1. How To Make a
Reference Letter
By Salma Mufidah
2. What is Reference Letters?
A reference letter, also known as a letter of
recommendation, is a letter that speaks to
someone’s work experience, skills, expertise,
personal qualities, and/or academic
performance.
3. When You Need Reference
Letters?
You need reference letters, typically about three of
them, when you apply to jobs, internships,
volunteer positions, colleges, and graduate
school programs. A reference letter is a positive
endorsement of your skills and attributes, written by
someone familiar with your work, character, and
accomplishments.
4. What Is Included in a Reference
Letter
A reference letter is a positive endorsement of your skills and
attributes. It explains why the reader should select you and
what qualifies you for the opportunity you're applying for.
A professional reference letter is usually written by a
supervisor, colleague, client, teacher or professor that is
well acquainted with your accomplishments in a work-type
setting.
A character or personal reference letter can be written by a
family friend, mentor or neighbor who can attest to the
traits that would make you a good candidate for the position
you are seeking.
5. What to Do Before Writing a
Reference Letter?
Think before saying “Yes”
Before agreeing to write the letter, make sure you feel that you can
write a positive letter of reference for this person. If you do not know
the person well or do not think you can speak highly of the person’s
skills or abilities, it is fine to turn down the request for a
recommendation.
Request information
It is a good idea to ask the person for a copy of their resume or CV,
even if you have known them for a long time. They may have new
accreditation or achievements, and you want to provide as much
current information as possible.
Get all the details
Along with asking for information about the candidate, get all the
information you need about how to submit the letter.
6. What to Include in a Reference
Letter
Contact information and greeting
Salutation
Introduction
Body overview
First paragraph
Second paragraph (and third, and fourth)
Letter closing
Signature
7. Contact Information and Greeting
If you are writing the letter to an individual or hiring
committee, include their contact information at the top
of the letter and in your greeting.
Salutation
Begin your letter with "Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name." If you
do not know the employee's last name, simply write,
"Dear Hiring Manager.“
Introduction
Explain your relationship with the person for whom you
are writing the letter. You may include how long you
have known the person.
8. Body Overview
In the body of the letter, include specific information
about the candidate's personal characteristics
(creativity, patience, confidence, etc.), specific skills
(excellent communication skills, organizational
skills, etc.).
First Paragraph
The first paragraph of the reference letter explains
your connection to the person you are
recommending, including how you know them, and
why you are qualified to write a reference letter to
recommend employment or graduate school.
9. Second Paragraph (and Third, and Fourth)
The middle paragraphs of the reference letter contain
information on the person you are writing about, including
why they are qualified, and what they can contribute. If
necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.
Letter Closing
In the closing paragraph, offer to provide more information
and include your contact information (phone and email) so
you are available to give a verbal recommendation, or
answer further questions if necessary.
Signature
End the letter with your signature, handwritten, followed by
your typed name.
10. Recommendation Letter Length,
Format, and Font
Ask the candidate to send you his resume, transcript, CV, or
any other materials that will help you accurately describe the
person.
A letter of recommendation should be more than one or two
paragraphs; a letter this short suggests you either do not know
the person well or do not fully endorse them.
A letter of recommendation should be single-spaced with a
space between each paragraph
Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or
Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points, so
it's easy to read. Adjusting the font size is a good way to keep
your letter to a single page.
