How to write a Basic Job Reference Letter? What format should a letter of recommendation be? How do you write a character reference letter? We have a sample template that you can use as a guide. It includes information about the job candidate, the company, and the job role. Download this sample template now which provides references from past employers or colleagues.
A job reference letter is a document written by a person, typically a former employer or colleague, to provide a reference for an individual seeking employment. This letter is part of the job application process and is intended to vouch for the character, skills, and work ethic of the job applicant.
Here are the key components typically included in a job reference letter:
- Introduction:
- The letter usually starts with a formal salutation and introduction, mentioning the referee's name, position, and the capacity in which they know the job applicant.
- Confirmation of Employment:
- The letter often includes details about the referee's professional relationship with the job applicant, such as the duration of their association and the positions held by the applicant during that time.
- Description of Responsibilities:
- A brief description of the job applicant's responsibilities and duties during their time in the referee's organization.
- Skills and Qualities:
- The letter highlights the specific skills, qualities, and attributes of the job applicant that make them suitable for the position they are applying for.
- Professionalism and Work Ethic:
- Comments on the applicant's professionalism, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. This may include punctuality, teamwork, communication skills, and any other relevant qualities.
- Achievements and Accomplishments:
- If applicable, the letter may mention any notable achievements or accomplishments of the job applicant during their tenure with the referee's organization.
- Personal Recommendation:
- A statement expressing the referee's recommendation and support for the job applicant. This is often a key component, as it provides a clear endorsement of the individual's suitability for the position.
- Contact Information:
- The letter typically concludes with the contact information of the referee, allowing the prospective employer to reach out for further clarification or additional information if needed.
It's important to tailor the content of the reference letter to the specific requirements of the job the applicant is seeking. The tone should be professional and positive, providing a balanced and honest assessment of the individual's qualifications and character.
Great performance, work, and effort deserve to be rewarded! If you want to send a Recommendation Letter for a previous colleague, worker, etc. to someone, we recommend that you check out this sample Recommendation Letter. This Recommendation Letter will capture your recipient's attention for sure!
Recommendation letter example:
- To Whom It May Concern, / Dear Mr., Mrs.,
- As President of the Centre for Student Leadership at the {{University}}, I am extremely pleased to be able to recommend {{Mr/Miss}} {{Name}} for the Scholarship in Leadership Development. I have only known {{Name}} for about two years but have had the opportunity to see her on many occasions, performing with exceptional skill for a person of her age. {{Organization}} provides leadership development initiatives to students by means of introducing them to business practices and allowing them to run their own companies for the course of the term.
- I am m writing to recommend {{Name}} for the position of administrative assistant at {{Organization}}. I have had the opportunity to work with {{Name}} for the past few years at Industries, and have been consistently impressed with her diligence, efficiency, and ability to get things done.
- {Name}} proved herself very capable as a leader through her role as President of the “Globe Trotters” company that was twinned with a student leadership program in {{Location}}. This was our first experience with a student company running an international business. She did an outstanding job communicating with her team and providing them with direction on this pilot project. At our annual awards night {{Name}} was named salesperson of the year by the {{Name}} Association. This is based not only on her exceptional sales but also her ability to think on her feet and communicate company initiatives in a way that promotes teamwork and product knowledge.
- {{Name}} was chosen out of all our delegates to make a speech at the Media conference where our Chairman announced our new initiatives for student development which will include international travel opportunities. She did an outstanding job and received many compliments on her oratorical skills. {{Name}} was then selected to attend the {{Leadership Conference}} in {{Location}} where she represented the whole western region. We were also lucky to have her as a summer student during the summer of {{Year}} and I was delighted with her initiative and overall work habits.
- This is an outstanding young woman with exceptional leadership skills, particularly good interpersonal skills, and a wonderful work ethic. I am sure she will benefit from your scholarship and represent your organization well through her work. Should you have any questions concerning {{Name}}, please contact me directly at {{phone number}} or email: {{email}}.
- Most recently, {{Name}} has worked for me directly as a receptionist in our main office. In this role, she performed many administrative tasks in addition to greeting customers and other visitors and organizing team events. For example, she currently manages our executive team’s schedules and organizes their appointments, as well as coordinating travel and expense reporting.
- I believe that {{Name}} would be an excellent addition to your administrative staff. I have been consistently impressed with her organizational skills and grace under pressure. In our industry, as you know, every position is a customer service position. {{Name}} constantly seeks to learn more about our products and programs so that she can help serve our clients and mitigate issues as they come up. She is also a quick learner who picks up new technology with great speed.
- I strongly recommend {{Name}} for the position of administrative assistant at your company. She is organized, detail-oriented, effective, and committed to getting the job done. She would make an excellent addition to your team.
- Please feel free to contact me at {{Telephone number}} if you have any questions.
- Yours sincerely,
- Sincerely yours,
- {{NAME}}
- {{Signature}}
- {{Formal Name + Title}}
There are a few basic requirements for a strong recommendation letter, such as the following:
- Structured and written to highlight the person's strengths;
- Immediately clear about the purpose and position the person is seeking;
- Expands upon their resume; do not repeat it verbatim in your reference letter as well;
- Include an appealing anecdote, to further explain the personality of the person you recommend;
- Brief, preferably one page in length;
- Limited to 3-4 paragraphs and 1 page;
- Clean, error-free, and easy to read;
- Using common business letter format;
- No copying of exact words/phrases from sample letters without checking the context;
- Uses the correct name of the organization;
- Enthusiastic! Show off the character and personality of the person.
The right stimulation will help you to achieve mutual goals faster and will benefit your results! After downloading this sample letter as Google Docs or Microsoft Word and filling in the blanks, you can easily customize the style, typography, details, and appearance of your Recommendation Letter.
Download this Reference Letter template now and send it out today!