A Personal Letter of Recommendation is a crucial document in Australian professional and academic environments, used to support job applications, academic admissions, or other opportunities where third-party endorsement is valuable. The document should be written by someone with direct professional or academic experience with the recommended person, typically a supervisor, colleague, professor, or mentor. Under Australian law, particularly considering the Privacy Act 1988 and Defamation Act 2005, the letter must be factual, consent-based, and avoid discriminatory language. The content typically includes the nature of the professional relationship, specific examples of the individual's capabilities, and a clear endorsement statement. While informal in comparison to contracts, these letters carry significant weight and legal implications, requiring careful consideration of privacy, truthfulness, and potential impact on the subject's reputation.

1. Letter Header: Include writer's name, title, organization (if applicable), address, and contact information

2. Date: Current date when the letter is written

3. Recipient Information: Name and address of the recipient or 'To Whom It May Concern' if recipient unknown

4. Salutation: Formal greeting to the recipient

5. Introduction: Writer's introduction and explanation of relationship with the recommended person

6. Character and Capabilities: Assessment of the person's key qualities, skills, and characteristics

7. Specific Examples: Concrete examples demonstrating the person's abilities and achievements

8. Endorsement Statement: Clear statement of recommendation and level of endorsement

9. Closing: Professional closing with offer to provide additional information

10. Signature Block: Writer's signature, printed name, and title