A reference letter or letter of reference is a document that provides information about a person’s skills, character, and achievements. It is typically written by someone who knows the person well, such as a former employer, teacher, or colleague. These letters are often used in job applications or in applications to educational programs.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter or Letter of Reference
When writing a reference letter, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of the letter and the audience. Here are some tips to help you write an effective reference letter:
1. Start with a title.
Make sure to include a clear and concise title at the top of the letter, such as “Reference Letter for Jane Doe” or “Letter of Reference for John Smith.”
Next, you should begin with a brief introduction that explains your relationship with the person and the purpose of the letter. This can be done in a single paragraph or two.
2. Explain why the person is a good candidate.
In the body of the letter, you should provide specific examples of the person’s skills, achievements, and character traits that make them a strong candidate. You can also mention any challenges or obstacles they have overcome, and how they have demonstrated their abilities in the past.
3. Provide examples and encourage editing.
Make sure to include specific examples of the person’s accomplishments and encourage the reader to edit the letter as needed to fit their specific needs.
Examples of Reference Letters or Letters of Reference
Reference Letter for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am pleased to write this letter of reference for Jane Smith, who worked for me as a marketing coordinator for two years. Jane was an outstanding employee who consistently went above and beyond in her work. She was responsible for managing all of our company’s social media accounts, and she did an excellent job of engaging with our followers and creating engaging content.
I believe that Jane would be an excellent addition to your team, and I highly recommend her for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like more information about Jane’s work.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Letter of Reference for Graduate School Application
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a letter of reference for John Smith, who was a student in my advanced calculus course during the spring semester of 2020. John was an excellent student who consistently demonstrated a strong grasp of the course material and a passion for math.
I believe that John would be an excellent candidate for your graduate program in mathematics, and I highly recommend him for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like more information about John’s work.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Reference Letter for Volunteer Position
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to provide a letter of reference for Sarah Jones, who volunteered at our organization for two years. Sarah was an excellent volunteer who consistently went above and beyond in her work. She was responsible for organizing our annual charity auction, and she did an excellent job of soliciting donations and coordinating the event.
I believe that Sarah would be an excellent addition to your organization, and I highly recommend her for the volunteer position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like more information about Sarah’s work.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Reference for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to provide a letter of reference for Emily Johnson, who was a student in my biology class during the fall semester of 2019. Emily was an outstanding student who consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the course material and a passion for science.
I believe that Emily would be an excellent candidate for your scholarship program, and I highly recommend her for consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like more information about Emily’s work.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Internship Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to provide a letter of reference for Michael Brown, who was an intern at our company for six months. Michael was an excellent intern who consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. He worked on a variety of projects, including market research and data analysis, and he did an excellent job on all of them.
I believe that Michael would be an excellent addition to your team, and I highly recommend him for the internship position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like more information about Michael’s work.
Sincerely,
Sarah Jones
Letter of Reference for Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to provide a letter of reference for David Lee, who was a student in my literature class during the spring semester of 2020. David was an outstanding student who consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the course material and a passion for reading and writing.
I believe that David would be an excellent candidate for the teaching position, and I highly recommend him for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like more information about David’s work.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
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 traits that make them a strong candidate. You should also mention any challenges or obstacles they have overcome, and how they have demonstrated their abilities in the past.
Who should write a reference letter?
A reference letter should be written by someone who knows the person well, such as a former employer, teacher, or colleague. It is important that the person writing the letter can provide specific examples of the person’s skills and abilities.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be one to two pages long. It should be long enough to provide specific examples of the person’s skills and abilities, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read.
What should the tone of a reference letter be?
The tone of a reference letter should be professional and positive. It should highlight the person’s strengths and accomplishments, and provide specific examples of their skills and abilities.
Can a reference letter be edited?
Yes, a reference letter can be edited to fit the specific needs of the reader. However, it is important that the letter remains truthful and accurate.
Should a reference letter be printed on letterhead?
If possible, a reference letter should be printed on letterhead to give it a more professional appearance. If letterhead is not available, a plain sheet of paper can be used.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter or letter of reference can be a powerful way to help someone achieve their goals. By following these tips and examples, you can create a letter that highlights the person’s strengths and accomplishments, and helps them stand out from the crowd.