When a friend asks you to write a recommendation letter, it can be an honor, but also a daunting task. It’s important to write a letter that showcases their strengths and qualifications, while also being honest and sincere. In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples to help make the process of writing a recommendation letter for a friend a bit easier.
Examples
Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Friend’s Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Field]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to [his/her] exceptional academic abilities and strong work ethic.
[Example of a project or accomplishment demonstrating their qualifications.]
[Additional example or detail.]
I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would thrive in your program and would be a valuable asset to your academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Employment
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at your company. Having worked with [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years at [Company], I can attest to [his/her] exceptional skills and dedication to [his/her] work.
[Example of a project or accomplishment demonstrating their qualifications.]
[Additional example or detail.]
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would be an asset to your team and would excel in this role. If you require any additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] for the [Name of Scholarship] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to [his/her] exceptional academic abilities and strong work ethic.
[Example of a project or accomplishment demonstrating their qualifications.]
[Additional example or detail.]
[Friend’s Name] has a passion for [Field/Major] and has demonstrated a dedication to [his/her] studies. I believe that [he/she] deserves this scholarship and would be a worthy recipient. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] for the volunteer position at your organization. Having worked with [him/her] on several projects in the past, I can attest to [his/her] strong work ethic and dedication to [Cause/Field].
[Example of a project or accomplishment demonstrating their qualifications.]
[Additional example or detail.]
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would be an asset to your organization and would make a positive contribution to your cause. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Leadership Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at your company. Having worked with [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years at [Company], I can attest to [his/her] exceptional leadership skills and dedication to [his/her] work.
[Example of a project or accomplishment demonstrating their qualifications.]
[Additional example or detail.]
[Friend’s Name] has a natural ability to inspire and motivate [his/her] team and would be an asset to your organization. I fully endorse [him/her] for this role and believe [he/she] would excel in this position. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] for your study abroad program in [Location]. Having known [him/her] for [Number] years, I can attest to [his/her] passion for travel and learning about different cultures.
[Example of a project or accomplishment demonstrating their qualifications.]
[Additional example or detail.]
I believe that [Friend’s Name] would benefit greatly from this program and would be a wonderful ambassador for your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for a Friend
When writing a recommendation letter for a friend, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Be honest and sincere – don’t exaggerate or make false claims.
- Focus on the friend’s strengths and qualifications that make them a good candidate for the position or program they are applying for.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Address the letter to the appropriate person or committee.
- Proofread carefully before submitting the letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a recommendation letter for a friend?
In a recommendation letter, you should include specific examples of the friend’s skills and qualifications that make them a good candidate for the position or program they are applying for. You should also be honest and sincere in your praise, and address the letter to the appropriate person or committee.
How long should a recommendation letter be?
A recommendation letter should typically be one to two pages long, or 400-800 words. It should be long enough to provide specific examples and details, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or difficult to read.
What if I don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter for my friend?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter for your friend, it’s okay to decline the request. It’s better to be honest than to write a lukewarm or insincere letter that could hurt your friend’s chances.
Should I include my contact information in the recommendation letter?
Yes, it’s a good idea to include your contact information in the recommendation letter so that the recipient can follow up with you if necessary.
Can I use a template to write a recommendation letter?
Yes, you can find templates for recommendation letters online and edit them as needed. However, it’s important to personalize the letter and include specific examples that showcase your friend’s strengths and qualifications.
Do I need to address any potential weaknesses or areas for improvement in the recommendation letter?
It’s generally not necessary to address weaknesses or areas for improvement in a recommendation letter. However, if there is a specific issue that the friend has addressed with you and asked you to mention in the letter, you can do so in a diplomatic and constructive way.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for a friend can be a rewarding experience when done well. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can help your friend stand out as a strong candidate for their desired position or program.