Reference letters are important documents that can help potential employers determine the suitability of a candidate for an academic position. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a reference letter for an academic position, as well as seven examples that you can use as a guide. You can also find frequently asked questions at the end of the article. Please note that these examples are not meant to be copied verbatim, but rather to be used as a starting point that you can edit and customize as needed.
Tips
1. Start with a title
The title of your reference letter should include the name of the candidate and the position that they are applying for. For example, “Reference Letter for John Doe’s Application for Assistant Professor at XYZ University.”
2. Follow a standard format
Your reference letter should follow a standard format, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Make sure to address the letter to the appropriate person or committee.
3. Highlight the candidate’s strengths
In the body of your letter, provide specific examples of the candidate’s strengths and achievements, particularly in relation to the position they are applying for.
4. Use specific language
Avoid vague or general statements about the candidate’s abilities. Instead, use specific language and provide examples to support your claims.
5. Provide your contact information
Include your contact information in the letter so that the potential employer can reach out to you if necessary.
6. Proofread your letter
Make sure to proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors, and have someone else review it as well.
7. Submit your letter on time
Make sure to submit your letter by the deadline provided by the potential employer.
Examples
Reference Letter for Assistant Professor Position
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of Assistant Professor at XYZ University. Jane was a student in my graduate seminar on Victorian Literature, and I was continually impressed by her intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and dedication to her studies.
Jane’s research on Victorian women writers was particularly impressive, and she presented a paper on this topic at the Northeast Victorian Studies Association Conference last year. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of gender and power relations in Victorian literature, as well as a sophisticated theoretical framework.
I have no doubt that Jane would make an excellent addition to your faculty, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for this position.
Sincerely,
Professor John Doe
Reference Letter for Postdoctoral Fellowship
Dear Fellowship Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Doe for the postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Neuroscience at XYZ University. I had the pleasure of working with John when he was a graduate student in my lab, and I can attest to his outstanding research skills, creativity, and dedication.
John’s dissertation research focused on the role of dopamine receptors in reward learning, and his work has been published in several high-impact journals. He also presented his findings at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, where his talk was very well-received.
I believe that John would be an excellent fit for your research program, and I strongly endorse his application.
Best regards,
Professor Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Adjunct Instructor Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Emily Jones for the position of Adjunct Instructor in the Department of English at XYZ Community College. I had the pleasure of working with Emily when she was a teaching assistant for my Introduction to Literature course, and I was consistently impressed by her professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication.
Emily is an excellent teacher, and she has a talent for engaging students in discussions of literary texts. She is also skilled at providing feedback on student writing, and her comments are always thoughtful and constructive.
I believe that Emily would be an asset to your faculty, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for this position.
Sincerely,
Professor John Doe
Reference Letter for Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position
Dear Search Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at XYZ University. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah when she was a postdoctoral fellow in my lab, and I can attest to her exceptional research skills, intellectual curiosity, and collegiality.
Sarah’s research on the neural basis of emotion regulation is at the forefront of the field, and her work has been published in several high-impact journals. She is also an excellent mentor to graduate and undergraduate students, and she has a talent for fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.
I believe that Sarah would make a significant contribution to your department, and I strongly endorse her candidacy for this position.
Best regards,
Professor Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Lecturer Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Lee for the position of Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at XYZ College. Michael was a student in my Introduction to Programming course, and I was consistently impressed by his programming skills, creativity, and dedication.
Michael’s final project for the course was a sophisticated web application for managing student organizations, which received high praise from his peers and from me. He also volunteered to help other students in the class who were struggling with the material, and his assistance was invaluable.
I believe that Michael would be an excellent addition to your faculty, and I wholeheartedly endorse his application.
Sincerely,
Professor John Doe
Reference Letter for Research Scientist Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for the position of Research Scientist in the Department of Biochemistry at XYZ Research Institute. Maria was a postdoctoral fellow in my lab, and I had the pleasure of working with her for two years.
Maria is an exceptional scientist, with a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling pathways. Her research on the role of protein kinases in cancer has led to several high-profile publications, and she has also presented her work at international conferences.
I believe that Maria would be an asset to your research team, and I strongly endorse her application.
Best regards,
Professor Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Teaching Assistant Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Alex Kim for the position of Teaching Assistant in the Department of Physics at XYZ University. Alex was a student in my Quantum Mechanics course, and I was consistently impressed by his intellectual abilities, work ethic, and enthusiasm.
Alex was also a tutor for the Physics Department’s peer tutoring program, where he helped other students with their coursework and with preparing for exams. His excellent communication skills and friendly demeanor made him a popular tutor among the students.
I believe that Alex would be an excellent addition to your teaching team, and I wholeheartedly support his application.
Sincerely,
Professor John Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for an academic position?
Your reference letter should include specific examples of the candidate’s strengths and achievements, particularly in relation to the position they are applying for. It should also follow a standard format, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Who should I address the letter to?
Make sure to address the letter to the appropriate person or committee, as specified in the job advertisement or application materials.
Can I use a template for my reference letter?
You can use examples as a guide, but make sure to customize the letter for the specific candidate and position.
How long should my reference letter be?
Your reference letter should be about one page in length.
What should I do if I don’t have enough information about the candidate?
If you don’t have enough information about the candidate, or if you cannot provide a strong recommendation, it is better to decline to write the letter.
What should I do if I am asked to write a letter for a candidate that I don’t know well?
If you are asked to write a letter for a candidate that you don’t know well, it is better to decline or to explain your limited knowledge of the candidate in the letter.