I'm compiling my list contacts at all the majors and I need some advice on sending a sample Letter of Rec along with my request. In general, do Letters of Rec need to be detailed, or is a general format which states 'good person' & 'good pilot' the way to go? Some of the sample letters of rec I've seen go into detail and re-state what is already in the application. Also, I've heard that any number of recs beyond the minimum does not score you any extra points. Does 4 per airline sound like a reasonable number?

 

Ones I have written with success for the individual to a few places.
Personal. Should not sound canned/boilerplate or restate resume. Should ideally have one or two examples of why a good candidate for "my" airline/business or "your" airline/business.
Ideally, should be detailed to the airline/business. Part 121 and Fractional have a few different requirements. "He is an extraordinarily professional Captain who takes great pride in customer service and enjoys meeting the high expectations of client owners safely" works for corporate/fractional, 121 " She is an extraordinary professional Captain who understands teamwork at "XYZ" airlines to deliver on customer satisfaction". Not longer than a few paragraphs with invite to contact if can answer further. Spelling and grammar must be correct. A LOR doesn't help if glaring errors are apparent. Details matter. I would offer to write a first draft for the person. Ideally, then a good product that is well informed and written before sending to potential employer.
Best of fortune
SD