Reference Letters


Reference letters serve a variety of purposes, and these slides describe the different types of reference letters and the information that should be included in one. It is essential to have strong references who can attest to your abilities if you want to clinch a job offer.

How to write a personal reference letter?

Depending on your situation, you might want to send your resume, transcript, or anything else that will help the person writing the letter describe you accurately. It's okay to include information about the company and the job you're applying for. Ideally, a recommendation letter shouldn't be longer than one or two paragraphs; it indicates the author doesn't know you well or doesn't fully endorse you. Make sure it's brief and doesn't go over one page, so it's not too long. Writing a letter often starts with an introduction to yourself.

An author should describe his or her relationship with the candidate in a sentence or two. If the writer has worked with or knows the candidate for a long time, it is usually helpful to know that. If you have any details about the applicant's employment history, you should confirm them here:

The applicant's job title and role within the company. Indication of the current role or position, whether it is full-time, part-time, or temporary. The period of time when the person was employed. It is imperative to judge a candidate's skills and qualities in the third paragraph. This includes possible characteristics such as drive, enthusiasm, attention to detail, or leadership ability. If you are applying for a specific job opportunity, your cover letter must describe your experience, qualities, and skills. A recommendation letter usually concludes positively with a statement indicating the candidate is a good fit for the job. Also, it is important for the writer to include their contact information if the writer is interested in receiving further correspondence about the candidate's application.

What to avoid when writing a personal reference letter?

  • Keep your letter formal: Write it in a businesslike manner. The candidate should avoid making jokes, using slang, and speaking casually. 
  • An applicant should avoid revealing information about their race, political ideology, religious beliefs, nationality, marital status, age, or health that is not relevant to the application.
  • Make sure the letter looks professional by avoiding spelling mistakes, sloppy writing, and typos.

How are professional references different from character references? 

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
An effective professional reference letter should provide details about your work performance and indicate your skills, abilities, and experience that best qualify you for the position. Professional letters of reference should discuss the applicant's job performance, punctuality, teamwork, experience, and work ethic in addition to the applicant's personality. Professional references typically come from former or current employers, colleagues, clients, vendors, supervisors, or anyone with first-hand experience who can recommend you for a job.

CHARACTER REFERENCES
An individual's personality, character, and overall abilities are discussed in a character reference letter. The applicant's previous employment history is not specifically mentioned in a character reference letter. The applicant's skills, abilities, etc. usually aren't matched directly to the position for which the letter is written. Referencing focuses on a general overview of traits and abilities rather than specifics about the job requirements.

Do's and Don'ts for reference letters 

Effective reference letters can be an asset, while poor reference letters can be detrimental. In order to secure professional reference letters, remember these Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s of reference letters:

  1. Make sure the person recommending you knows you well enough to make a good recommendation. 
  2. Request recommendations from employers, professors, school administrations, and anyone else with first-hand knowledge of your skills and experience.
  3. Send an email rather than asking for the recommendation in person.
  4. You should explain the reason for needing a reference letter to the letter writer.
  5. Your letter should include specific skills, experience, and qualifications. 
  6. After the reference letter writers have written you a letter, send them a "thank you" note.
  7. If you need to use the letters again in the future, ask permission to keep copies.

Don’ts of reference letters:

  1. It is better to act sooner rather than later. In the shortest possible time, secure reference letters.
  2. Request accurate information and don't accept secondhand information.
  3. Forgetting signatures is never a good idea. • 
  4. References shouldn't be chosen based on a person's title. Find someone who can verify firsthand how you are qualified for the position based on your experience, skills, and abilities.
  5. Do not hesitate to ask for as many references as possible. If you are qualified for the position, please submit the letters that demonstrate your qualifications.
  6. Don't forget to say "please" and "thank you." References and recommendations can be invaluable.

Alternatively, also have a look at these Letter of recommendation templates here. Check out and download the best reference letter for your purpose here:
template preview imageEmployee Recommendation Letter Sample

Employee Recommendation Letter Sample

What is the definition of a recommendation letter for employment? Download this sample recommendation letter template now which is designed to help you write a letter that highlights your skills and experience.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageCharacter Reference sample

Character Reference sample

How to write a character reference letter? What is the best template for character references? We have a sample template that you can download and customize for your needs.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageSchool Admission Reference Letter

School Admission Reference Letter

How to make a school admission reference letter? We have a sample letter that you can use as a reference. Download our sample template now which is professional, well-written, and tailored to your specific needs.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imagePromotion Recommendation Letter Format

Promotion Recommendation Letter Format

How to write a Promotion Recommendation Letter? Download this sample template now which will help the letter writer create a persuasive document that highlights the candidate's qualifications and accomplishments.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageProject Manager Reference Letter

