Sample Casual Letter Of Recommendation

Introduction

A letter of recommendation is a crucial document that can significantly impact a person’s academic or professional journey. Whether you’re applying for college, graduate school, a job, or a scholarship, a strong letter of recommendation can make a significant difference. While formal language is often expected, a well-written letter in casual English can still be highly effective, especially when the recommender has a close and personal relationship with the individual.

Understanding the Purpose

Before drafting the letter, it’s essential to understand its purpose.

Who is the recipient? Is it an admissions committee, a hiring manager, or a scholarship selection panel?

What are the specific requirements? Are there any word limits, formatting guidelines, or specific questions that need to be addressed?

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Key Elements of a Strong Letter

A compelling letter of recommendation, regardless of the tone, should include the following key elements:

A strong opening: Begin by clearly stating your relationship with the individual and your capacity to provide insights into their character and abilities.

Specific examples: Support your claims with concrete examples of the individual’s skills, achievements, and positive qualities.

Quantifiable achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the individual’s accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “John is a hard worker,” you could say “John consistently exceeded expectations in my class, achieving an average grade of 95%.”

Positive and honest assessment: While the letter should be positive, it’s crucial to be honest and authentic in your assessment. Avoid exaggerating or making unrealistic claims.

A clear and concise conclusion: End the letter with a strong and confident recommendation. Reiterate your belief in the individual’s potential and encourage the recipient to consider their application favorably.

Sample Letter of Recommendation (Casual English)

[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Institution/Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]

[Admissions Committee/Hiring Manager Name (if known)]
[Department/Institution Name]
[Address]

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]

Dear [Admissions Committee/Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for [position/program]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [him/her/them] for [number] years as their [your relationship – e.g., professor, coach, supervisor].

From the moment I met [Applicant Name], I was impressed by [his/her/them] [positive quality – e.g., dedication, intellectual curiosity, work ethic]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated a strong desire to learn and a willingness to go the extra mile.

For example, in my [class/project], [Applicant Name] [specific example – e.g., “independently researched a challenging topic,” “excelled in group projects,” “developed innovative solutions to complex problems”]. This project not only showcased [his/her/their] [skills – e.g., analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking] skills but also highlighted [his/her/their] [positive qualities – e.g., creativity, resourcefulness, perseverance].

Beyond [his/her/their] academic/professional achievements, [Applicant Name] is also a [positive personality traits – e.g., kind, compassionate, supportive] individual. [He/She/They] is a valuable member of any team and always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to excel in [position/program]. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated and talented individual with a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for [field of study/career]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Tips for Writing in Casual English

Use contractions: For example, “I’ve” instead of “I have,” “they’re” instead of “they are.”

Use personal anecdotes: Share brief, relevant stories that illustrate the applicant’s character and abilities.

Focus on clarity and conciseness: Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences.

Maintain a professional tone: While casual, the letter should still be respectful and professional.

Conclusion

Writing a letter of recommendation in casual English can be an effective way to showcase your genuine support for an applicant. By focusing on specific examples, highlighting key qualities, and maintaining a professional tone, you can create a compelling and impactful letter that strengthens the applicant’s application.

FAQs

Can I use humor in a letter of recommendation?

While humor can sometimes be effective, it’s crucial to use it judiciously. Ensure that the humor is appropriate for the context and does not detract from the overall message of the letter.

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

The length of the letter will vary depending on the specific requirements. However, a typical letter of recommendation is usually between one and two pages.

Should I include personal opinions in a letter of recommendation?

While personal opinions are valuable, it’s important to balance them with objective observations and concrete examples.

What if I have concerns about the applicant?

If you have any concerns about the applicant’s suitability for the position/program, it’s crucial to be honest and transparent. However, focus on constructive criticism and offer suggestions for improvement.

Can I reuse a template for a letter of recommendation?

While templates can be helpful, it’s crucial to personalize each letter to the specific applicant and the requirements of the position/program.

Letter Of Recommendation Sample