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\nSummary.<\/b> A reference letter is a letter written recommending someone for a position. When a reference letter is written by an employer, it\u2019s usually going to be for another job, but it can also be an academic reference for a higher education program or a character reference, which can be for a job, a volunteering position, or being accepted into a professional society.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
It\u2019s important to consider how well you know the person making the request before agreeing to write a reference letter for them. If you don\u2019t feel as if you know them well enough to write a one-page letter saying why they\u2019re a good fit for the position, or if you don\u2019t think you can honestly recommend them, then you should decline to write the letter.<\/p>\n
Key Takeaways:<\/b><\/p>\n
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A reference letter is one that\u2019s written to recommend someone for a position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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There are three types of reference letters: character reference, academic reference, and employment reference.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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When choosing to write a reference letter, you should make sure that you can genuinely recommend the candidate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Reference letters should include who you are, the organization you work for, your relationship with the candidate, what makes them a strong candidate, your contact information, and a few references to the position they\u2019re applying for.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What Is an Employer\u2019s Reference Letter?<\/h2>\n
Reference letters<\/a>, also known as recommendation letters, are letters that cover an employee\u2019s time at a company. They usually detail the person\u2019s achievements and positive attributes and endorse them as a good candidate. In typical cases, when an employee asks for a reference letter from their employer, they\u2019re looking for another job, but that isn\u2019t exclusively the case.<\/p>\n
As a rule, you should only acquiesce to writing a reference letter if you have had positive experiences with the employee. If you fear you won\u2019t be able to give them a genuine recommendation, then it\u2019s best to politely decline the request.<\/p>\n
Types of Reference Letters<\/h2>\n
The majority of reference letters written by an employer are going to be addressed to another employer. That being said, that isn\u2019t the only type of reference letter there is, nor is it the only kind you may be asked to write.<\/p>\n
There are three primary types of reference letters:<\/p>\n
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Character reference.<\/b> Sometimes also called a personal reference, this type of reference is atypical for most jobs but may be necessary if they\u2019re applying to a high-level job or a position of trust. They can also be a requirement when attempting to join a professional organization or certain types of volunteer organizations.<\/p>\n
You should only agree to write a character reference if you have a personal relationship with the candidate. It requires that you speak to their positive personality traits, as well as times you\u2019ve seen them step up and showcase their abilities. Usually, this would be in examples of kindness or dedication rather than strictly professional achievements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Academic reference.<\/b> If one of your employees is choosing to return to get a master\u2019s or doctorate degree, they may ask for an academic reference. If it\u2019s been some time since they’ve been in school, they\u2019re likely to ask their supervisor for a reference rather than a professor that may not remember them.<\/p>\n
These letters are a way to evaluate candidates<\/a> to see if they\u2019d be a good fit for the program they\u2019re applying for. It should cover professional skills, work ethic, and positive attributes. It\u2019s best to list a specific example or two that showcase these skills and qualities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Employment reference.<\/b> This is the type of reference that you\u2019ll be asked to write the most often. Most employers require references when a candidate applies for a new position. The primary focus of this letter will be to extol the candidate\u2019s positive attributes and achievements and show that they\u2019re qualified for the position they\u2019re applying for.<\/p>\n
Some employees will keep well-written references as part of their portfolio or will put them up on their personal websites so that recruiters will have access to them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Employment verification letter.<\/b> While not exactly a recommendation letter, an employment verification letter<\/a> is adjacent to one and is another type of letter you may be asked to write. Generally speaking, verification letters are needed when applying for a mortgage or other large loans.<\/p>\n
The main purpose of these letters is to verify that the applicant actually works where they say they do and that they make the salary they claim to. These letters usually include employment dates, the employee\u2019s job title, and, sometimes, salary information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How to Write a Reference Letter<\/h2>\n
Being asked to write a reference letter can be nerve-wracking, but it\u2019s not much different from any other business letter. As with the majority of business letters<\/a>, reference letters usually follow a set template.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what you should include in a reference letter:<\/p>\n
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Organization you work for.<\/b> It\u2019s important to say who you are and who you work for, even if the candidate no longer works for you. As a rule, you\u2019ll be writing reference letters for current employees, but some former employees may also ask you for a reference.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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