How to Write a Reference (Letter)

Knowing how to write a reference letter for someone includes reasons why the person you are referring is qualified, how they know you, and what exactly they can do. You can learn how to write a letter of reference from the following format.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. You begin a letter of reference with the Salutation. This is a "Dear Mr." or "Dear Mrs./Ms." Or, it may be a "To Whom It May Concern" if you are a writing just a very general reference letter. You might also skip a formal Salutation altogether for a general reference letter. You could also use someone's title in this part.

2. Now you're ready to write your first paragraph. In this paragraph, you explain to the reader how you are connected to the person that you're writing about. Have you worked with them, and if in so in what capacity? How do you know them? Were they a student of yours? Then you'll also need to include some sentences about why you are qualified to make this reference. So, show your credentials.

3. The second paragraph in your letter of reference is where you introduce the specifics of what you're writing about. What about them makes them qualified? What will they be able to contribute to the firm or the school? Why are you confident enough in them that you're putting your reputation on the line by writing them this letter of reference? Actually, in this section, it can be okay to write more than one paragraph.

4. Now you come to the third paragraph in your letter of reference (assuming you only used one paragraph in part 3). This paragraph may not be necessary if you are writing to get someone into a school. But if you are writing the letter to get someone a job, here is where you'll go into their particular set of skills. What are they and how have they been demonstrated at other work places? You should get a copy of the person's resume to help you with this material, since you want all of the information to match up.

5. Next, you come to the Summary. This is where you sum up why you are recommending the person. You just did this in more detail above, but this is the part where you really grab the reader's attention emotionally. So you will start of this part with "I therefore have no hesitation whatsoever about recommending" or "I highly recommend" or something to that effect.

6. This next part is your Conclusion. Here, the reader receives a promise of more information if they contact you. So, you will include your telephone number and possibly your e-mail address.

7. The final section (Closing) of your letter of reference looks like this:
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Your Name
   Your Title
   
   Hopefully you now feel that you understand how to write a letter of reference.

Resources

• Instant Recommendation Letter Kit

[Mindee94]

on 8/22/2009 Nice tips for writing a positive reference. Thanks