How to Use ChatGPT for a Strong Letter of Recommendation

ByLucas

Learn how to use ChatGPT to draft authentic, professional letters of recommendation with step-by-step guidance, examples, and ready-to-use prompts.

Start Your ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation with Notes

Writing a letter of recommendation can feel overwhelming, even when you know the person well. You want to capture their strengths, highlight accomplishments, and show genuine support—but sometimes the words don’t flow easily.

This is where ChatGPT can help. Not to invent details or write a generic letter, but as a communication tool to present your insights and experiences in a polished, professional way.

Before opening ChatGPT, collect the essentials:

  • Resume or transcript – Upload it so you have their accomplishments in front of you.
  • Your relationship – How do you know them, and for how long?
  • Qualities to highlight – What stands out about their character, work ethic, or impact?
  • Specific examples – Times they demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, creativity, or resilience.

💡 Tip: The more personal your notes are, the more authentic the final letter will feel.

Example: Student ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation

Guidance counselors and teachers often write dozens—or even hundreds—of recommendation letters each year. ChatGPT can help make the process more efficient while keeping each letter personal.

Raw Notes (Counselor’s perspective):

  • Student: Juana Pérez (fictional)
  • Known her for 3 years as school counselor
  • Strong academic drive
  • Organized peer tutoring program
  • Balances part-time job with studies
  • Resilient, overcame challenges
  • Warm, supportive leader among peers

Prompt Used:
“Here are my notes for a recommendation letter. Please turn this into a polished draft, keeping it warm, professional, and true to my voice. Don’t add any details that aren’t in my notes.”

ChatGPT Draft:
“I am honored to recommend Juana Pérez, a remarkable student I have had the privilege of supporting as her counselor for the past three years. Juana is the definition of resilience and determination. She has excelled academically while also taking the initiative to create opportunities for others by founding our school’s peer tutoring program.

Balancing a part-time job with her studies, Juana demonstrates exceptional time management and an unwavering commitment to her goals. What sets her apart, however, is her character—she is warm, supportive, and a natural leader among her peers. I am confident Juana will bring the same level of integrity, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity to your campus community.”

📌 Notice how ChatGPT doesn’t invent details—it simply organizes your authentic insights into a polished draft.

📌 Bonus for Teachers & Counselors: Writing dozens (or even hundreds) of student recommendation letters every year? Scroll down to the Prompt Library for Counselors and Teachers at the end of this post for ready-to-use ChatGPT prompts that will save you time while maintaining authenticity in every letter.

Example: Professional ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation

The same process works in the workplace when recommending a colleague or employee.

Raw Notes:

  • Alex Johnson, supervised for 4 years
  • Dependable, trustworthy, creative
  • Excellent mentor
  • Led onboarding redesign project → reduced turnover by 20%

ChatGPT Draft:
“I am pleased to recommend Alex Johnson, whom I had the privilege of supervising for four years at Acme Corp. Alex is a dependable and creative professional who consistently brings thoughtful solutions to complex problems. His leadership on the redesign of our onboarding process, which significantly reduced employee turnover, demonstrated both innovation and impact. Beyond his technical skills, Alex is a generous mentor who uplifts those around him. His integrity, kindness, and ability to inspire make him a natural leader. I recommend him wholeheartedly.”

Adjusting Your ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation for Your Audience

The audience shapes the tone. With the same notes, ChatGPT can shift the letter depending on whether you’re writing for an employer or a graduate program.

  • Corporate Letter: Focus on results, leadership, and workplace impact.
  • Academic Letter: Highlight intellectual curiosity, growth, and readiness for advanced study.

This flexibility makes ChatGPT especially useful for counselors and managers who need to tailor letters for different contexts.

Keep Your Voice Consistent in a ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation

If you’ve written recommendation letters before, upload one or two (with names removed). Tell ChatGPT:

“This is my writing style. Please use this tone when drafting the new letter.”

✅ Result: The draft will feel like you wrote it, not a machine.

ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation Prompt Library for Counselors and Teachers

Here are ready-to-use prompts tailored for different student situations:

  • High-Achieving STEM Student
    “Here are my notes for [Student’s Name], who is applying to [STEM program]. Highlight their achievements in science/math, curiosity, and problem-solving.”
  • Student with Leadership Qualities
    “I need a letter for [Student’s Name], who has led [clubs/sports/service]. Emphasize leadership, initiative, and peer impact.”
  • Student Who Overcame Challenges
    “Please write a recommendation for [Student’s Name], who has overcome challenges while excelling academically. Highlight resilience and perseverance.”
  • Well-Rounded Student
    “Draft a letter for [Student’s Name], who balances academics with [activities]. Highlight time management, character, and contributions.”
  • Quiet but Exceptional Student
    “Here are my notes for [Student’s Name]. They are quiet but thoughtful and consistently produce high-quality work. Highlight reliability and intellectual depth.”

Do’s and Don’ts of Using ChatGPT for Recommendation Letters

✅ Do:

  • Provide real stories and examples
  • Use ChatGPT to polish, not invent
  • Adjust tone for the audience

❌ Don’t:

  • Copy/paste without reviewing
  • Skip fact-checking
  • Use only vague praise (“hardworking, dedicated”)

FAQs About ChatGPT Letters of Recommendation

Q: Can ChatGPT write a letter of recommendation for me?
A: Yes, but it should only polish your insights. Authenticity is what makes a letter powerful.

Q: What’s the best ChatGPT prompt for a recommendation letter?
A: “Here are my notes for a recommendation letter. Please draft a professional version in my voice using only these details.”

Q: How do I keep the letter sounding like me?
A: Upload past letters or writing samples so ChatGPT matches your tone. Then revise the draft for accuracy.

The Key Takeaway: ChatGPT Letter of Recommendation Workflow

ChatGPT isn’t writing the recommendation for you—it’s helping you communicate your genuine thoughts more clearly.

For counselors, teachers, and professionals alike, this process can save time, reduce stress, and ensure every recommendation letter is both personalized and polished.

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