Reference Letter + Sample Tips

Reference Letter + Sample

References are an easy way of getting others opinions on your work habits and qualities. It is much easier to read a pre-written letter than to contact every reference you have named on a job application. It saves both the potential employer and the reference writer headaches. The potential employer can see a list of you attributes without having to pick up the phone, and the writer doesn't have to deal with a long phone conversation with someone they don't know.

Generally every employment reference letter will contain the same information. It is a compilation of your positive qualities and abilities as an employee. This is why always performing to the best of your ability in a work situation is important, you never know where it will help you down the road.

Although recommendation letters are written to a wide variety of people for a variety of reasons, most follow a standard format. When writing your referral letter, keep the following points in mind:

* Letters of recommendation are typically written within a professional context, so word processing is generally the preferred medium.
* It is often worthwhile to have a short interview with the person requesting the letter so that you can get a better idea of his or her accomplishments, background, interests, and other relevant information. An interview will generally enable you to write a more personalized letter and will allow you to discuss the purpose of the letter, his or her qualifications for the position, and the specific format or length of the letter, if applicable. During this interview you might also ask the applicant for a list of adjectives that he or she feels describes his or her personality, work habits, attitude, and so on. Finally, ask the person if there is anything else that he or she would like you to know or would like you to include in the letter.
* Avoid vague, powerless words such as nice, good, fine and reasonable.


Letter Sample for Character Reference or Personal Reference

Introduction

Introduce yourself as the recommender. State your professional position, how you know the applicant, the length of your relationship, and any other pertinent information to build your credibility as a knowledgeable contributor.

Provide an overview of your general impressions of the applicant.


The second, third, and fourth paragraphs of a letter usually list your positive qualities and attributes. These are often followed by anecdotes and examples of the behavior. This will assure potential employees that you truly exhibited these qualities, and that they are not blind praise. Some of the best things that a former employer can write about you are that you: display integrity, and are dedicated, and a reliable employee. This can assure a potential employee that there were no problems in your previous employment, and that you left of your own accord.

Summary

This section of the reference letter template contains a brief summary of why are you are recommending the person. State that you highly recommend the person or you recommend without reservation or something similar.

Conclusion

The concluding paragraph of the reference letter template contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph, include the phone number and email address in the return address section of your letter, or in your signature.

Sincerely,

Writer Name
Title

Reference Letter + Sample