Broad in scope, it can be used multiple times for various opportunities such as applying for scholarships, career recognitions, or job openings.

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Submitting a reference letter, as opposed to adding references to your resume, is optimal in most cases.

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Purpose of a reference letter

• Focuses on your qualities as a person, student, or employee
• Created for future or general use
• Can be used multiple times, for a variety of purposes
• Less formal than a recommendation letter
• Can help you get an interview

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Who writes a reference letter

A reference letter is usually written by someone who knows you well enough to speak about your character and work ethic but may not have directly supervised or managed you.

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The writer of a reference letter could be a:

• Colleague
• Mentor
• Former supervisor
• Professor
• Community leader 

The key is that this person can provide a general endorsement of your abilities, strengths, and professional demeanor that can be applied to multiple contexts, (think: job applications, scholarships, or general recognitions). And because reference letters are often broader in nature, it’s important to choose someone who can speak to your overall character and potential, rather than focusing on specific job-related skills.

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What is in a reference letter?

A reference letter typically focuses on your character, work ethic, and personal qualities. It includes a brief overview of the relationship between you and the person writing the letter, followed by examples of your positive traits or achievements. Since a reference letter is not usually tied to a specific role, it can be reused for various opportunities, making it a versatile endorsement of your overall abilities and reliability.

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What is a letter of recommendation?

A recommendation letter, also called a letter of recommendation, is a formal document written that discusses a person’s suitability for a role or details their abilities, attributes, work ethic, and specific achievements. Its purpose is to address specific skills as they relate to the position you’re applying for. 

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What is the purpose of a letter of recommendation?

• Focuses on your skills, work experience, and work ethic
• Requested as part of the mandatory documents
• Created with a specific role in mind
• Can only be used for said role
• Can help you land the next step or the official role 

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What is in a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is more detailed and specific to the job or program you’re applying for. It highlights your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications directly related to that opportunity. The letter will explain the relationship between you and the writer, then provide examples of how your achievements align with the job or program requirements. A recommendation letter is customized for one particular use, offering strong support for your application.

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Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

Recommendation letters are more specific. They’re typically written by someone who has worked closely with you in a supervisory or academic capacity. 

This person needs to be familiar with your work and achievements in a particular context—whether that's a job or academic environment.

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Ideal writers for recommendation letters include:

• Current or former managers
• Direct supervisors
• Professors who can attest to your abilities

The purpose is to provide a targeted endorsement, so choosing someone who has firsthand experience of your work and can directly relate your skills to the role is important.

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Reference letter vs recommendation letter: what’s the difference?

Both a reference letter and recommendation letter are written with the same goal: to bolster a candidate’s application. Both are written by someone you know who has the authority to speak on your behalf. 

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Is a reference letter the same as a recommendation letter?

So is a letter of reference the same as a letter of recommendation? Simply stated, no. Because they are similar, these two terms are often confused for one another but key differences set them apart.

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Letter of reference vs letter of recommendation

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Referral vs reference letter

When it comes to a referral vs a reference letter, a referral letter is typically written by someone who is recommending you for a position based on their professional relationship or connection to the company (for example, an internal employee).

Unlike a reference letter, which focuses on your skills and qualifications, a referral letter emphasizes the referrer’s belief in your ability to succeed in the role. While both are professional endorsements, a referral is more about leveraging connections.

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When to use a reference letter or letter of recommendation

If you get the basics but are still asking yourself, “Should I use a letter of reference or recommendation?” here’s how you know when to use a reference letter over a recommendation letter:

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When to use a letter of reference

In a job setting, drumming up a few great letters that assess your skills or abilities could influence if the hiring manager or recruiter will invite you to an interview. 

In an academic application setting, these can influence whether you’re considered for an open-ended opportunity such as a scholarship or award.

Use a letter of reference:

• When seeking an informational or first-round interview
• If you’re entering the job market without a specific position in mind
• When applying for multiple awards or fellowships with varying requirements

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When to use a letter of recommendation

In both a job and academic setting, a recommendation letter supports your candidacy for an opportunity at hand. If you already have experience in your field and you’re applying to a specific position, this is typically the right fit. 

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Use a letter of recommendation:

• When a letter of recommendation is specifically requested by an organization
• As part of an application package for an academic opportunity, such as grad school

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You can see these two letters have their own specific purpose. A recommendation letter cannot replace a reference letter and vice versa. But regardless of the endorsement letter you choose, it should align with the other materials in your application, such as your resume and cover letter, to present a cohesive narrative.

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Streamline letters of recommendation and reference letters

Make it easy for your letter writers to help you by providing a list of your top achievements upfront—saving them time and ensuring they highlight the best parts of your experience. This not only speeds up the process but also helps create a cohesive application that aligns your resume, cover letter, and reference or recommendation letters.

