Personal Recommendation Letter

When are Personal Letters of Recommendation Needed?

Various spheres require reference letters to disclose why the candidate is worthy of the benefits and prospects offered. In many cases, these papers are submitted to meet the demands of college and other educational programs, employers, rental and immigration purposes, and more. Most spheres in life require a candidate to provide a relevant portfolio complemented by a reference paper.

The following purposes and situations may require a professional reference notice from someone reputable and heavyweight.

Letters for a friend fall into two categories: personal reference letters and character reference letters.

• A personal reference letter backs up a claim for employment, a rental position, a spot in a shared house or condominium, or a place in an association or club. It usually works as a short summary memo and adds proof of the candidate's qualities. It assures an employer, co-tenants or an association board that the applicant has enough experience and is worth the chance.
• On the other hand, character reference letters are more heavyweight and are often required during court situations and immigration purposes. In both cases, court judges or immigration system representatives are presented with written evidence that the challenger has high moral qualities and is trustworthy.

A colleague, a partner or a friend can write either type of letter.

What Do Personal Letters of Recommendation Contain?

Reference Letters are free-form documents. A clear layout helps the reader, so cover each part below. Consider the must-have list below and always keep it in mind while preparing your support or completing a sample character reference letter for a friend.

1. The current date and the receiver go in the heading of the letter. If the receiver is unknown because the letter is general, the writer can use a universal greeting.
2. Identification of the person being recommended. The candidate's name and occupation (if applicable) are enough.
3. How the writer knows the candidate. Name the relationship, such as a business partner, a family member or a friend.
4. Personal qualities and achievements that present the candidate as a successful person. In this section, the advisor is supposed to list the candidate’s attributes, performance, and any essential accomplishments. This is the most important part of the letter, so write it with care and accuracy.
5. Conclusion. Summarize why the candidate deserves the opportunity.
6. The writer's contact details. Traditionally, the writer shares an email or phone number. They are also required to sign the letter and place the date.

How to Select a Reference Advisor and Ask for Recommendations?

A strong personal letter starts with the right writer and a clear request. Follow the four steps below to choose someone who knows you well, ask politely, and give them what they need to write a specific, honest letter.

1. Prepare a template. Write down your traits and achievements in order before you ask. The writer can use your notes or a template when tailoring a personal reference letter.
2. Select a dependable person. Pick someone who knows you well and holds a respected position at work or in the community. A reader trusts a letter more when the writer is credible.
3. Ask for assistance. Ask kindly and give the writer plenty of time. Share when the letter is needed and what it is for.
4. Review the letter. Once you get the letter, read it through. Check that every detail matches your background, skills and qualities.

The Do's and Don'ts of Personal Reference Letters

Whether you are writing a letter for someone or choosing a template for yourself, it helps to know what to leave out and what to keep. These points apply to both the writer and the candidate.

What to leave out

• Never invent or exaggerate the candidate's achievements, even when they badly want the position. Details are easy to check, and a false claim can hurt the candidate's reputation and yours.
• The letter exists to show the candidate in a positive light. Focus on strengths and leave criticism out.
• Write in a neutral tone, even for a friend or relative. Slang and inside jokes make a letter look careless.
• As a rule, letters of recommendation are required by a certain date. Ensure you do not put your friend or colleague on the line.

What to do

• The organization may want to contact the writer. If you agree to write the letter, be ready to talk through what you wrote. A writer who answers questions openly makes the letter more credible.
• Keep the letter informative and well structured. Describe the candidate's achievements and attributes with specific examples.

Sample Templates

Choose one of the two sample letters below, or use the Create My Document button above to build your own letter online. Fill in the blanks, check the details, and print the finished letter.

Before you print, have these details ready:

• The date of the letter and the name of the receiver
• Your full name and the candidate's full name
• How you know the candidate, such as a friend, a colleague or a relative
• One or two achievements or qualities you can describe with an example
• Your phone number or email address

Sample 1: Character Reference Letter

Character Reference Letter

Date: ____________________

To Whom It May Concern,

I, ________________________ [enter the full name], am honored to provide a reference for ________________________ [person’s full name]. This person appears to be one of the dependable people I have known personally as ____________________ [indicate the type of relations, for example, a friend, a colleague, other].

My interactions with ____________________ [individual’s name] have always been full of responsible care, high regard, and confidence.

That aside, ____________________ [individual’s name] has always treated other people with dignity, respect, and commitment.

Please do not delay contacting me should you require more details.

Kind Regards,

Name and Signature ______________________________

Date ______________

Contact Phone ____________________

Email Address ____________________

Sample 2: Personal Letter of Recommendation

Personal Letter of Recommendation

Today, on ____________________

To __________________________ (enter the addressee’s name) and everyone Whom This May Concern,

I, ________________________, [enter the name] am privileged to provide a recommendation notice to ________________________ [candidate’s name] who from all appearances, is one of the reliable and decent persons I have known personally.

__________________ [candidate’s name] appears to be my considerable ____________________ [indicate the type of relations, for example, a friend, a colleague, other].

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

[Use the offered space to list the person’s important achievements and honors].

My personal interactions with ____________________ [individual’s name] have always prospered with delight, high regard, and confidence.

That aside, ____________________ [individual’s name] has always treated other people with dignity, respect, and responsible care.

Please be encouraged to reach me if you need further details and additional information.

Best Regards,

Name and Signature ______________________________

Date ______________

Contact Phone ____________________

Email Address ____________________

Frequently Asked Questions

General information, not legal or tax advice.

Jennifer M. Settles

Author & Attorney

With over 25 years of experience as a business and transactional attorney, Jennifer has mastered the craft of closing highly successful deals for her clients. Through her wide-ranging expertise in commercial contracts, real estate transactions, M&A and corporate law, Jennifer secures results that are second-to-none.