Project Manager Reference Letter

How to write a professional Project Manager reference letter? Why do project managers need reference letters? Download our sample template now and use it when requesting a reference letter for a project manager position.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageReal Estate Rental Reference Letter

Real Estate Rental Reference Letter

How to create a Real Estate Rental Reference Letter? Download this Real Estate Rental Reference Letter template now!

file format: .docView template
template preview imageBusiness School Academic Recommendation Letter

Business School Academic Recommendation Letter

How to write a strong recommendation letter for a leadership position? Download our sample recommendation letter now which includes all the necessary information that needs to be included in the letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageIT Promotion Recommendation Letter

IT Promotion Recommendation Letter

How to write an official recommendation letter for a job promotion within an Information Technology department? Download this IT Promotion Recommendation Letter template now!

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageInternship Reference Letter from Employer

Internship Reference Letter from Employer

How to create an internship reference letter from an employer? What does an internship letter mean? You can download a sample reference letter from an employer from our website.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageAcademic Coordinator Recommendation Letter

Academic Coordinator Recommendation Letter

How to make an Academic Coordinator Recommendation Letter? What is a positive recommendation letter for an academic coordinator? Download this academic coordinator recommendation letter template now!

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageRecommendation Letter Scholarship from Friend

Recommendation Letter Scholarship from Friend

How to make a recommendation letter scholarship from a friend? What should you write in a letter of recommendation? Download this sample template now which can be used to quickly and easily write a letter of recommendation for any scholarship.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageRecommendation Letter for Nurse from Doctor

Recommendation Letter for Nurse from Doctor

How to write a Letter of recommendation for a nurse? Download this sample reference letter written by a doctor recommending a nurse template that will perfectly suit your needs.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageJob Recommendation Letter For Student

Job Recommendation Letter For Student

How to write a job recommendation letter for students? How should a recommendation letter demonstrate a student's skills? Download our sample template now which provides a great starting point for writing your own recommendation letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageApartment Rental Reference Letter

Apartment Rental Reference Letter

How to create an apartment rental reference letter? Why is a landlord reference letter needed? Download this sample letter now which can be used to support an application to rent an apartment.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageRental Application Reference Letter

Rental Application Reference Letter

How are rental reference letters used? Download our sample template now that outlines all the relevant information to include in a reference letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imagePersonal Reference Letter Format

Personal Reference Letter Format

Are you looking for a professional personal reference letter format? How should a personal reference letter be written? We have a sample personal reference letter template that you can use as a guide when writing your letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imagePersonal Character Reference Letter

Personal Character Reference Letter

How to write a personal character reference letter? Are you looking for a professional personal character reference letter? Download this personal character reference letter template now!

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageLandlord Reference Letter

Landlord Reference Letter

How to write a reference letter as a landlord for a tenant? What is the purpose of a landlord reference letter template? We provide a comprehensive landlord reference letter template that you can customize to fit your needs.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageWork Reference Letter

Work Reference Letter

How to write a Work Reference Letter? Download this professional personal reference letter template and save yourself time and effort! You will see completing your task has never been easier.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageJob Reference Request Letter

Job Reference Request Letter

How to draft a job reference request letter? Why is it important to have a job reference letter? Download our sample letter template now and use it as your guide in writing your own letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageScholarship Application Reference Letter

Scholarship Application Reference Letter

How to make a Scholarship Application Reference Letter? What should I include in my scholarship application letter? Download our sample template now which include information about the applicant's qualifications, accomplishments, and goals.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageCompany Credit Reference Letter

Company Credit Reference Letter

What is the purpose of a letter of reference for a company credit? Download and use our sample template to request a company credit reference letter from a potential lender or business partner.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageTeacher Reference Letter

Teacher Reference Letter

How to draft a teacher reference letter? Is there any information that should be included in the teacher reference letter? This template will help you structure your letter and include all the necessary information.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageTrade Credit Reference Letter

Trade Credit Reference Letter

How to write a trade credit reference letter? Do you need a trade credit reference letter template? Download our sample template now which is easy to use and designed to be professional and effective.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageVendor Credit Reference Letter

Vendor Credit Reference Letter

How to write an effective Vendor Credit Reference Request Letter? Have you been looking for a template for a vendor credit reference letter? Here is a sample vendor credit reference letter template that you can download and use.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageAcademic Reference Letter sample

Academic Reference Letter sample

How to write an academic reference letter? What format should an academic reference letter be? You can download this sample academic reference letter template from our website.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageReference Letter For Employment

Reference Letter For Employment

How to write a reference letter for employment? What is the use of a reference letter for employment? You can use our template to create a personalized reference letter for any employee.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageBasic Job Reference Letter