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Need help crafting specific accomplishments for your letters? Teal’s AI Resume Bullet Point Generator can guide you in writing and organizing your wins, making it easier for your letter writer to mention your professional achievements. (Plus, you can store as many versions as you need on the Teal platform, so you’re never left rushing at the last minute.)

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Reference letter examples

Below are some reference letter examples to help you understand what a well-rounded recommendation looks like. Reference letters can vary in style, but each reference letter sample below offers a clear structure and tone that you can expect from a professional endorsement.

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Reference letter example

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Example of reference letter

Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to recommend Priya Long for the senior product manager position at. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Priya for three years at HorizonTech, where they demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative thinking in managing complex projects.

Priya led cross-functional teams of 12, overseeing the successful launch of a new product line that resulted in a 40% increase in revenue. Their ability to balance technical knowledge with market insights made them an invaluable asset to our product development process.

Priya’s sharp analytical skills and dedication to meeting customer needs consistently drove positive outcomes. They would be a tremendous addition to any team. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require further details.

Best,
Liam Chen
Head of Product Dev
HorizonTech

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Reference letter sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I highly recommend John Davis for any project management or operations role. I worked with John for three years at VisionTech Solutions, where he consistently led his team with strong leadership, attention to detail, and an ability to handle multiple high-priority projects.

John managed a team of 10 and oversaw key projects, including the implementation of a workflow system that improved efficiency by 25%. His clear communication skills and problem-solving abilities were essential in delivering results on time and exceeding client expectations.

John's work ethic and critical thinking make him an excellent fit for any organization. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Email] for further details.

Best regards,
Sarah Thompson
Director of Operations
VisionTech Solutions

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Sample reference letter

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Reference letter template

If you need a simple framework, this fill-in-the-blank reference letter template can be easily customized to suit your needs. You can also hand it off to your letter writer (along with a list of accomplishments) to save them time and ensure they cover all the key points.

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m  writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [position] at [company name]. During [his/her/their] time at [company name], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated [mention skills or qualities] and played a key role in [specific achievements and projects].

[Candidate’s Name] is skilled in [list specific skills] and would be a valuable asset to any team. [His/Her/Their] [mention strong personal qualities or work ethic] will undoubtedly contribute to [company name].

Please contact me at [your contact information] if you need further information.

Best regards,
[Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]

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Example of a character reference letter

A character reference letter focuses on your personal qualities and moral character and is typically written by someone who knows you outside of a work environment. It’s often used in situations where professional experience isn’t the main focus, think situations like volunteering or applying for a position that values integrity and trust.

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I’m writing to provide a character reference for [Candidate’s Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number of years] and have always found [him/her/them] to be [mention character traits, such as trustworthy, hardworking, kind, etc. - consider terms from the website or application that are important to the reader].

[Candidate’s Name] consistently demonstrates [specific qualities, such as honesty or compassion] and is known for [specific example of how they’ve shown those qualities]. I believe [he/she/they] would be an excellent fit for any role that values [key qualities such as integrity or teamwork].

Please feel free to contact me at [your contact information] for further information.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Relationship to the Candidate]
[Contact Information]

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Character reference letter sample

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Personal reference letter

A personal reference letter is often written by a friend, colleague, or mentor who can speak to your general abilities and character, but it’s less formal than a professional recommendation. Here's a personal reference letter example:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I'm writing to provide a personal reference for Sarah Green. I have known Sarah for over five years through our involvement in various community initiatives, and I can confidently say she is a dedicated and reliable individual.

One example of Sarah’s commitment was during our annual charity event, where she played a key role in organizing activities, coordinating over 50 volunteers, and helping raise 30% more than our goal. Her ability to motivate and lead others while staying organized made the event a huge success.

Sarah is passionate about giving back and always brings a positive attitude to any project she’s involved in. I believe her qualities would be an asset to any cause or organization she chooses to support.

Please feel free to contact me for more details.

Best regards,
James Parker
Community Volunteer Coordinator

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Letter of recommendation example

Below is a letter of recommendation example highlighting specific skills, accomplishments, and qualifications for a particular role. Use this as a guide to understand how a detailed and targeted recommendation is structured to support an application.

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Recommendation letter sample

Dear James,

I'm thrilled to recommend Sarah Miller for the sales leadership role at Apex Sales Agency. Having had the pleasure of working closely with Sarah for the past three years at SalesPro Solutions, I can attest to her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to driving results.

