Early in your career, resumes often don't say much (we've all been there). But with a strong recommendation letter, you'll have the evidence you need to showcase your skills and make your application shine. Yes, you could be one recommendation letter away from landing your dream internship.
A recommendation letter for an internship shows the hiring team that you're serious about the position and willing to go the extra mile to prove you're a good fit. “These letters offer glimpses into a candidate's capabilities beyond what resumes or academic records may reveal,” says Jarir Mallah, Human Resources Manager at the tech company Ling.
We reunited the best tips from human resources professionals, team leaders, and even a generative AI specialist to give you the ultimate guide on how to write an internship recommendation letter.
An internship recommendation letter is a document that serves to endorse someone based on their personal character or academic performance. It is typically written by a person who knows the candidate well, such as a professor, mentor, or previous employer, and it details the applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential to excel in a professional setting.
“That being the case, the testimony that a candidate has certain hard and soft skills is not met with some second guessing”, says Martin Gasparian, owner of the law firm Maison Law who frequently conducts internship interviews. “As it's written by a highly respected person, I don't have any problem trusting it.”
A strong internship reference letter fills in the gaps that an entry-level candidate's resume might have. It provides personal insights that only firsthand observations can offer, significantly enhancing their appeal to potential employers.
An outstanding internship recommendation letter focuses on real-world examples so the hiring team can envision how your abilities manifest on a practical level. It can include academic achievements and personal projects, for example.
“A recommendation letter for an internship should corroborate your skills, character, and potential, and confirm your ability to adapt, learn, and contribute in a professional environment,” Mallah says. “It should be specific about strengths, connect these skills to potential contributions you may bring to the role, and share instances where these skills have shone through.”
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The exact number depends on the company you’re applying to, but it’s common to be asked for one to four letters of recommendation. Always check the specific requirements in the internship application—or the recruiter might tell you during the interview process. Sending multiple letters can give a well-rounded view of your skills and character, but ensure each one offers a unique perspective.
Follow these steps on how to choose the right person to write a recommendation letter and approach them appropriately.
Approach someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and character. This could be a professor or a mentor who has observed your skills and performance over time. Make sure they have a positive view of your abilities and are in a position to give you a strong endorsement.
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