How to Write a Letter of Reference

Title:How to Write a Letter of ReferenceWord Count:487Summary:Have you been asked to write a Letter of Referenceand need some help getting started? These tipswill help you.Keywords:letter of reference, letter of recommendation,

letter writingArticle Body:Have you ever been asked to write a letter ofreference for a co-worker, employee or formeremployee? Generally, a letter of reference isused to help obtain employment, apply for highereducation, or as a character reference for thoseseeking a government position. This is animportant request, as a well-written letter canbe the reason the candidate receives the offer heor she is hoping for.In all likelihood, you won 抰 be asked to writea letter of reference for someone you don 抰 knowor get along with very well. But, if you have anydoubts about writing a recommendation for thisperson, you should decline the offer and suggestthey ask another person. Only write a letter forsomeone whom you would truly recommend.

A letter of reference doesn 抰 need to be long andwordy. In the first few sentences, explain how youknow this person (co-worker, neighbor, businessacquaintance) and for how long. Mention anyshared any experiences such as coaching the samebasketball team, singing in the church choir orworking on a project together at the office.Think of two or three major character traits todescribe this person that would be pertinent tothe reason you are writing the reference. Arethey honest and dependable? Do they alwaysfinish what they start? While Mike may be the bestguitar player you know and can recite lyrics fromsongs written twenty years ago, chances are theseare not reasons he 抣 l get that job offer. Thinkof what you would say if you were asked to makea toast to this person during a special occasion.A short anecdote describing how this personhandled a difficult situation will make yourletter stand out from the rest. Think of an

incident that made you see this person in a newlight. Finally, add a short statement that drawsthe letter to a close.Here 抯 a sample letter of reference.To Whom It May Concern:I am pleased to write this Letter of Reference forMike Smith. I have lived next door to Mike forten years, and we both have served on the XYZNeighborhood Watch Committee for the past threeyears.Mike is a pleasure to work with on this committee.His drive and determination to make ourneighborhood a safer place was the catalyst ingetting our local government to install a trafficlight at a busy intersection in our community.Once, during a power outage in rush hour, andrisking life and limb, Mike took the initiativeto direct traffic himself rather than risk an

accident at this intersection.Mike 抯 perseverance and genuine concern for hisfellow citizen are perfect examples of why it ismy privilege to recommend him for a position withyour company. I feel confident he will be anasset to your organization and will add to yourcontinued success.