If you’re asked to write a recommendation letter for a friend, it’s important to provide an honest and positive assessment of their abilities and character. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to write a great recommendation letter for a friend, as well as provide several sample recommendations letters that you can use as a starting point.
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If you’re writing a recommendation letter for a friend, it’s important to keep it concise and to the point. In this article, you’ll find several sample recommendation letters that you can use as a starting point.
When writing a recommendation letter for a friend, it’s important to highlight their strengths and accomplishments. Make sure to be specific and provide examples of how your friend has demonstrated their abilities.
Keep in mind that the recipient of the letter is looking for information that will help them make an informed decision about the person in question. You can help them do this by providing specific examples of the person’s skills and character traits.
Remember that these are just examples, and you can edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Sample Recommendation Letters for a Friend
Recommendation Letter for a Friend Applying for a Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend my friend [Friend’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at your company. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Length of Time] and can attest to their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to work well in a team environment.
During our time working together at [Previous Company], I had the opportunity to observe [Friend’s Name] in action. They consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that projects were completed on time and to the highest standards.
I have no doubt that [Friend’s Name] would be an asset to your organization and would excel in the [Job Title] role. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about [Friend’s Name] or their qualifications.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for a Friend Applying to Graduate School
Dear [Admissions Committee Member’s Name],
I am writing to recommend my friend [Friend’s Name] for admission to [Graduate School Program]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Length of Time] and have been consistently impressed by their intelligence, work ethic, and passion for [Field of Study].
During our time together at [Undergraduate Institution], I had the opportunity to see [Friend’s Name] in action. Their ability to think critically and creatively on challenging assignments was truly impressive, and their contributions to classroom discussions were always insightful and thought-provoking.
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would thrive in [Graduate School Program]. Their dedication to [Field of Study] and their eagerness to learn and contribute would make them an asset to your program.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for a Friend Applying for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],
I am writing to recommend my friend [Friend’s Name] for a volunteer position at your organization. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Length of Time] and have always been impressed by their strong commitment to community service and their ability to work effectively with people from all walks of life.
During our time together volunteering at [Previous Volunteer Organization], I had the opportunity to see [Friend’s Name] in action. They consistently demonstrated a positive attitude, a willingness to take on new challenges, and a deep understanding of the issues facing our community.
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would be an excellent addition to your team of volunteers. Their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that they would be an asset to your organization.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Friend’s Name]’s qualifications in greater detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for a Friend Applying to College
Dear [Admissions Committee Member’s Name],
I am writing to recommend my friend [Friend’s Name] for admission to [College or University]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Length of Time] and have been consistently impressed by their academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to extracurricular activities.
During our time together at [High School], I had the opportunity to see [Friend’s Name] in action. They excelled in their academic studies, earning [Honors or Awards], and demonstrated strong leadership skills as [Extracurricular Activities].
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would be an excellent fit for [College or University]. Their academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to [Extracurricular Activities] make them an ideal candidate for your institution.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for a Friend Applying for a Scholarship
Dear [Scholarship Committee Member’s Name],
I am writing to recommend my friend [Friend’s Name] for the [Name of Scholarship] scholarship. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Length of Time] and have been consistently impressed by their academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving their community.
During our time together at [High School or College], I had the opportunity to see [Friend’s Name] in action. They consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and a deep commitment to [Extracurricular Activities or Community Service].
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would be an excellent recipient of the [Name of Scholarship] scholarship. Their academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving their community make them an ideal candidate for this award.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for a Friend Starting a Business
Dear [Bank Loan Officer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend my friend [Friend’s Name], who is starting a new business. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Length of Time] and have been consistently impressed by their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and dedication to making their vision a reality.
During our time together, I have had the opportunity to see [Friend’s Name] in action. They consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic, a deep understanding of their target market, and a willingness to go the extra mile to make their customers happy.
I believe that [Friend’s Name] has the potential to build a successful business and to make a positive impact in the community. I am confident that their entrepreneurial spirit, combined with their business acumen and passion for their product or service, will ensure their success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Great Recommendation Letter for a Friend
If you’ve been asked to write a recommendation letter for a friend, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be honest: It’s important to provide an honest assessment of your friend’s abilities and character.
- Be specific: Use specific examples to illustrate your friend’s strengths and accomplishments.
- Be positive: Focus on your friend’s positive attributes and avoid any negative comments.
- Include your contact information: Make sure to include your contact information so that the recipient of the letter can get in touch with you if needed.
- Use professional language: Keep the tone of the letter professional and avoid using slang or informal language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should a recommendation letter be?
A: A recommendation letter should be at least one page long, but no more than two pages.
Q: What should I include in a recommendation letter?
A: A recommendation letter should include the following information:
- Your relationship to the person you’re recommending
- The person’s strengths and accomplishments
- Specific examples of how the person has demonstrated their abilities
- Your overall assessment of the person’s character and abilities
- Your contact information
Q: How do I format a recommendation letter?
A: A recommendation letter should be formatted like a formal business letter, with your contact information at the top, followed by the recipient’s contact information, the date, and a formal salutation. The body of the letter should include an introduction, several paragraphs outlining the person’s strengths and accomplishments, and a conclusion. The letter should end with a formal complimentary close, followed by your signature and printed name.
Q: Can I use a template for a recommendation letter?
A: Yes, you can use a template as a starting point for a recommendation letter, but make sure to personalize it and add specific examples that are relevant to the person you’re recommending.
Q: Who should I address a recommendation letter to?
A: A recommendation letter should be addressed to the person or organization that has requested it. If you’re not sure who to address the letter to, contact the person or organization and ask for clarification.
Q: How long should I take to write a recommendation letter?
A: It’s best to give yourself at least two weeks to write a recommendation letter. This will give you enough time to gather your thoughts, write a draft, and make any necessary revisions before the letter is due.
Q: Can I decline to write a recommendation letter?
A: Yes, if you don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter for someone, it’s better to decline than to write a lukewarm or negative letter. Explain your reasons for declining and offer to provide the person with a reference or other form of support instead.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for a friend can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to take the task seriously and provide an honest and positive assessment of the person’s abilities and character. By following the tips and examples outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a great recommendation letter that will help your friend achieve their goals.