School captaincy recommendation

[Yuki N.]

hey so...

So my friend is going for school captaincy and she's asked me to write her a recommendation. Problem is, I'm not too sure how to write it 

Should it be like formal or informal? I don't really want to approach it like an essay and it's only supposed to be a few paragraphs anyways.

thanks gaiz. 

[Fluttershy]

I would go semi-formal, or completely formal. It adds more credibility to your recommendation in the eyes of whoever reads it.

Start off with a few sentences detailing who you are, and your relationship to your friend (how long you've known her and that sort of thing). Then you should write maybe one or two short paragraphs about a couple of key qualities that make her suitable to be a school captain (confidence? leadership?) Maybe try an anecdote or two about how you have seen her display these qualities.

Good luck

[vox nihili]

hey so...

So my friend is going for school captaincy and she's asked me to write her a recommendation. Problem is, I'm not too sure how to write it 

Should it be like formal or informal? I don't really want to approach it like an essay and it's only supposed to be a few paragraphs anyways.

thanks gaiz. 

The trick is to be formal enough, but not so much that it sounds too distant. They want to know that you intimately know this person, that your recommendation really stands for something. Saying "In the time I have known Jane, she has consistently demonstrated an enthusiastic approach to her studies and embodies diligence". To me, that doesn't say "wow Jane's just top notch", it just says "oh wow, I bought a thesaurus".

So go semi-formal. Don't just say "Jane is a top notch bloke, give her some votes", but don't say what I've gone with there as well.

[Yuki N.]

THANKS GUYS!

yeah I did think being incredibly formal using big long words would be kinda counterproductive.

Is it bad to write it in a somewhat humorous tone? eg. some light hearted comments? Or should I stick with being fairly serious

[vox nihili]

THANKS GUYS!

yeah I did think being incredibly formal using big long words would be kinda counterproductive.

Is it bad to write it in a somewhat humorous tone? eg. some light hearted comments? Or should I stick with being fairly serious

Look, I'd try to be a bit funny. It's good.

[shinny]

Main thing is that you have to prove these qualities using actual examples. Don't just simply state that they're responsible. Just describe in a semi-formal way as others have said incidents which show certain qualities which are important for being a school captain. The bulk of your recommendation really should be on these examples. Anyone can have anyone else simply list off ideal qualities that this person apparently possesses. But assuming you're a good friend of this person given that they chose you to do this, only you can really give those great examples to prove these qualities.

[Stick]

hey so...

So my friend is going for school captaincy and she's asked me to write her a recommendation. Problem is, I'm not too sure how to write it 

Should it be like formal or informal? I don't really want to approach it like an essay and it's only supposed to be a few paragraphs anyways.

thanks gaiz. 

Don't make it too long. The people who got selected at my school had references that only went for a paragraph, but were to the point. You don't want others to waste too much time reading them and putting them off.

[Fyrefly]

I uh... actually wrote a recommendation letter recently.

Here's a checklist of things you should probably include:

• Set it out formally, headed with a date and address
• State something along the lines of: This is a letter of endorsement in support of Bob in his application for school captaincy at Souvlaki High School.
• State who you are and any credentials you hold (credentials probably aren't relevant since you're still in school, so maybe something like: My name is Miley Cyrus and I'm a student at Souvlaki High School.
• State how long you've known the person and in what capacity you know them: Bob is a friend of mine and I have known him for eight years.
• State that you understand what it is the person is applying for, and provide a sentence or two to prove that: I have reviewed the website that describes the role of a school captain at Souvlaki High School. I understand the purpose behind this position and that desirable attributes of a school captain include strong leadership skills and (insert qualities that they want that your friend has). It is with this in mind that I endorse Bob’s application.
  
• Talk about how awesome your friend is with specific examples. These examples should prove how your friend meets their application criteria. Maybe pick two or three qualities/characteristics with an example for each.
• Wrap it up: Bob has the skills, character and drive necessary to be a school captain at Souvlaki High School, and it is my hope that he be afforded this opportunity. I therefore highly recommend Bob for school captain.

[Yuki N.]

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to incorporate all of this advice.

"Jenna's ability to remain happy regardless of the pressures she's facing is something I admire, and something which speaks volumes about her mental fortitude and ability to handle whatever is thrown her way. For example, there was one teacher of hers who didn't like her for whatever reason and picked on her. Despite this dichotomy between the responsibilities of a teacher and the behavior of that particular teacher, she maintained a positive attitude and continued to work hard - and indeed, even help others - in the subject. "

^is this appropriate? talking about teachers in a negative way I mean? (I might also cut down on some of the language, think I probably should be more concise)

[vox nihili]

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to incorporate all of this advice.

"Jenna's ability to remain happy regardless of the pressures she's facing is something I admire, and something which speaks volumes about her mental fortitude and ability to handle whatever is thrown her way. For example, there was one teacher of hers who didn't like her for whatever reason and picked on her. Despite this dichotomy between the responsibilities of a teacher and the behavior of that particular teacher, she maintained a positive attitude and continued to work hard - and indeed, even help others - in the subject. "

^is this appropriate? talking about teachers in a negative way I mean? (I might also cut down on some of the language, think I probably should be more concise)

The teacher thing is definitely not appropriate I'm afraid.

[Yuki N.]

The teacher thing is definitely not appropriate I'm afraid.

I suspected as much. thanks

[Stick]

The teacher thing is definitely not appropriate I'm afraid.

Agreed. It was still a nice thing to say about her, though. I hope she knows what you thought of the situation.