Sarah joined our team as a sales associate and quickly distinguished herself as a natural leader and therefore was promoted to a sales supervisor within a year. One particular instance that stands out is when Sarah spearheaded a project to revamp our sales training program. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, Sarah led a team in developing interactive modules that enhanced the skills of our existing sales representatives. 

What truly sets Sarah apart is her strategic mindset and ability to identify growth opportunities. Last year, she led a cross-functional initiative to penetrate a new market segment. Through meticulous market research and targeted outreach efforts, Sarah successfully secured several key accounts, resulting in a 27% increase in revenue within that sector.  

In conclusion, Sarah Miller is a dynamic leader who possesses the vision, drive, and interpersonal skills needed to excel in the sales leadership role at Apex Sales Agency. I am confident she will make significant contributions to your team and help elevate your company to new heights.

Sincerely,
Kevin Williams
Sales Manager
SalesPro Solutions

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Letter of recommendation template

Need help understanding how to write a letter of recommendation? Fill out this template below with specific examples.

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to recommend [Candidate's Name] for the [name of role] position. As her former [Position Title] at [Company you both worked at], I had the great fortune of watching [him/her/them] demonstrate exceptional [professionalism/work ethic/dedication] and a deep understanding and knowledge of the [industry/field] during [former employee’s dates].

[First Name] excels in [relevant skill #1], [relevant skill #2], and [relevant skill #3]. [His/Her] ability to [specific strength #1] and [specific strength #2] makes [him/her/them] a valuable asset to any team.

One of [Candidate's] greatest strengths is [mention a particular strength or attribute]. [He/She] consistently [mention a specific achievement or action] and [mention another specific achievement or action].

Moreover, [Candidate] exhibited exceptional [leadership/mentoring/communication] skills and a natural ability to work effectively with [his/her] colleagues. [He/She] played a pivotal role in [mention any specific leadership or mentoring roles] and [share an example or anecdote demonstrating leadership or mentorship].

In summary, I have no hesitation in recommending [Candidate's Name]. [He/She] is an exceptionally talented individual with a proven track record of success and a genuine passion for [the industry/field]. [His/Her] dedication, professionalism, and outstanding work ethic make [him/her] a valuable asset to any organization.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or clarification regarding [Candidate's Name] qualifications and experience.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Position]
[Company/Organization]

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How to ask for reference and recommendation letters

Both letter types should be written by someone who can attest to a person’s character traits, such as a former employer, mentor, or teacher. Unlike a recommendation letter, a reference letter can also be written by a coworker, colleague, or long-time friend, since it focuses more on a character reference rather than specific skills and work ethic. 

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How to ask for a reference letter 

• Ask coworkers or superiors soon after leaving the workplace.
• Ask instructors or mentors soon after the semester or school year is over.
• Send a request to whomever can provide a positive review.

If you don’t have the right person’s email address or feel their schedule is too busy, consider requesting a LinkedIn recommendation.

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Asking for a recommendation letter

• Choose someone with a job title relevant to the opportunity, who’s able to speak to your qualifications.
• Give context on the specific opportunity and how it relates to your past work.
• Provide suggestions to the letter writer or consider writing sample bullet points for them.

Always thank the person for their time, and for writing the recommendation letter.

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Tips for submitting reference and recommendation letters

Knowing how to submit reference and recommendation letters properly is just as important as how they're written.

Correctly handling the submission process ensures your application is organized, professional, and easy for the recipient to read. Here are some tips to follow when sending them:

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1. Use attachments

Always send your resume, cover letter, and reference or recommendation letters as separate attachments so it's easy to open and review each document individually.

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2. Label appropriately

Clearly label each attachment using a professional format. For example, "John_Doe_Resume.pdf," "John_Doe_Cover_Letter.pdf," and "John_Doe_Reference_Letter.pdf."

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3. Include context

If you're sending your documents via email, make sure to mention that you’ve attached your resume, cover letter, and reference or recommendation letter(s) so nothing gets overlooked.

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4. Avoid zip files

Unless explicitly requested, avoid sending your documents in a zip file. Attach each document individually to make it more convenient for the recipient to access and review.

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Complement your reference letter and recommendations

Your reference letters and recommendation letters are crucial in supporting your qualifications and achievements. They provide a deeper, personalized insight into your skills, giving the reader a clearer picture of what you bring to the table. 

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To make the most impact, your resume, cover letters, and professional endorsement letters should tell a unified story about your experience and skills. When they tie together, they create a clear narrative, making it easier for the reader to see why you’re the perfect fit for their org.

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With Teal’s tools, you can streamline this process by aligning your resume, cover letters, and references seamlessly. Teal's AI can help you ensure consistency across all materials—faster—helping you present a cohesive and polished application.

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‍Sign up for Teal for free to create a tailored, cohesive application package today!