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Edited by Laura, Sabriina Patterson, Allie, Sandeep MS

Four Methods:Sample Reference LettersFormatting the Reference LetterWhat to Include in the Reference LetterWhat Not to Include in the Reference Letter

A reference letter is often written to support a person's skills, achievements and abilities. They are requested when a person is applying to a school, scholarship program and for a job or promotion. Write a reference letter by understanding what the person who asked for the reference wants, and describing how you know the candidate and why he or she would be good for the job, program or situation.


Method 1 of 3: Formatting the Reference Letter

  1. 1
    Type the reference letter so it looks professional. A handwritten reference letter may be difficult to read.
  2. 2
    Print the letter on high quality paper. It should be printed by an inkjet or laser printer. The appearance of the letter will reflect on the letter writer as well as the candidate.
  3. 3
    Follow proper letter writing techniques. Place your return address in the top right corner and the recipient's address on the left side of the paper. Date and address the letter properly and formally.

Method 2 of 3: What to Include in the Reference Letter

  1. 1
    Introduce yourself as well as the candidate. Explain how long you have known him or her.
    • Mention any special credibility you might hold. For example, if you are recommending someone for a job and you once held the same position, state that in the letter so the recipient knows you understand what is required for that position.
  2. 2
    Discuss the candidate's exceptional talents and skills. Explain what sets this one person apart from others who might be seeking the same thing.
    • Provide specific examples that support the praise you have for the candidate. For example, if you say he shows initiative in his work, cite a time where that was useful.
    • Highlight specific observations you have made. Talk about what you have seen the candidate do herself, not what you presume she is good at or able to accomplish.
  3. 3
    Describe qualities the candidate possesses which are useful for the position or school. For example, highlight leadership, problem solving, creativity and other characteristics.
  4. 4
    Invite follow up questions or additional correspondence. For example, your closing line might say: "please do not hesitate to contact me for more information."

Method 3 of 3: What Not to Include in the Reference Letter

  1. 1
    Leave out any weaknesses. You do not want to call attention to challenges the candidate might have with certain skills or tasks. Stay positive.
    • Decline to write the reference letter when you are asked if you feel you will not be able to write positive things.
  2. 2
    Resist mentioning the candidate's gender, race, age, disability or other physical or cultural status. These are things you hope will not be considered when the candidate is applying for jobs, schools or positions.
  3. 3
    Try to stay away from informal or casual language. Your letter should not include jokes or slang terms.
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  • Remember to proofread your letter. Typos and grammatical or spelling errors will reflect poorly on you and the candidate who asked you to write the reference letter.
  • Pay attention to the due date. You do not want your reference letter to arrive late or be disqualified.

Article Info

Categories: Letters

Recent edits by: Allie, Sabriina Patterson, Laura

In other languages:

Português: Como Escrever uma Carta de Referência, Español: Cómo escribir una carta de referencia personal, Italiano: Come Scrivere una Lettera di Referenze, 中文: 写推荐信, Deutsch: Ein Empfehlungsschreiben aufsetzen, Русский: написать характеристику, Français: Comment écrire une lettre de recommandation



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