You get the note. "Hey, buddy, will you write a letter of recommendation for me?" You want to support your friend however you can, but you don't know exactly where to begin. This will help you write a more powerful and clear letter of recommendation that will give your friend the best chance you can to get the job.
Instructions
write a great letter of recommendation for a friend
1. Before you blindly commit to writing the letter, make sure you feel good about that decision. If this is a person who you don't really like or respect, just politely decline. If pressed for a reason, say that you just don't feel comfortable getting involved in the situation, or that you are concerned about the legalities, or some other vague brush off.
2. When you commit to writing the letter, find out the deadline and other parameters. How long is it supposed to be? What specifically does the interested party want to know? What does your friend want to achieve? Getting those kinds of details can help you frame the content of the letter as well as think of appropriate examples and information to include.
3. Find the core of the story. Why do you value your friend? What makes you want to write the recommendation? What does that person do better than just about anyone else? Focus on those special traits. Even make a list, if you want, of attributes you want to mention, plus anecdotes that illustrate those traits. Remember that personal stories typically will be most memorable.
4. Start the letter with the most interesting part you have. A great anecdote. A fact. A testimonial about why your friend is worthy of the opportunity. Engage the reader of the letter in your ideas, and they will have more meaning, come decision time.
5. Be flattering. Don't hold back. If you truly think your friend is great, then now is not the time to be reserved in praise. Think what a potential employer would want to hear about you, if they could know all of your strongest points, and lavish that same level of detail on your friend.
6. End the letter openly, encouraging the reader to call or email for more information, where you really can pour it on for your friend. Be accessible and prompt in returning those kinds of calls/messages. Your friend's future career could be on the line.
