Sometimes you may not want to write the letter of recommendation. It is your professional reputation on the line, you can refuse the request. Perhaps the student or employee was not remarkable or was difficult to work with. Maybe, you don't think their skills fit the job they are seeking. You can simply tell the applicant that you do not feel you are the best one to write the recommendation. Or, your company may have a policy against you writing a letter of recommendation and you can get out of it that way. No matter the circumstances, it is better to refuse to write the letter than to write a mediocre letter. Online recommendations Often former employees or coworkers now request an online recommendation. They may ask you for a letter for their online portfolio or career site. Like a traditional Letter of Recommendation, you'll want to mention how you know the person and highlight their best skills as is applicable to the type of jobs they are looking for. You should use positive and upbeat language and keep it short but packed with information. If you are writing a traditional Recommendation Letter to be published to a personal site or portfolio, you can use our template. Writing a Letter of Recommendation may not be high on your priority list, but the letter can potentially greatly help the one requesting it. You can begin with our template and save time creating a letter that may help change someone's life.