Writing a personal letter of recommendation for a family member might seem like a daunting task at first,but don’t worry—this guide will make it a breeze. Whether you’re recommending your cousin for a job or your sister for college,it’s important to create a solid letter that really stands out. And guess what? It’s not as hard as you think.
Let’s break it down into simple steps so that by the end of this article,you’ll not only know how to write a killer letter of recommendation,but you’ll also have a template you can use over and over again.
You might be wondering,Why would anyone ask me to write a recommendation letter for my own family member? Well,there are plenty of reasons. Sometimes,family members need a little extra support in their job hunt,applying for a scholarship,or even getting into a volunteer program.
In these cases,a letter of recommendation from someone who truly knows them—like you—can make a world of difference.
Before diving into the actual writing part,let’s chat about the key ingredients that make up a solid recommendation letter. Just like a good recipe,each part plays a role in making the final product awesome.
Start by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the family member you’re recommending. Are you their cousin,aunt,or sibling? How long have you known them? This part is super important because it shows you have the credibility to speak on their behalf.
Example:“My name is Sarah Thompson,and I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend my cousin,John Doe,for the job opportunity at your company. I have known John for over 20 years,and during this time,I have seen him grow into a hardworking,responsible,and compassionate individual.”
Next,explain why this family member is a good fit for the opportunity they’re applying for. Be specific. What qualities or skills do they have that make them stand out? Try to give real-life examples whenever possible.
Example:“John has always been someone who takes initiative,whether it was leading our family reunion planning or organizing a community service project. His leadership skills,combined with his strong work ethic,make him an excellent candidate for this role.”
Here’s where you really want to make them shine. Talk about their personal traits—are they kind,responsible,hardworking,or dedicated? You’re painting a picture of them as a person here.
Example:“Beyond his professional skills,John is incredibly compassionate and always goes out of his way to help others. I’ve seen him assist elderly neighbors with their groceries,and he volunteers every weekend at the local animal shelter. He truly embodies the qualities of empathy and dedication.”
Wrap it up by reaffirming your recommendation and providing your contact information. Make it clear that you are open to any further communication if the person reading the letter has questions.
Example:“In conclusion,I strongly recommend John for this position. I am confident he will exceed your expectations in every way. If you need any further information,please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address].”
Okay,now that you know the structure,let’s get to the good part:the template. Copy this template and fill in the blanks with your personal details. Feel free to tweak it so it suits your style,but remember to keep it easy to understand and heartfelt.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City,State,ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Recipient’s Full Name]
[Recipient’s Job Title or Institution]
[Company or School Name]
[Address of Company or School]
[City,State,ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to offer my highest recommendation for [Family Member’s Full Name] for the position of [Job Title/Opportunity they are applying for]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Family Member’s First Name] for [number] years,both personally and professionally,and I can say without hesitation that they are one of the most [positive trait 1],[positive trait 2],and [positive trait 3] individuals I know.
Throughout our relationship,I have been consistently impressed by [Family Member’s First Name]’s [specific skill or quality],whether it’s [example 1],[example 2],or [example 3]. These skills,combined with [Family Member’s First Name]’s [additional trait],make them an ideal candidate for [specific opportunity].
I have no doubt that [Family Member’s First Name] will thrive in this role and will continue to grow both personally and professionally. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this position and believe they would be a valuable asset to your team.
If you require any further information or would like to discuss this recommendation in more detail,please do not hesitate to contact me at [your phone number] or via email at [your email address].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Now that you’ve got the template,let’s talk about why it works so well. First,it’s clear and concise. You’re not wasting anyone’s time with flowery language. It gets straight to the point,which is perfect for busy people like hiring managers or admissions officers.
Second,it highlights both personal and professional qualities. You’re showing the reader that your family member is not only skilled but also a great human being. That’s the kind of recommendation that can make them stand out from other applicants.
Lastly,it’s heartfelt. The personal connection you have with your family member shines through,making the letter feel genuine and sincere. This makes it more compelling than a generic recommendation letter.
If you want to take your letter of recommendation to the next level,here are a few extra tips:
Honesty is key. Don’t exaggerate or make things up. If your cousin is a hard worker but doesn’t have a lot of experience in the field,say that. Focus on their strengths without stretching the truth.
Nobody wants to read a novel. Keep your letter to about one page. Get to the point,highlight their best qualities,and wrap it up.
General statements are okay,but specific examples make your letter stand out. Instead of saying,“He’s a great leader,” say,“He successfully led a team of volunteers during a community cleanup,organizing over 50 people.”
Typos and errors can make your letter look sloppy. Double-check everything before you send it off.
So there you have it! Writing a personal letter of recommendation for a family member doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right structure,some specific examples,and a heartfelt tone,you’ll have a letter that helps your loved one land the opportunity they’re after.
Now,go ahead and use the template we provided,fill in the blanks,and craft that winning recommendation letter. Your family member will thank you,and you’ll feel great knowing you helped them move forward in life.
