Writing Reference Letters
Writing a letter of reference can sometimes be difficult, depending on whom they are for and why. Before you agree to write a letter, you must think about whether or not you are the best person to write it. Do you have enough information and personal experience with the person to be able to write positive things about their personality?
Before you begin to write the reference letter, sit down with the person requesting your reference and find out exactly what they would like to see in the letter in terms of accomplishments or other personal information. Taking a look at their resume may also give you some idea of how to write about their accomplishments without divulging too many personal facts or information.
Despite an extensive history with certain jobs or organizations, you should only write about what you have personally witnessed or experienced with the person in question. A reference letter is a personal voucher for what you have seen this individual accomplish.
Write a reference letter in a professional manner. Using Business English style is the best and most effective way to correspond when writing anything to an outside party. Be sure to use English grammar software to ensure the letter is written correctly. Use other tools such as an online grammar checker to double-check sentences and use a spell-check to confirm that all words are spelled correctly.
In the reference letter, you should explain the length of time you have known the person as well as the qualities they possess that would make them a good fit in the position for which they are applying. If you have seen any of these qualities, be sure to give exact examples of how and why they were used in order to offer the employers a background of how the person handles various situations.
Only positive things should be stated. If you find that doing so will be difficult, you should opt out of writing the reference entirely. Experience, achievements, social interactions, organizational skills, and logical skills should all be shared when writing a reference letter. While it is acceptable to add achievements or other experiences, personal facts such as race, gender, religious, or marital status are not necessary for inclusion in the letter.
Keep the reference letter concise and professional using Business English and make sure that the length is appropriate for entry, whether it may be a job or school admission reference letter.
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