Write a recommendation for a friend when you can sincerely recommend him.
Employers often request written character and business references from potential employees before they are hired. If a friend has asked you to write a letter on his behalf, and if you feel qualified to do so in a positive manner, get out your paper and pencil and help your friend out. Generally, you should be able to speak authoritatively and positively about your friend's attributes, work history and character.
Instructions
1. Write a draft of your letter using a standard business-style letter format. Put the date in the upper left-hand corner of your page. Insert three blank lines. If you know the name of the company or the person the recommendation is to be addressed to, add the company name on one line followed by the specific person's name on the next line. Type the street address of the company on the third line, and the city, state and zip code on the fourth line.
2. Insert two blank lines and write or type in your salutation. This will be "Dear Mr." if a man, "Dear Ms." if a woman or by their title, such as "Dr.", "President," or "Prime Minister." Follow this with the given (last) name of the person and a colon. If you do not know the name of the person you are addressing, write "To whom it may concern" followed by a colon.
3. Skip two blank lines and begin the first paragraph of your letter by explaining who you are, who your friend is, how you know your friend and why you are writing to this person. You may mention the specific job position for which he is applying or make a general statement about him seeking employment
4. Insert two blank lines and write the second paragraph. In this paragraph tell what you know about your friend's positive qualities, his character and his job history. Write what kind of a worker he is, his daily attitude and why you think he would be a good candidate for the job. Keep it professional, straight-forward and honest revealing what you know to be true about your friend. It is always helpful to add specific examples from your work experiences with him.
5. Write your recommendation in the last paragraph. Say why you would recommend your friend for this or any job position. Explain the value your friend could bring to a job and why you would work with him.
6. Skip two lines and write "Sincerely" followed by a comma.
7. Skip five lines and type or print your name.
8. Proof your letter and fix any errors. Center the letter on the page. Write or print out a final copy of the letter, sign it above your printed name and send it off.
