Crafting a Powerful Personal Letter of Recommendation
A personal letter of recommendation, also known as a character reference letter, offers insight into an individual’s character, skills, and personal qualities. Unlike professional letters that focus on work experience, these letters highlight traits like integrity, compassion, and reliability. They are often requested for scholarship applications, volunteer positions, or even character references in legal proceedings. The key to a strong personal letter is to provide specific anecdotes and examples that showcase the applicant’s positive attributes, making it clear why you believe they are a suitable candidate.
When writing a personal letter of recommendation, consider your relationship with the individual and tailor the letter accordingly. Did you coach them in a sports team and witness their teamwork skills firsthand? Or perhaps you volunteered alongside them, observing their dedication to serving others? Use these personal experiences to create a compelling narrative that resonates with the reader. Remember to keep the tone positive and focus on the qualities that align with the specific requirements of the opportunity.
17 Sample Personal Letters of Recommendation
Sample Letter 1: General Recommendation
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. I have always been impressed by [his/her/their] integrity and [his/her/their] dedication to [mention something specific].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: For Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is a diligent student with a strong work ethic. Their passion for [subject] is truly inspiring.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: For Volunteer Position
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for the volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is a compassionate and reliable individual.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Emphasizing Leadership Skills
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years through [context of your relationship]. [Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities. During [Specific Situation], they effectively [Action showcasing leadership].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Highlighting Communication Skills
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is my pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] possesses excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. They have a knack for [Specific example of communication skill].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Focusing on Problem-Solving Abilities
To Whom It May Concern,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name]. I had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is a highly resourceful individual with strong problem-solving abilities. I recall an instance where [Specific example of problem-solving].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Character Reference for Court
Dear [Judge’s Name],
I am writing to offer a character reference for [Applicant Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. I have always found [Applicant Name] to be a person of integrity and strong moral character. I believe this situation is an anomaly and does not reflect their true nature.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Emphasizing Creativity
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] displays remarkable creativity in all their endeavors. For instance, [Specific example of their creativity].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Highlighting Teamwork Skills
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] without reservation. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years through [Context of your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is an excellent team player. They always [Example of teamwork].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Focused on Responsibility and Dependability
Dear [Recipient Name],
It’s with pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly responsible and dependable. I can always count on them to [Specific Example].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Acknowledging Resilience
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly resilient. Even through tough times, [He/She/They] still always…
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Describing Adaptability
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am recommending [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly adaptable. [He/She/They] is quick to learn new things and accept different views.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Describing Open-mindedness
Dear [Recipient Name],
It’s an honor to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly open-minded. Always open to new thoughts and opinions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Describing Determination
To Whom It May Concern,
I am more than happy to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly determined. Putting his/her/their full effort in everything.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: Describing Focus
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am here to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly focused. He/She/They does not give up until the task is complete.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16: Describing Passion
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly passionate. [He/She/They] shows love in the projects undertaken.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17: Describing Kindness
Dear [Recipient Name],
I would like to recommend [Applicant Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship]. [Applicant Name] is incredibly kind. Always helping others in need.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
These sample letters provide a starting point for crafting your own personal letter of recommendation. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific situation and highlight the applicant’s unique qualities. By providing concrete examples and demonstrating your genuine belief in the individual, you can write a compelling letter that significantly enhances their chances of success. A well-written personal letter can make a lasting impression, showcasing the applicant’s character and potential in a way that resumes and transcripts simply cannot.
