If you need to write a reference letter and don’t know where to start, don’t worry. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best reference letter examples to help you get started. These samples can be edited as needed to fit the specific situation and person you are recommending.
Tips for Writing Reference Letters
Before we get into the examples, here are some tips to keep in mind when writing reference letters:
- Be honest and specific in your praise
- Include details about the person’s skills, achievements, and character
- Avoid vague statements that may not provide useful information
- Use professional language and tone
- Provide your contact information in case the recipient has follow-up questions
Examples of Best Reference Letters
A Letter of Recommendation for a College Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Name] for admission to your college. As [Name]’s [Teacher/Coach/Mentor] for the past [Number] years, I have had the pleasure of watching [Name] develop into a talented and dedicated student. [Two paragraphs about the student’s academic achievements, leadership qualities, and character].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A Character Reference Letter for an Employee
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong support for [Name] in [his/her] job search. As [his/her] supervisor at [Company], I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years and can attest to [his/her] outstanding work ethic and positive attitude. [Two paragraphs about the employee’s work performance, strengths, and character].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
A Reference Letter for a Volunteer
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any volunteer position. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] months at [Organization] and saw firsthand [his/her] dedication and passion for helping others. [Two paragraphs about the volunteer’s skills, contributions, and character].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
A Letter of Recommendation for a Graduate School Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to [Graduate Program]. As [his/her] [Professor/Advisor] for the past [Number] years, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her] intellectual curiosity, analytical abilities, and dedication to [Field of Study]. [Two paragraphs about the student’s academic achievements, research experience, and potential for graduate study].
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
A Reference Letter for a Job Applicant with Limited Experience
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company]. Although [he/she] may not have significant work experience in [Industry], I believe that [his/her] [skills/qualities] make [him/her] an excellent candidate for the role. [Two paragraphs about the applicant’s relevant skills, personal qualities, and work ethic].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
A Character Reference Letter for a Friend
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Name]. I have known [him/her] for [Number] years and can attest to [his/her] [personality traits/qualities]. [Two paragraphs about the person’s character, personal qualities, and contributions to the community].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
A Reference Letter for a Former Employee
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any job opportunity. As [his/her] former employer at [Company], I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years and was consistently impressed by [his/her] [skills/qualities]. [Two paragraphs about the applicant’s work experience, achievements, and strengths].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include specific examples of the person’s skills, achievements, and character. It should also provide your contact information and be written in a professional tone.
Who can write a reference letter?
Anyone who has worked with or knows the person well can write a reference letter, including teachers, employers, colleagues, and friends.
Should reference letters be typed or handwritten?
Reference letters are typically typed and printed on professional letterhead. Handwritten letters may be appropriate for personal or informal situations.
Can I use a reference letter for multiple job applications?
Yes, you can use a reference letter for multiple job applications as long as it is relevant to the job requirements.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be one to two pages long and provide enough detail to support the person’s qualifications and character.
Should I ask for permission before using someone as a reference?
Yes, it is always a good idea to ask for permission before using someone as a reference. This allows the person to decline or prepare for the request.
Conclusion
Reference letters are an important part of the job application and academic admission process. By using these examples and following the tips provided, you can create an effective and compelling reference letter that will help the person you are recommending stand out from the crowd.