Letter of Recommendation for a Friend — Free Template
Writing a recommendation for a friend is a kind thing to do, but readers may assume a friend is biased. The trick is to be specific: explain how you know them beyond socializing, describe what you've actually seen them do and keep the praise honest and grounded.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for [What you're recommending them for]. [How you know them, and for how long]
[Their key strengths]
One example shows the kind of person [Name of the person you're recommending] is. [A specific example or story]
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] with confidence. I am confident [Name of the person you're recommending] will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your email and phone number] if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Show you're more than just a friend
Readers trust a friend's letter more when it describes shared responsibilities: volunteering, working on a project, coaching, running a club, traveling or helping each other through a hard time. Lead with that connection rather than how long you've been close.
Use a warm but measured tone. Specific examples carry far more weight than words like "amazing" or "the best person I know."
Know when a friend's letter fits
Friend recommendations work well for volunteer roles, rentals, personal references, some programs and character letters. For a job, a school application or a professional license, readers usually want a supervisor or teacher, so a friend's letter is best as an addition.
If you're not sure, ask your friend what the application asks for and whether a personal recommendation is accepted.
Mistakes to avoid
Skip inside jokes, nicknames and stories that only make sense to people who know you both. Avoid mentioning anything personal your friend might not want an employer or program to know, like health issues or family conflicts. And resist the urge to write a long letter; a focused page with one good example is more convincing than three pages of praise.
What to do, step by step
Agree to write it only if you can be positive
A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no letter at all. If you don't know the person well enough to be specific and enthusiastic, say so and suggest someone who does.
Ask for the details you need
Get the deadline, where the letter goes, who it should be addressed to and what the opportunity is. A résumé, job posting or program description helps you choose the right strengths to highlight.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Lead with how you know the person, pick two or three strengths that fit the opportunity, and back them up with one concrete example.
Keep it to one page and proofread it
Most readers skim. Three or four short paragraphs, the person's name spelled correctly and no generic filler will do more than a long letter.
Send it the way the recipient asks
Upload it to the application portal, email it as a PDF or hand a signed copy to the candidate. Keep a copy in case you're asked to write another one later.
What if you don't know the person well enough to write a strong letter?
It's fine to say no. A short, honest reply such as "I don't think I know your work well enough to write the strong letter you deserve" is kinder than a vague recommendation that admissions officers or hiring managers will read as a warning sign.
If you're willing but unsure what to say, ask the person for a quick list of things you worked on together, the qualities they'd like you to speak to and any accomplishments you may not know about. Many strong letters start from a conversation like this.
If you can only speak to part of their experience, write about that part honestly and specifically. A narrow letter with a real example is usually more useful than a broad one full of general praise.
Example letter of recommendation for a friend
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Priya Shah
priya.shah@example.com, (555) 618-9042
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Megan O'Connor
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
It is my pleasure to recommend Megan O'Connor for a volunteer role. I have known Megan for twelve years, since we were college roommates, and for the past four years we have co-led a youth soccer program in our town.
Megan is organized, patient and great with kids. She handles our program's registration and scheduling for more than eighty players and keeps parents informed without ever losing her sense of humor.
One example shows the kind of person Megan O'Connor is. When our usual field was closed for repairs a week before the season, Megan found a replacement field, rewrote the game schedule and personally called every family to explain the change. Not a single game was canceled.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Megan O'Connor with confidence. I am confident Megan O'Connor will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at priya.shah@example.com, (555) 618-9042 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Priya Shah
Frequently asked questions
Should I say we're friends?
Yes. Hiding the relationship can backfire if it comes up later. Be upfront, then focus on the experiences that let you speak to their character and abilities.
Can a friend write a job recommendation?
Sometimes, especially if you've worked together or seen their skills in a volunteer or project setting. If you've never seen them work, a personal reference about character is usually more appropriate than a job recommendation.
How do I keep it from sounding biased?
Stick to facts and concrete examples, mention how long and in what context you've known them, and avoid exaggeration. A calm, specific letter reads as honest.
Is it okay to show my friend the letter?
For a personal recommendation that's usually fine, and many friends appreciate it. If a school or program asks for confidential letters, follow their instructions and submit it directly.
What should a letter of recommendation include?
Explain who you are and how you know the candidate, including how long. Then describe two or three specific strengths relevant to the opportunity, support them with a concrete example, and close with a clear statement of your recommendation and your contact details so the reader can follow up.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
Usually one page, or roughly 300 to 500 words. Admissions committees and hiring managers read many letters, so a focused letter with one strong example is more effective than a long one. Some graduate programs expect a little more detail, so check any instructions you've been given.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.