# Write Recommendations That Actually Help

When someone asks you to write a recommendation, you probably feel flattered — and then immediately stressed. You want to help, but writing a compelling letter is hard. So you end up with: "I am pleased to recommend Jane. She is a dedicated professional with strong communication skills and a positive attitude."

That recommendation does nothing. Every letter says this. The admissions committee or hiring manager reads it and learns exactly zero about Jane.

The recommendations that make a difference contain stories. Not fiction — real, specific examples of what the person did, how they did it, and what resulted.

What Readers Actually Look For

Hiring managers want to know: Can this person do the job? How do they handle challenges? Would I want to work with them?