Letter Of Recommendation Template: A Guide To Supporting A Friend’s Application

A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can significantly enhance your friend’s academic or professional prospects. It serves as a powerful endorsement, highlighting their skills, abilities, and potential. To create a professional and persuasive LOR, consider the following guidelines and template:

1. Header

Your Name: Clearly state your full name in a professional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.

Your Title: Indicate your professional title or academic position, if applicable.

Your Affiliation: Specify your affiliation with the organization or institution where you currently work or study.

Your Contact Information: Provide your email address and phone number for easy communication.

Date: Include the current date in a standard format (e.g., October 26, 2023).

2. Recipient’s Information

Recipient’s Name: Write the full name of the person or organization to whom the LOR is addressed.

Recipient’s Title: Specify the recipient’s title or position, if known.

Recipient’s Address: Include the recipient’s complete mailing address.

3. Salutation

Formal Salutation: Use a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name],” or “Dear [Recipient’s Title].”

4. Opening Paragraph

Introduction: Begin by stating your relationship with the friend and the context in which you know them.

Endorsement: Clearly state your intent to write the LOR and your belief in their qualifications.

Thesis Statement: Briefly summarize the key qualities and skills that make your friend a strong candidate.

5. Body Paragraphs

Specific Examples: Provide concrete examples of your friend’s abilities and accomplishments.

Skill Highlights: Focus on the specific skills and qualities relevant to the application or position.

Personal Qualities: Highlight their positive personal attributes, such as work ethic, teamwork, or problem-solving skills.

Academic or Professional Performance: Discuss their academic achievements, research experience, or professional contributions.

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6. Closing Paragraph

Reiterate Endorsement: Restate your strong endorsement of your friend.

Offer Assistance: Express your willingness to provide additional information or answer any questions.

Closing Salutation: Use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” or “Yours Sincerely.”

7. Signature

Handwritten Signature: Sign your name in blue or black ink.

Typed Signature: If submitting electronically, type your name below your handwritten signature.

Template:

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Title]
[Recipient’s Address]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to enthusiastically endorse [Friend’s Name] for [Purpose of the LOR, e.g., graduate school admission, job application]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Friend’s Name] for [Duration of your relationship] and have been consistently impressed by their [Positive quality, e.g., intelligence, dedication, creativity].

[Friend’s Name] possesses a remarkable ability to [Skill or ability, e.g., analyze complex problems, collaborate effectively]. In [Specific instance], they [Specific action or achievement]. This demonstrates their [Positive quality, e.g., problem-solving skills, leadership abilities].

Furthermore, [Friend’s Name] is a highly motivated and hardworking individual. They consistently strive for excellence in all their endeavors. For example, [Specific instance of hard work or dedication].

I am confident that [Friend’s Name] will excel in [Desired position or program]. They possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and personal qualities to succeed. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this opportunity.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Sincerely,

[Your Handwritten Signature]
[Your Typed Signature]

Design Tips:

Professional Font: Choose a clear and professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.

Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the letter, including font size, line spacing, and margins.

Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly complex sentence structures.

Proofread Carefully: Thoroughly proofread the letter to ensure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.

Paper Quality: Use high-quality paper to create a professional impression.

Envelope: Use a clean and professional envelope to mail the letter.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the design tips, you can create a compelling Letter of Recommendation that will help your friend achieve their goals.