When a friend asks you to write a character letter of recommendation, it’s a sign that they trust and value your opinion. Writing such a letter can be an opportunity to help your friend achieve their goals, whether it’s landing a job, getting into a school, or proving their worth to someone. In this article, we will give you tips on how to write a great character letter of recommendation, provide you with seven examples that you can edit as needed, and answer some frequently asked questions about this topic.
Tips for Writing a Character Letter of Recommendation for a Friend
Writing a character letter of recommendation is not an easy task, but it can be done well if you follow these tips:
1. Understand the purpose of the letter
Before you start writing, make sure you understand what the letter is for and what kind of traits or skills your friend wants you to emphasize in the letter. For instance, if your friend is applying for a teaching position, you may want to focus on their communication skills, patience, and passion for teaching.
2. Use specific examples
When you describe your friend’s qualities, back them up with specific examples that demonstrate those qualities. For example, if you say that your friend is a great team player, provide an example of a project or activity where they showed teamwork skills.
3. Be honest
Don’t exaggerate or lie about your friend’s qualities. Stick to the truth, even if it means admitting that your friend has some weaknesses. However, if the weakness is not relevant to the purpose of the letter, you can choose not to mention it.
4. Be concise
A character letter of recommendation should not be too long. Stick to one or two pages, and make sure you use clear and concise language. Use bullet points or subheadings if it makes the letter easier to read.
5. Use a professional tone
Although this is a letter for a friend, you should use a professional tone and avoid slang or casual language. Address the letter to the appropriate person, and use a formal greeting and complimentary close.
6. Proofread and edit
Before you submit the letter, make sure you proofread it several times and check for any errors or typos. You may also want to ask another friend to read the letter and give you feedback.
7. Follow the submission guidelines
If the letter is for a specific purpose, such as a job application, make sure you follow the submission guidelines provided by the employer or institution. They may have specific requirements for the format or content of the letter.
Seven Examples of Character Letter of Recommendation for a Friend
1. Character Letter of Recommendation for a Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend my friend, [Name], for the [Job title] position at your company. I have known [Name] for [Number of years] years, and I can attest to their outstanding work ethic, reliability, and positive attitude.
[Provide specific examples of your friend’s skills and achievements that are relevant to the job. For example, if the job requires strong communication skills, describe a situation where your friend demonstrated excellent communication skills.]
I am confident that [Name] would be a valuable asset to your team and that they have the potential to excel in this position. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
2. Character Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend my friend, [Name], for admission to your graduate program in [Field of study]. I have known [Name] for [Number of years] years, and I can attest to their intellectual curiosity, hard work, and passion for [Field of study].
[Provide specific examples of your friend’s academic achievements, research experience, or other relevant qualifications. For example, if your friend has published a paper, mention it and its significance.]
I am confident that [Name] has the skills and motivation to succeed in your program and make valuable contributions to the academic community. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
3. Character Letter of Recommendation for Law School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend my friend, [Name], for admission to your law school. I have known [Name] for [Number of years] years, and I can attest to their analytical skills, attention to detail, and dedication to justice.
[Provide specific examples of your friend’s academic or extracurricular achievements, such as moot court competitions, internships at law firms or NGOs, or volunteer work that demonstrates their commitment to social justice.]
I am confident that [Name] would thrive in your challenging and rigorous academic environment and make significant contributions to the legal profession in the future. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
4. Character Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend my friend, [Name], for the [Name of scholarship] scholarship. I have known [Name] for [Number of years] years, and I can attest to their academic excellence, leadership skills, and community service.
[Provide specific examples of your friend’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work that demonstrate their commitment to their goals and their community. For example, if your friend has organized a charity event, describe it and its impact.]
I am confident that [Name] would make the most of the scholarship opportunity and continue to excel academically and personally. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
5. Character Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter to recommend my friend, [Name], for a volunteer position at your organization. I have known [Name] for [Number of years] years, and I can attest to their compassion, dedication, and reliability.
[Provide specific examples of your friend’s volunteer work or other relevant experience that demonstrates their commitment to helping others. For example, if your friend has volunteered at a homeless shelter, describe their tasks and how they interacted with the clients.]
I am confident that [Name] would make an excellent volunteer and contribute to your mission with enthusiasm and kindness. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
6. Character Letter of Recommendation for Immigration Purposes
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to support the immigration application of my friend, [Name]. I have known [Name] for [Number of years] years, and I can attest to their good character, honesty, and hard work.
[Provide specific examples of your friend’s contributions to the community, their employment history, or their family ties in the country of origin. Emphasize how their immigration would benefit them and the community they will join.]
I believe that [Name] deserves the opportunity to live and work in [Country] and make a positive contribution to society. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Letter of Recommendation for a Friend
1. What should I include in a character letter of recommendation for a friend?
You should include your friend’s qualities and skills that are relevant to the purpose of the letter, such as their work ethic, communication skills, academic achievements, or community service. Provide specific examples that demonstrate those qualities or skills, and be honest and concise. Use a professional tone and follow any submission guidelines provided by the employer, school, or institution.
2. How long should a character letter of recommendation be?
A character letter of recommendation should be one or two pages long, depending on the purpose and requirements of the letter. Avoid writing a long essay, and use bullet points, subheadings, or white space to make the letter more readable.
3. How do I address a character letter of recommendation?
If you know the name of the person who will receive the letter, address the letter to them, using their full name and professional title. If you don’t know the name, use a generic salutation such as “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”
4. Can I write a character letter of recommendation for a family member?
It is generally not recommended to write a character letter of recommendation for a family member, as it may be perceived as biased or unobjective. However, if you have a professional relationship with the family member, such as a supervisor or coworker, you may be able to write such a letter.
5. What if I don’t have enough information to write a character letter of recommendation for my friend?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character letter of recommendation for your friend or don’t have enough information to do so, it’s better to decline the request than to write a lukewarm or negative letter. Be honest with your friend and explain your reasons for declining.
6. Can I use a character letter of recommendation for multiple purposes?
It is generally not recommended to use a character letter of recommendation for multiple purposes, as each purpose may require different qualifications or qualities. Instead, write a specific letter for each purpose, tailored to the needs and expectations of the recipient.
Conclusion
A character letter of recommendation for a friend can be a powerful tool to help them achieve their goals and showcase their best qualities. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write a letter that is honest, concise, and persuasive. Remember to proofread and edit your letter, use a professional tone, and follow any submission guidelines. Good luck!