Personal recommendation letters are often required for various purposes such as job applications, scholarship requests, or graduate school admissions. These letters can be a great way to showcase a person’s accomplishments, character, and potential. In this article, we will provide you with examples of personal recommendation letters and tips on how to write them effectively.
If you are asked to write a personal recommendation letter, it is important to take the task seriously. Your letter can help the applicant get the job, scholarship, or admission they are seeking. In this article, we will provide examples of personal recommendation letters that you can use as a reference when writing your own letter. These examples are meant to be edited and tailored to fit the individual’s needs and qualifications.
Tips for Writing Personal Recommendation Letters
Personal recommendation letters require careful consideration and thoughtfulness in order to be effective. Here are some tips to help you write a strong letter:
1. Start with a Title
The title of the letter should clearly indicate the purpose of the letter as well as the name of the applicant. For example, “Personal Recommendation Letter for John Smith’s Graduate School Application.”
2. Use Specific Examples
It is important to provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills, accomplishments, and character traits. This will help the reader understand the applicant’s strengths and potential.
3. Be Honest
It is important to be truthful and accurate in your letter. Do not exaggerate the applicant’s strengths or accomplishments.
4. Keep It Concise
A personal recommendation letter should be no more than one page in length. Keep your letter concise and to the point.
5. Be Positive
Use positive language and focus on the applicant’s strengths and potential. Do not include negative comments or criticism.
6. Address the Recipient Appropriately
If you know the recipient’s name, use it in the salutation. If you don’t know the recipient’s name, use a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
Examples of Personal Recommendation Letters
Personal Recommendation Letter for Job Application
Greetings Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the position of Marketing Director at your company. John worked for me as a Marketing Manager for three years and during that time, he consistently exceeded expectations. In his role, John was responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies that increased sales by 25% over two years. He is a strategic thinker, a strong communicator, and an excellent team player.
I have no doubt that John will be an asset to your team and I highly recommend him for this position.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Personal Recommendation Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the XYZ Scholarship. I have known Jane for four years as her academic advisor and during that time, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities and strong character.
Jane is a dedicated and hardworking student who maintains a 4.0 GPA while also volunteering at a local community center. Her passion for community service and her leadership skills make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
I wholeheartedly recommend Jane for this scholarship and believe she has the potential to make a positive impact in her field of study.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Personal Recommendation Letter for Graduate School Admission
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Johnson for admission into your graduate program. Michael was a student in my undergraduate course in physics and he consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter and a strong work ethic.
Michael has a passion for research and has already been published in two peer-reviewed journals. His enthusiasm for his field of study and his potential for groundbreaking research make him an ideal candidate for your program.
I highly recommend Michael for this program and believe he has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of physics.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Personal Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Emily Brown for the volunteer position at your organization. Emily has been a volunteer at our local animal shelter for the past two years and has consistently demonstrated a passion for animal welfare and a dedication to the cause.
Emily is a hardworking and compassionate individual who always goes above and beyond in her duties. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her an asset to any organization.
I highly recommend Emily for this volunteer position and believe she will make a significant contribution to your organization.
Best regards,
John Doe
Personal Recommendation Letter for Colleague
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Project Manager at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past two years and during that time, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a dedication to her work.
Sarah has a talent for motivating her team and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. She is a strategic thinker and an excellent communicator.
I highly recommend Sarah for this position and believe she will be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Personal Recommendation Letter for Neighbor
Dear Rental Agency,
I am writing to recommend David Lee as a tenant. David has been my neighbor for the past two years and during that time, he has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and responsible behavior.
David is a quiet and respectful individual who takes excellent care of his home. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and is an asset to our community.
I highly recommend David as a tenant and believe he will be an excellent addition to your property.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Personal Recommendation Letter for Friend
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend my friend, Rachel Brown, for admission into your nursing program. Rachel has been a friend of mine for the past five years and during that time, I have witnessed her dedication and passion for nursing.
Rachel has volunteered at a local hospital for the past three years and has consistently demonstrated excellent patient care and professionalism. Her compassionate nature and strong work ethic make her an ideal candidate for your program.
I highly recommend Rachel for this program and believe she has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of nursing.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a personal recommendation letter?
A personal recommendation letter should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills, accomplishments, and character traits. It should also be concise, positive, and honest.
How do I address the recipient in my letter?
If you know the recipient’s name, use it in the salutation. If you don’t know the recipient’s name, use a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
How long should a personal recommendation letter be?
A personal recommendation letter should be no more than one page in length.
What should I avoid including in a personal recommendation letter?
You should avoid including negative comments or criticism. It is important to focus on the applicant’s strengths and potential.
Can I use a template for my personal recommendation letter?
Yes, you can use a template as a reference when writing your own personal recommendation letter. However, it is important to tailor the letter to fit the individual’s needs and qualifications.
Who can write a personal recommendation letter?
A personal recommendation letter can be written by a supervisor, professor, colleague, or other individual who has worked with or knows the applicant well.
Conclusion
Writing a personal recommendation letter can be a valuable way to help an applicant achieve their goals. By providing specific examples of the applicant’s skills, accomplishments, and character traits, you can help them stand out from the competition. Use the examples and tips provided in this article to help you write an effective personal recommendation letter.