When writing a reference letter for someone, it’s important to highlight their personal strengths. These strengths can help the recipient of the letter understand why the person being referred is a good fit for a job, school, or other opportunity. In this article, we’ll explore tips for highlighting personal strengths in a reference letter, as well as examples and frequently asked questions.
Tips for Highlighting Personal Strengths
When writing a reference letter, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Keep it concise
Reference letters should generally be no more than one page long. When highlighting personal strengths, focus on the most important qualities that make the person being referred a good fit for the opportunity they are seeking.
2. Use specific examples
When discussing personal strengths, provide specific examples that demonstrate how the person being referred has demonstrated those strengths. This can help the recipient of the letter understand why these strengths are relevant to the opportunity at hand.
3. Customize the letter
Reference letters should be customized to the opportunity at hand. Consider the requirements of the job, school, or other opportunity, and tailor your discussion of personal strengths accordingly.
Examples of Reference Letter Personal Strengths
Example 1: Strong Communication Skills
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Opportunity]. [Name] has strong communication skills that have been honed through years of experience working in [Industry]. They are able to effectively communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, and have a talent for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
As an example of [Name]’s strong communication skills, I would point to their work on [Project]. [Name] was able to lead a team of diverse stakeholders through a complex project, ensuring that everyone was on the same page and that the project was completed on time and within budget.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Opportunity], and I strongly recommend them for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Strong Work Ethic
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Opportunity]. [Name] has a strong work ethic that has been consistently demonstrated throughout their career. They are committed to delivering high-quality work, and are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
As an example of [Name]’s strong work ethic, I would point to their work on [Project]. [Name] was able to manage a large team of stakeholders, ensuring that everyone was on task and that deadlines were met. They were also able to identify areas for improvement in the project, and worked tirelessly to ensure that those improvements were implemented successfully.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Opportunity], and I strongly recommend them for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Strong Leadership Skills
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Opportunity]. [Name] has strong leadership skills that have been consistently demonstrated throughout their career. They are able to effectively manage teams of diverse stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on task and that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
As an example of [Name]’s strong leadership skills, I would point to their work on [Project]. [Name] was able to lead a team of [Number] stakeholders through a complex project, ensuring that everyone was on the same page and that the project was completed on time and within budget. They were also able to identify areas for improvement in the project, and worked tirelessly to ensure that those improvements were implemented successfully.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Opportunity], and I strongly recommend them for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Strong Analytical Skills
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Opportunity]. [Name] has strong analytical skills that have been consistently demonstrated throughout their career. They are able to effectively analyze complex data sets, and use those analyses to develop actionable insights that drive business results.
As an example of [Name]’s strong analytical skills, I would point to their work on [Project]. [Name] was able to identify key trends in a large data set, and used those insights to develop a new marketing strategy that led to a [Number]% increase in sales over the next quarter.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Opportunity], and I strongly recommend them for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Strong Creativity
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Opportunity]. [Name] has strong creativity that has been consistently demonstrated throughout their career. They are able to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
As an example of [Name]’s strong creativity, I would point to their work on [Project]. [Name] was able to develop a new product that filled a gap in the market, and that has since become one of the company’s best-selling products. Their innovative approach to product development has helped the company stay ahead of the competition.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Opportunity], and I strongly recommend them for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Strong Teamwork Skills
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Opportunity]. [Name] has strong teamwork skills that have been consistently demonstrated throughout their career. They are able to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that everyone’s perspectives are heard and that projects are completed successfully.
As an example of [Name]’s strong teamwork skills, I would point to their work on [Project]. [Name] was able to manage a large team of stakeholders, ensuring that everyone was on task and that deadlines were met. They were also able to facilitate effective communication among team members, enabling everyone to work together effectively.
I am confident that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Opportunity], and I strongly recommend them for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include the name of the person being referred, the opportunity they are seeking, and a discussion of their personal strengths and qualifications. You should also include concrete examples of their work and their impact on previous projects.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should generally be no more than one page long.
Do I need to customize the reference letter for each opportunity?
Yes, you should customize the reference letter for each opportunity. Consider the requirements of the job, school, or other opportunity, and tailor your discussion of personal strengths accordingly.
What should I do if I am not comfortable providing a reference for someone?
If you are not comfortable providing a reference for someone, it is better to decline the request than to provide a lukewarm or negative reference.
Who should I address the reference letter to?
You should address the reference letter to the recipient of the letter.
Can the person being referred see the reference letter?
It depends on the situation. In some cases, you may be asked to provide the reference letter directly to the person being referred. In other cases, you may be asked to provide the reference letter directly to the recipient.
Conclusion
Highlighting personal strengths in a reference letter is an important part of helping the recipient understand why the person being referred is a good fit for an opportunity. By following the tips provided in this article, and using the examples provided as a guide, you can create effective reference letters that help your colleagues, friends, and acquaintances achieve their goals.