Are you in need of a letter of recommendation for a friend? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a template, examples, and frequently asked questions to help you create the perfect recommendation letter for your friend.
Template
When writing a letter of recommendation for a friend, it is important to include specific examples of their skills, achievements, and character. Here’s a template you can use to get started:
Greeting,
Paragraph 1: Introduce your friend and your relationship to them. Explain why you are writing this letter and what the recipient can expect to learn about your friend.
Paragraph 2: Provide specific examples of your friend’s skills and achievements. Use concrete details to illustrate their strengths and accomplishments.
Complimentary Close,
Examples
Here are seven examples of letter of recommendation templates for friends, each highlighting a different reason for the recommendation:
Academic Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their academic excellence and dedication. [Provide specific examples]. I am confident that [Friend’s Name] will succeed in their future academic endeavors and highly recommend them for [Purpose of Recommendation].
Sincerely,
Professional Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation]. [Friend’s Name] has been a colleague of mine at [Company/Organization Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I have been continually impressed by their professionalism, work ethic, and ability to [Provide specific examples]. I am confident that [Friend’s Name] will excel in any future professional endeavors, and I highly recommend them for [Purpose of Recommendation].
Best regards,
Graduate School Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for admission to [Graduate School Program]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and during that time, I have seen [Provide specific examples of their academic and professional achievements]. I believe that [Friend’s Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to your program and to the field of [Field of Study]. I highly recommend [Friend’s Name] for admission to [Graduate School Program].
Sincerely,
Volunteer Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for a volunteer position with [Organization Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Friend’s Name] for [Number of Months/Years] and have been continually impressed by their [Provide specific examples of their skills and contributions]. I highly recommend [Friend’s Name] for a volunteer position with [Organization Name] and believe they would make a valuable addition to your team.
Best regards,
Character Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and during that time, I have witnessed their [Provide specific examples of their character and integrity]. [Friend’s Name] is a trustworthy and dependable individual who consistently goes above and beyond in everything they do. I highly recommend [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation].
Sincerely,
Personal Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation]. [Friend’s Name] and I have been close friends for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their [Provide specific examples of their personal qualities]. [Friend’s Name] is a kind, compassionate, and generous person who has always been there for me in times of need. I highly recommend [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation].
Best regards,
Internship Recommendation
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Friend’s Name] for an internship with [Company/Organization Name]. [Friend’s Name] has been a student of mine at [School/University Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I have been continually impressed by their [Provide specific examples of their academic and professional achievements]. I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would bring valuable skills and insights to your organization, and I highly recommend them for an internship with [Company/Organization Name].
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a letter of recommendation for a friend?
A letter of recommendation for a friend should include specific examples of their skills, achievements, and character. You should also explain your relationship to your friend and why you are writing this letter. Be sure to customize the letter to the purpose of the recommendation and the recipient’s needs.
How long should a letter of recommendation for a friend be?
A letter of recommendation for a friend should be 50 to 80 sentences long. It should be long enough to provide sufficient detail and examples but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. Aim for a concise, focused, and compelling letter that highlights your friend’s strengths and accomplishments.
What tone should I use in a letter of recommendation for a friend?
A letter of recommendation for a friend should have a formal, friendly tone of voice. It should be professional and respectful while also conveying your enthusiasm and support for your friend’s goals and aspirations. Avoid using jargon, slang, or casual language, and stick to a positive and constructive tone throughout the letter.
Can I use a letter of recommendation for a friend as a reference?
Yes, you can use a letter of recommendation for a friend as a reference. However, keep in mind that some employers prefer to contact references directly rather than relying on letters of recommendation. Make sure that your friend is comfortable with you using their letter of recommendation as a reference and that you have their permission to share it with potential employers.
How do I address a letter of recommendation for a friend?
You should address a letter of recommendation for a friend to the person or organization who will be receiving the letter. If you are unsure of the recipient’s name, you can address the letter to the position or department, such as “To the Admissions Committee” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Make sure to use a formal greeting, such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What if I don’t feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for a friend?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for a friend, it is important to be honest and transparent with them. Explain your concerns and offer to help in other ways, such as providing feedback on their application materials, connecting them with other professionals in their field, or serving as a reference in a different capacity. It is better to decline the request than to write a lukewarm or insincere letter of recommendation.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation for a friend can be a daunting task, but with the right template, examples, and tips, you can create a compelling and effective letter that showcases your friend’s strengths and accomplishments. Remember to be specific, professional, and friendly in your tone, and customize the letter to the purpose of the recommendation and the recipient’s needs. Good luck!