Resume for a letter of recommendation: give your recommender what they need to write a specific letter.
The best recommendation letters are specific. Your recommender knows you, but they may not remember the details, so a short resume and a one-page brag sheet help them write about real moments instead of generalities.
Send your recommender a current resume tailored to the opportunity, plus a one-page brag sheet with the purpose of the letter, the deadline and how to submit, two or three things you would like them to mention, and specific moments from your time with them. Ask early, make it easy, and never write the letter for them unless they explicitly ask you to draft points.
How to prepare your materials
- Ask first. Confirm they are willing and able to write a strong letter before sending anything.
- Tailor your resume. Highlight the experience that matters for this opportunity.
- Write a one-page brag sheet. Purpose, deadline, submission method, and the qualities you hope they can speak to.
- Remind them of specific moments. Projects you did together, feedback they gave, results they saw.
- Include the opportunity details. The job posting or programme description, so they can match their letter.
- Follow up and thank them. A gentle reminder before the deadline and a thank-you note afterwards.
Illustrative examples to adapt
Illustrative: every name, employer, school, date and number in these samples is fictional or a bracketed placeholder. Replace each bracket with your own true details; never copy a result you did not achieve.
Brag sheet for a recommender
When to use: Send with your resume when asking for a letter.
Letter for: [job, programme or scholarship], due [date], submitted via [method] What it is looking for: [two or three qualities from the description] Moments you saw: [project you worked on together] and [result]; [feedback you gave me about what] What I hope you can mention: [quality one], [quality two] Attached: my resume and the [posting or description]
Request email
When to use: Asking for the letter.
Dear [Recommender's name], I'm applying for [opportunity] and would be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation. Working with you on [project or class] is where I developed [skill], and I think you could speak to it well. The deadline is [date]. If you can help, I'll send my resume, the description and a one-page summary to make it easier. Thank you for considering it. [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every sample on this page is free to use without buying anything.
What recommenders usually need
| Item | Why it helps | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Your resume | Accurate dates and roles | Current, tailored. |
| The posting or description | So the letter matches what is being assessed | Link or attachment. |
| Deadline and submission method | So nothing is missed | Top of the brag sheet. |
| Specific shared moments | Specific letters are stronger | Short bullet points. |
| Qualities to emphasise | Focus | Two or three only. |
| Your thanks | Keeps the relationship strong | Note after it is sent. |
The same line, rewritten
Illustrative example with placeholders.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Hi, can you write me a recommendation? It's due Friday. Thanks! |
| Strong | Asked [recommender] [number] weeks ahead, with my resume, the description and a brag sheet reminding them of [project] and [result]. |
Why it matters: A last-minute request with no details forces a generic letter. Early notice and specific reminders make a strong, detailed letter possible.
Before you send it
- You asked before sending materials.
- Your resume is tailored to the opportunity.
- The brag sheet fits on one page.
- Deadline and submission method are clear.
- Specific shared moments are included.
- You planned a reminder and a thank-you.
Mistakes to avoid
- Asking at the last minute.
- Sending no details and expecting a specific letter.
- Writing the letter yourself without being asked.
- Listing every achievement instead of the few that matter.
- Forgetting to thank your recommender.
Build yours
Questions people ask
Should I give my recommender a resume?
What is a brag sheet?
How far ahead should I ask for a recommendation?
Can I draft the letter for my recommender?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. Advice is labelled as advice. Every sample uses a fictional person marked '(illustrative)' or a 'Your name' placeholder, and every employer, school, date and result is a bracketed placeholder for your own true details.
- What a specific employer screens for: always read the posting.
- Your results: we never invent numbers, and you should never copy a result you did not achieve.
- Outcomes: no resume, letter, profile or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.