Non academic reference letters are used to attest to a person’s character, work ethic, and skills outside of an academic setting. These letters are often requested by potential employers or organizations seeking to verify a person’s qualifications for a job, volunteer position, or other opportunity. In this article, we will provide tips and examples to help you create effective non academic reference letters.
Tips for Writing Non Academic Reference Letters
When creating a non academic reference letter, it’s important to keep in mind the purpose of the letter and the specific qualities and skills the requester is looking for. Here are some tips to help you create effective non academic reference letters:
1. Start with a Title
Before beginning to write your letter, provide a clear and concise title that accurately reflects the purpose of the letter. This will help the requester understand the context of the letter and ensure that it is relevant to their needs.
2. Provide a Detailed Explanation
In the body of your letter, provide a detailed explanation of the person’s skills, experience, and personal qualities, and how they relate to the position or opportunity they are seeking. Be specific and provide examples to support your claims.
3. Use a Professional Tone
When writing a non academic reference letter, it’s important to use a professional and respectful tone. Avoid overly informal language or humor, and focus on presenting the person in the best possible light.
4. Think Carefully About the Complimentary Close
The complimentary close of your letter should be appropriate for the context and relationship between the requester and the person you are writing about. Consider your relationship with the requester and the person, as well as the type of opportunity they are seeking, when choosing a closing statement.
Examples of Non Academic Reference Letters
Letter of Recommendation for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am writing to provide a letter of recommendation for [Person’s Name], who has applied for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] on various community service projects over the past [length of time], and can attest to their commitment, dependability, and work ethic.
[Provide specific examples of the person’s work, such as leadership roles, successful projects, or contributions to the team. Discuss their personal qualities, such as their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, or dedication to the cause. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Character Reference for a Job Application
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am pleased to provide a letter of character reference for [Person’s Name], who has applied for a position at [Company Name]. Although I have not worked with [Person’s Name] in a professional context, I have known them for [length of time] and can attest to their honesty, integrity, and personal values.
[Provide specific examples of the person’s character, such as their honesty, trustworthiness, or sense of responsibility. Discuss any personal qualities or experiences that make them a good fit for the job. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Graduate School Application
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am writing to provide a letter of recommendation for [Person’s Name], who has applied to [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] on a research project during their undergraduate studies, and can attest to their intelligence, creativity, and commitment to academic excellence.
[Provide specific examples of the person’s academic achievements, such as high grades, successful research projects, or awards. Discuss any personal qualities or experiences that make them a good fit for the graduate program. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Scholarship Application
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am pleased to provide a letter of recommendation for [Person’s Name], who has applied for a scholarship to [School or Program Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] on various volunteer projects over the past [length of time], and can attest to their dedication, leadership abilities, and passion for [relevant field or cause].
[Provide specific examples of the person’s work, such as leadership roles, successful projects, or contributions to the team. Discuss their personal qualities, such as their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, or dedication to the cause. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Professional Credential
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am writing to provide a letter of recommendation for [Person’s Name], who has applied for a professional credential in [relevant field]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] on various projects over the past [length of time], and can attest to their knowledge, expertise, and skill in [relevant field].
[Provide specific examples of the person’s work, such as successful projects, contributions to the field, or notable achievements. Discuss their personal qualities, such as their ability to work independently, their attention to detail, or their leadership abilities. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for an Entrepreneurial Venture
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am pleased to provide a letter of recommendation for [Person’s Name], who is seeking funding for an entrepreneurial venture. I have had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] on various projects over the past [length of time], and can attest to their creativity, innovation, and business acumen.
[Provide specific examples of the person’s work, such as successful business ventures, partnerships, or industry awards. Discuss their personal qualities, such as their ability to think outside the box, their strategic planning skills, or their leadership abilities. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for a Professional Development Opportunity
Dear [Requester’s Name],
I am writing to provide a letter of recommendation for [Person’s Name], who is seeking to participate in [Professional Development Opportunity Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Person’s Name] in a professional context over the past [length of time], and can attest to their expertise, dedication, and passion for [relevant field or cause].
[Provide specific examples of the person’s work, such as successful projects, contributions to the field, or notable achievements. Discuss their personal qualities, such as their ability to work independently, their attention to detail, or their leadership abilities. Conclude by reiterating your recommendation and offering to provide further information if needed.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a non academic reference letter?
In a non academic reference letter, you should include specific examples of the person’s skills, experience, and personal qualities that relate to the opportunity they are seeking. Be sure to discuss their work ethic, communication skills, leadership abilities, and any other relevant qualities that make them a good fit for the position or opportunity.
How should I format a non academic reference letter?
A non academic reference letter should be formatted like a professional business letter, with a clear and concise title, an introduction that explains the purpose of the letter, a body that provides specific examples and explanations, and a complimentary close that is appropriate for the context and relationship between the requester and the person you are writing about.
How long should a non academic reference letter be?
A non academic reference letter should be long enough to provide sufficient detail and examples to support your claims, but not so long that it becomes tedious or overwhelming. Aim for a length of 50 to 80 sentences, or approximately one to two pages.
Who should I address a non academic reference letter to?
A non academic reference letter should be addressed to the requester of the letter, whether that is an employer, organization, or other entity. If you are unsure who the requester is, you may address the letter to a general audience or use a more generic greeting, such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
Can I edit and customize these non academic reference letter samples?
Yes, these non academic reference letter samples are provided as examples that can be edited and customized as needed to fit your specific needs and the context of the opportunity you are supporting. Use these samples as a starting point, and be sure to personalize them with specific examples and explanations that are relevant to the opportunity.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a non academic reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a non academic reference letter, it’s important to be honest with the requester and explain your reasons. You may also suggest alternative references or recommend that the person seek out other references who are better suited to attest to their skills and experience.
Conclusion
Non academic reference letters are an important tool for verifying a person’s qualifications and skills outside of an academic setting. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create effective non academic reference letters that help your colleagues, friends, or acquaintances succeed in their chosen opportunities.