If you’re a student applying for university, you’ll likely need to provide references from your previous employers. An employer reference letter for university can help support your application and showcase your skills, work ethic, and personality to the admissions committee.
Below are some tips and examples to help you create a strong employer reference letter for university.
Tips for Writing an Employer Reference Letter for University
When writing an employer reference letter for university, it’s important to:
1. Highlight the Student’s Skills and Accomplishments
Include specific examples of the student’s skills and accomplishments during their time working for you. This can help the admissions committee understand the student’s strengths and potential.
2. Use Professional Language
When writing the reference letter, use professional language and avoid slang or informal wording. This will help showcase the student in a more positive light.
3. Be Honest
It’s important to be honest in your reference letter, but also highlight the student’s strengths as much as possible. If there are areas where the student can improve, provide constructive feedback in a polite manner.
4. Tailor the Letter to the University
Every university has its own unique requirements and criteria. When writing a reference letter, try to tailor it to the specific university the student is applying to.
5. Provide Contact Information
Include your contact information in the reference letter in case the admissions committee wants to follow up with you.
Examples of Employer Reference Letters for University
Leadership Skills Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [student name] who worked for me at [company name] as a [position] for [duration]. During this time, [student name] demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by [provide specific examples].
[Student name] has the ability to motivate and inspire others, which is a testament to their strong leadership qualities. I have no doubt that [they/he/she] will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Teamwork Skills Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [student name] who worked for me at [company name] as a [position] for [duration]. During this time, [student name] displayed exceptional teamwork skills by [provide specific examples].
[Student name] has the ability to collaborate effectively with others, which is a testament to their strong teamwork qualities. [They/He/She] would make a valuable addition to any team and I have no doubt that [they/he/she] will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Problem-Solving Skills Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [student name] who worked for me at [company name] as a [position] for [duration]. During this time, [student name] demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by [provide specific examples].
[Student name] has the ability to analyze complex problems and generate effective solutions, which is a testament to their strong problem-solving qualities. I have no doubt that [they/he/she] will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Customer Service Skills Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [student name] who worked for me at [company name] as a [position] for [duration]. During this time, [student name] provided exceptional customer service by [provide specific examples].
[Student name] has the ability to communicate effectively with customers and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner, which is a testament to their strong customer service skills. I have no doubt that [they/he/she] will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Time Management Skills Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [student name] who worked for me at [company name] as a [position] for [duration]. During this time, [student name] demonstrated exceptional time management skills by [provide specific examples].
[Student name] has the ability to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively, which is a testament to their strong time management qualities. I have no doubt that [they/he/she] will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Attention to Detail Reference Letter
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a reference for [student name] who worked for me at [company name] as a [position] for [duration]. During this time, [student name] demonstrated exceptional attention to detail by [provide specific examples].
[Student name] has the ability to identify and correct errors while maintaining a high level of accuracy, which is a testament to their strong attention to detail. I have no doubt that [they/he/she] will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member write my employer reference letter for university?
No, it’s best to have a reference letter from a supervisor or manager who has experience working with you in a professional capacity. Family members may be biased and their reference may not hold as much weight with the admissions committee.
How many employer reference letters do I need for my university application?
Check the specific requirements of the university, but usually two or three reference letters are sufficient. Make sure you provide the right contact information for each reference.
Do I need to sign my employer reference letters?
No, the reference letter should be signed by the person writing the letter. You can provide your contact information in the letter in case the admissions committee wants to follow up with you.
What should be included in an employer reference letter for university?
The reference letter should include the student’s skills, accomplishments, and personal qualities. It should also showcase the student’s potential to succeed in their academic pursuits. Make sure to tailor the letter to the specific university the student is applying to.
Can I provide a reference letter from a volunteer position?
Yes, a reference letter from a volunteer position can be just as valuable as a reference letter from a paid position. Make sure the reference letter highlights the student’s skills and accomplishments in the volunteer role.
How long should an employer reference letter for university be?
The reference letter should be one or two pages in length, or approximately 50 to 80 sentences. Make sure the letter is concise, but includes enough detail to showcase the student’s strengths and potential.
Conclusion
An employer reference letter for university can help support your application and showcase your skills to the admissions committee. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a strong reference letter that can help you stand out from other applicants.