How to Write a Reference for Employment

Being asked to write a letter of reference is an honor. Since reference letters are often a vital part of applying for a job, applicants typically put a great deal of thought into who they would like to serve as their reference.

Instructions

1. Open with a paragraph describing your relationship to the person. Were you a supervisor or a coworker? When did you work together? What company did you work for?

2. Describe why you believe the applicant would be a good fit for the job. Talk about specific qualities and abilities he/she has that are unique and provide concrete examples of his/her accomplishments. Choose words that convey your enthusiasm. Saying the person is "nice" or "fine" or "good" doesn't really make much of an impression. "Innovative" and "meticulous" or "dedicated" and "enthusiastic" are much better choices.

3. Be honest. You should only write a reference letter for a person you feel confident in recommending for a particular job. Lying, omitting facts, or overstating the person's abilities will end up doing more harm than good in the long run. You'll damage your own reputation and set the person up for failure if he/she ends up completely unprepared for the job.

4. Provide a way the person can contact you if they require additional information. A phone number or email address is sufficient in most cases.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it brief. A letter of reference should be one page or less.

• Proofread your work. A reference for employment is very important, so it's a good idea to make sure you don't have any embarrassing typographical errors in your letter.