How to Write a Letter of Reference

The following is a step by step guide on How to Write a Letter of Reference

You will need to know how to write a letter of reference if a friend, co-worker or employee asks you to write this for them to enhance their job-hunting efforts, or when they are applying for a scholarship or to attend a specific school. Writing a letter of reference is relatively easy, but not to be taken lightly; remember that it is your reputation behind the individual, so you want to be honest. The tips below will help you understand how to write a letter of reference that will benefit the individual who requested the letter.

If you do not know the person requesting the letter very well or don't really feel that you could recommend them highly, do not agree to write a letter of reference for them.

How to write a letter of reference

1. Jot down a few notes before you get started. It's much easier to actually write your letter when you have some information in front of you. Write down the strengths and skills of the individual, along with any achievements or examples of related experiences that you know about.

2. Describe your knowledge of the person you are writing the letter for. Include details such as how long you have known the individual, how you know them, etc. For example, if you worked with them for 3 years, explain this in your letter.

3. Include what makes them a good candidate for the job, scholarship, etc. Briefly describe the skills or qualities that you are aware of, including personality type and other characteristics. Give specific examples of these skills or traits if possible.

4. Write the letter of reference in a way that relates to the recipient. If the letter is being written for employment purposes, write it in a way that demonstrates to the hiring manager how the individual’s skills or qualifications will benefit the company.

5. Keep your letter to one page. While you do want to include enough to make the individual look like the perfect candidate for the job or scholarship, you do not want to go in to the fine details or ramble on and on.

6. Include your contact information. In closing, explain to the recipient that it is fine to contact you with any questions. Make sure your name, address and contact details are in the letterhead, or typed in at the bottom left-hand side of the page after your closing.

7. Proofread your letter. Even though you are not the one applying for the job or scholarship, proofread your work for spelling and grammar errors. You want your letter to make a good impression for the person whom you are writing it for.

While you may think this is a daunting task when someone asks you to do it, it really isn't that hard. By following these guidelines you will learn how to write a letter of reference.