Reference letters are important documents that can help someone land a job, secure a loan, or gain admission to a program. However, there are some questions when it comes to formatting these letters, including whether or not a reference letter should have a date. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why a reference letter should or should not have a date, provide some examples, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Reference letters are meant to be professional documents that accurately reflect the writer’s opinion of the person being referred. While there is no requirement that reference letters have a specific format, including a date on the letter can help to establish the timeline of the relationship between the writer and the person being referred.
Additionally, including a date on the letter can help to verify the authenticity of the document. If a reference letter has no date, it can be difficult to know if it was written recently or if it is an older document that is no longer relevant. Having a date on the letter can help the reader to know when the letter was written and how current it is.
However, some people argue that including a date on a reference letter is unnecessary. They may argue that the date is not relevant to the content of the letter and may distract from the purpose of the letter, which is to provide an assessment of the referred person’s abilities and character.
Ultimately, whether or not a reference letter should have a date is up to the writer’s preference. However, it is generally recommended that a date be included to provide context and authenticity to the document.
Tips
Example 1: Reference Letter for a Former Employee
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Employee Name], who worked for me as a [Job Title] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [Employee Name] demonstrated exceptional [Skills/Characteristics] and was an asset to our team.
As of [Date], [Employee Name] no longer works for our company. However, I am confident that [he/she] will be an excellent addition to your team and would highly recommend [him/her] for any [Job Title] positions you may have available.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Reference Letter for a Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [Student Name], who was a student in my [Course Name] class during the [Semester] semester. [Student Name] consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to learning, and an ability to work well with others.
The course ended on [End Date], and I have had no further contact with [Student Name] since that time. However, based on [his/her] performance in my class, I strongly recommend [him/her] for admission to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Reference Letter for a Personal Contact
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Referred Person’s Name], who is a personal acquaintance of mine. I have known [him/her] for [Length of Time] and can attest to [his/her] [Skills/Characteristics].
This letter is being written on [Date], and I can confirm that [Referred Person’s Name] is currently pursuing [His/Her] [Job/Program]. I believe that [he/she] would be an excellent addition to any team or program, and I am confident that [he/she] has the necessary skills and experience to succeed.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Reference Letter for a Volunteer
Dear [Organization Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Volunteer Name], who has volunteered with [Organization Name] for [Length of Time]. During this time, [he/she] has demonstrated a strong commitment to [Cause/Task] and has been an asset to our team.
This letter is being written on [Date], and I can confirm that [Volunteer Name] is currently an active volunteer with our organization. I would highly recommend [him/her] for any volunteer opportunities you may have available.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Reference Letter for a Contractor
Dear [Client Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Contractor Name], who completed a project for [Your Company/Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [he/she] demonstrated exceptional [Skills/Characteristics] and was able to complete the project on time and within budget.
This letter is being written on [Date], and I can confirm that [Contractor Name] completed the project to our satisfaction. I would highly recommend [him/her] for any future projects you may have.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Reference Letter for a Friend
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for my friend, [Friend’s Name], who is applying for [Job/Program]. While I do not have a professional relationship with [Friend’s Name], I can attest to [his/her] [Skills/Characteristics] based on our personal interactions.
This letter is being written on [Date], and I can confirm that [Friend’s Name] is currently [Employment Status or Education Status]. I believe that [Friend’s Name] would be an excellent addition to any team or program, and I am confident that [he/she] has the necessary skills and experience to succeed.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it important to include a date on a reference letter?
A: While there is no requirement that reference letters have a specific format, including a date on the letter can help to establish the timeline of the relationship between the writer and the person being referred. It can also help to verify the authenticity of the document.
Q: Can a reference letter be outdated if it doesn’t have a date?
A: Yes, a reference letter can be outdated if it doesn’t have a date. Without a date, it can be difficult to know if the letter is a current assessment of the person being referred or an older document that is no longer relevant.
Q: Should I put the date at the top or bottom of the reference letter?
A: The date can be placed either at the top or the bottom of the reference letter, depending on personal preference. Some writers prefer to place the date at the top to establish the timeline of the relationship, while others prefer to place it at the bottom as a signature line.
Q: What if I don’t remember the exact date of the writer’s relationship with the referred person?
A: If the exact date is not known, an estimated date can be used instead. For example, “I have known John for approximately two years.” This provides some context for the relationship without requiring an exact date.
Q: Should I include the date the reference letter was written or the date the referred person will receive the letter?
A: The date included on the reference letter should be the date it was written, not the date the referred person will receive it. This helps to establish the timeline of the relationship and verify the authenticity of the document.
Q: Can a reference letter still be valid if it is several years old?
A: The validity of a reference letter depends on the context. If the letter is for a job application and is several years old, it may not be as relevant as a newer letter. However, if the letter is for a personal reference and the relationship is ongoing, a several-year-old letter may still be valid.
Conclusion
While there is no requirement that reference letters have a specific format, including a date on the letter can help to establish the timeline of the relationship between the writer and the person being referred, as well as verify the authenticity of the document. However, the decision to include a date is ultimately up to the writer’s preference. Regardless of whether or not a date is included, it is important that the content of the letter accurately reflects the writer’s opinion of the referred person.