Personal Reference Letter Example

Personal Recommendation Letter Template

Salutation
When writing a personal recommendation letter, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Joyner, Dear Ms. Merrill, etc.). If you are writing a general letter, say "To Whom it May Concern" or simply don't include a salutation and start with the first paragraph of the letter.

Paragraph 1
The first paragraph of the personal recommendation letter explains how you know the person you are recommending and why you are qualified to write a recommendation letter to recommend employment or graduate school. With a personal letter, you are writing a recommendation simply because you know the person and their character.

Paragraph 2
The second paragraph of a recommendation letter contains specific information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a reference letter. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.

Paragraph 3
When writing a specific letter referring a candidate for a particular job opening, the recommendation letter will include information on how the person's skills match the position they are applying for.

Summary
This section of the recommendation letter contains a brief summary of why are you are recommending the person. State that you "highly recommend" the person or you "recommend without reservation" or something similar.

Conclusion
The concluding paragraph of the recommendation letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph, include the phone number and email address in the return address section of your letter, or in your signature.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Title