If you’re applying for a job, it’s essential to have a personal reference to help you stand out from the crowd. A personal reference is a letter from someone you know, who can vouch for your character and work ethic. In this article, we’ll provide you with examples of personal reference letters that you can use as a basis for your own. You can edit these samples as needed to suit your particular circumstances.
Tips for Writing a Personal Reference Letter
Before we dive into the examples, let’s go over some tips for writing a personal reference letter:
1. Choose the Right Person
It’s important to choose someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your skills and character. Ideally, this person should be someone who has worked with you in the past, such as a former boss or colleague.
2. Be Specific
In your letter, be sure to provide specific examples of the person’s skills and work ethic. This will help to give the hiring manager a clear picture of what the person is capable of.
3. Use a Professional Tone
Your letter should be written in a professional tone, as it is an important part of the job application process. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name, and use a formal greeting and closing.
4. Keep it Brief
Your letter should be concise and to the point, no longer than a page. Avoid repeating information that is already in the person’s resume or cover letter.
5. Check for Errors
Before submitting your letter, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.
Examples of Personal Reference Letters
Example 1: Personal Reference for a Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the sales position at your company. Jane worked for me for three years as a sales associate, and during that time she consistently exceeded her targets and demonstrated excellent customer service skills.
Jane is a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual who works well both independently and as part of a team. She possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and is able to build relationships with customers and colleagues alike.
Based on Jane’s performance while working for me, I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your company. I highly recommend her for any sales position that may be available.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example 2: Personal Reference for a Teaching Position
Dear Principal,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the teaching position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for five years at XYZ Elementary School, where she served as a fourth-grade teacher.
Sarah is an exceptional teacher who is passionate about helping her students succeed. She is patient, kind, and able to connect with students from all backgrounds. Sarah has a talent for creating engaging lesson plans that inspire her students to learn.
During her time at our school, Sarah was a valued member of the faculty. She served as a mentor to new teachers and was always willing to lend a hand when needed. I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your school, and I highly recommend her for any teaching position that may be available.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 3: Personal Reference for an IT Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Johnson for the IT position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for five years at ABC Technology, where he served as a network administrator.
Michael is an outstanding IT professional who possesses excellent technical skills and knowledge. He is able to diagnose and troubleshoot complex technical issues quickly and efficiently, and has a talent for finding innovative solutions to problems.
During his time at our company, Michael was a valued member of the IT department. He was always willing to help his colleagues and was a great team player. I have no doubt that he would be an asset to your company, and I highly recommend him for any IT position that may be available.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 4: Personal Reference for a Marketing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Samantha Brown for the marketing position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Samantha for two years at XYZ Marketing, where she served as a marketing coordinator.
Samantha is a highly creative and skilled marketer who possesses excellent communication skills. She is able to develop and execute marketing campaigns that are both effective and engaging, and is able to work well under tight deadlines.
During her time at our company, Samantha was a valuable member of the marketing team. She was always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of her campaigns, and was able to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your company, and I highly recommend her for any marketing position that may be available.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example 5: Personal Reference for a Customer Service Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Mark Davis for the customer service position at your company. Mark worked for me for three years as a customer service representative, and during that time he consistently demonstrated excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Mark is a highly motivated individual who is able to work well under pressure. He is able to handle difficult customers with ease, and always goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
Based on Mark’s performance while working for me, I have no doubt that he would be an asset to your company. I highly recommend him for any customer service position that may be available.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 6: Personal Reference for an Executive Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Tom Johnson for the executive position at your company. Tom worked for me for five years as the vice president of sales, and during that time he consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and a keen business acumen.
Tom is an exceptional executive who possesses the ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve their goals. He is able to develop and execute successful business strategies, and has a talent for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
Based on Tom’s performance while working for me, I have no doubt that he would be an asset to your company. I highly recommend him for any executive position that may be available.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example 7: Personal Reference for a Nursing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Emily Smith for the nursing position at your hospital. I had the pleasure of working with Emily for three years at XYZ Hospital, where she served as a registered nurse.
Emily is an exceptional nurse who possesses excellent clinical skills and knowledge. She is able to provide compassionate care to her patients, and is able to work well under pressure.
During her time at our hospital, Emily was a valued member of the nursing staff. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues, and was able to build strong relationships with patients and their families. I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your hospital, and I highly recommend her for any nursing position that may be available.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a personal reference letter?
A personal reference letter is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and work ethic. It is typically used as part of a job application or other formal process.
Who should I ask to write a personal reference letter for me?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your skills and character. Ideally, this person should be someone who has worked with you in the past, such as a former boss or colleague.
What should be included in a personal reference letter?
A personal reference letter should include specific examples of the person’s skills and work ethic, as well as a statement of recommendation. It should be written in a professional tone and be no longer than a page.
How should I address the hiring manager in my personal reference letter?
You should address the hiring manager by name, if possible. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I do if my personal reference declines to write me a letter?
If your personal reference declines to write you a letter, it’s important to respect their decision. You can always ask someone else to be your personal reference.
Is it okay to use a personal reference letter more than once?
Yes, you can use a personal reference letter more than once, as long as the letter is still relevant and the person who wrote it is still willing to vouch for you.
Conclusion
A personal reference letter can be a powerful tool in helping you land your dream job. By following the tips in this article and using the examples provided, you can create a strong personal reference letter that showcases your skills and character. Remember to choose your personal reference carefully, be specific in your letter, and use a professional tone throughout.