Basic Job Reference Letter

How to write a Basic Job Reference Letter? What format should a letter of recommendation be? Download our sample template now which provides references from past employers or colleagues.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageReference Letter Sample

Reference Letter Sample

How do you write a letter of Reference Letter for someone? How do you write a positive letter of recommendation? Download our sample template now which is professionally written and tailored to fit the needs of each individual.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageProfessional Work Reference Letter

Professional Work Reference Letter

Do you need a template for a Professional Work Reference Letter? Download our sample template and tailored it to your specific requirements and designed to help you create the most effective work reference letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageScholarship Reference Letter For Student

Scholarship Reference Letter For Student

How to make a scholarship reference Letter For a Student? Are you searching for a scholarship reference letter template? Download and use our sample template to create a personalized letter that highlights the student's academic achievements.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageGraduate School Reference Letter

Graduate School Reference Letter

How to write a Graduate School Reference Letter? What should a graduate school recommendation letter include? Download this Graduate School Reference Letter template now!

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageEmployment Reference Letter

Employment Reference Letter

Have you been searching for a template for employment reference letters? Download this sample template now which will provide all the necessary information you need to write a reference letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageVolunteer Work Reference Letter

Volunteer Work Reference Letter

How to write a volunteer work reference letter? Looking for a template for a volunteer work reference letter? Download our comprehensive template now that can be used to create the perfect letter for any volunteer position.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageInternship Reference Letter Form

Internship Reference Letter Form

How to draft an internship reference letter form? Want to download a reference letter template for internships? Download this sample template now and use it as guide in writing your own.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageReference Request Cover Letter

Reference Request Cover Letter

When writing a reference letter, what should you include? Download our sample template now which has everything you need to create a clear and concise cover letter that will increase your chances of getting a reference.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageStudent Recommendation Letter

Student Recommendation Letter

In what way should a high school student's letter of recommendation be written? Download our sample template now which contains all the relevant information you need to provide in a reference letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageNursing Scholarship Reference Letter

Nursing Scholarship Reference Letter

When writing a nursing reference letter, what should you keep in mind? Download this template now which provides a general outline for a nursing scholarship reference letter, which includes the key points that need to be included.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageEditable Thank You Letter for Job Recommendation

Editable Thank You Letter for Job Recommendation

Do you need a job recommendation thank you letter template that you can edit? Download and use our sample template to express your gratitude to the recommender for their help and support.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageRequest for Recommendation Letter For Job

Request for Recommendation Letter For Job

How to request a job reference letter? In what way are recommendation letters used? Download our template that provides a clear structure for your letter, as well as sample language you can use.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageBest Volunteer Reference Letter

Best Volunteer Reference Letter

How to write a volunteer reference letter? How can a volunteer position be referenced? Download this sample template now which can be used as a reference for future job opportunities.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageLetter of recommendation Leadership

Letter of recommendation Leadership

In what way can a recommendation letter be improved? Download our template now which provides a clear and professional format for writing and submitting letters of recommendation for leadership.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageCharacter Reference Letter Sample

Character Reference Letter Sample

How do you write a character reference for a friend? Are you interested in a template for character reference letters? Download our sample template which provides a quick and easy way to write a character reference letter.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageLetter of Character Reference

Letter of Character Reference

What is the best way to format a letter of character reference? Download and use our letter-of-character reference template as a guide. It can be download and customized according to your needs.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageGood Moral Character Letter

Good Moral Character Letter

How do you write a moral character letter? What are the examples of good moral character? Download and use this sample template now to craft a persuasive letter that outlines your character and qualifications.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageCharacter Reference Example

Character Reference Example

How to write a character reference? Do you need an example character reference letter? Download and can use our sample template to quickly create a professional letter that conveys your message.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageLetter Of Character

Letter Of Character

How do you write a character letter? What is a character letter? Download and use this template to provide a personal recommendation of someone's character.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageTrade Reference Request

Trade Reference Request

How to write a trade reference request? How to send a request for a trade reference letter? We provide a sample template that you can download and customize to fit your needs.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageHigh Performer Recommendation Letter

High Performer Recommendation Letter

How to say someone is a high performer on a letter of recommendation? Download this template now which can help you quickly and easily write a recommendation letter for a high performer.

file format: .docxView template
template preview imageCharacter Reference

Character Reference

How to write a character reference? How do you define character of reference? Download our sample template which provides all the information you need to create a professional letter.

file format: .docxView template

Related templates



Author profile

Zachary Prescott Zachary Prescott

If you work just for money, you’ll never make it, but if you love what you’re doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours. | Ray Kroc