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Letters of recommendation or reference letters attest to the character or credibility of an individual. It is thus an important supporting document for work or academic applications.

Letters of recommendation or reference letters attest to the character or credibility of an individual. It is thus an important supporting document for work or academic applications.

As such it is often required by potential employers of job seekers, or by scholastic programs of applicants. Writing one for another person requires a great deal of consideration, because it is no “fluff piece” or sentimental statement. It seeks to verify the skills, experiences, and qualifications that an applicant claims to have, and is integral to the whole application process. It can either uplift or deflate your friend’s chances of getting the position or program that they desire. Be guided with these Sample Letters of recommendation.

Letter of Recommendation for a Friend

Letter of Recommendation for a Friend and Colleague

Recommendation Letter for Scholarship from Family Friend

Short Recommendation Letter for a Friend Sample

Recommendation Letter for a College Student from a Friend

Printable Recommendation Letter for a Friend in PDF

Standard Recommendation Letter for a Friend Format

Formal Recommendation Letter for a Friend in Word

Good friends write recommendation letters with no hesitation nor question; better, truer friends write recommendation letters only when deserved. Do not just agree to writing a recommendation letter. Make sure that you believe your friend is worthy of the position, or program, too. This way, you are making a more compelling letter, because it comes from a genuine place.

Furthermore, if you and your friend are colleagues and are from the same workplace, your written recommendation letter becomes a reflection of your credibility as well.

Formatting Your Recommendation Letter

A letter of recommendation or reference is a formal document, to be assessed professionally. As such, it should follow these formatting guidelines, unless otherwise specified. It should be

• in Times New Roman,
• font-sized 12,
• with 1.5 spacing, and
• with 1 inch margins on all sides.

Also, it should be addressed accordingly, and should be closed with your full name and your contact information.

What to Include in Your Recommendation Letter

Essentially, you should be sincere but not overly sentimental. Always remember that a letter of recommendation is formal and businesslike. More importantly, you should be truthful. Do not sing praises when it is not due, or add or subtract anything from the applicant in focus.

The content of your reference letter should more or less contain the following parts.

• It should start with yourself, your credentials, and your relation to the applicant.
• This should be followed by an acknowledgement of the position or program that your friend is seeking, and an introductory explanation of why you believe he or she deserves it.
• Provide specifics. These are work experiences with each other, or your observations of the applicant and his or her qualifications. Cite concrete examples: volunteer work, demonstrated work ethic, or for this Scholarship Recommendation Letter, academic performance.

In sum, you are testifying for your friend; formally stating that you have witnessed the skills and qualifications he or she claims to have for the desired position or program.

Personal Letter of Recommendation for a Friend

Basic Recommendation Letter for a Friend to Download

As final guidelines, bear in mind that a lot of people will go through your letter of recommendation. It will be documented, assessed, and filed by decision-making individuals that determine whether or not your friend gets his or her dream job or scholarship. Also, give yourself a lot of time to write and give it a lot of thought. For reference, see Examples of Recommendation Letters.