When writing a reference letter, it’s important to give a strong and positive ending. The conclusion of the letter should leave a lasting impression on the reader. In this article, you will find tips on how to end a reference letter, along with seven examples that you can customize to fit your needs.
Tips for Ending a Reference Letter
To end a reference letter, follow these steps:
Title: Summarize Your Recommendation
The first step in ending your reference letter is to summarize your recommendation in a sentence or two. This helps the reader to understand the overall message of the letter and reinforces the strengths of the applicant.
Greeting: Use a formal greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”, followed by the recipient’s name.
Letter Body: In the first paragraph, restate your recommendation and provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills and accomplishments. In the second paragraph, explain how the applicant’s skills and experience match the requirements of the position they are applying for.
Complimentary Close: End the letter with a strong and positive statement such as “I highly recommend this candidate” or “I am confident that this candidate will excel in their new role.”
Title: Strong Recommendation
Greeting: Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body: I am writing this reference letter to highly recommend [Applicant’s Name]. As [his/her] supervisor for the past two years, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] work ethic, skills, and dedication to the job. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a willingness to take on new challenges. [He/She] is an asset to any team and I am confident that [he/she] will excel in any position [he/she] takes on.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Title: Leadership Potential
Greeting: To Whom It May Concern,
Letter Body: I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for any managerial or leadership position. [He/She] has demonstrated strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and inspire [his/her] team. [He/She] consistently exceeds expectations and has a proven track record of achieving positive results. I am confident that [he/she] will continue to excel in any position [he/she] takes on.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Title: Exceptional Work Ethic
Greeting: Dear Admissions Committee,
Letter Body: I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your university. [He/She] has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and a passion for learning. [He/She] consistently goes above and beyond expectations and has achieved outstanding academic results. [He/She] is a driven and dedicated individual, and I am confident that [he/she] will thrive in your academic environment.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Title: Team Player
Greeting: Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body: I am writing this reference letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for any team-based position. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent teamwork skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others. [He/She] is an effective communicator and always strives to find solutions that benefit the team as a whole. I am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to any team that [he/she] joins.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Title: Strong Work Ethic
Greeting: To Whom It May Concern,
Letter Body: I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for any position requiring a strong work ethic and attention to detail. [He/She] consistently meets or exceeds expectations and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work. [He/She] is a reliable and dedicated individual who takes pride in [his/her] work. I am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to any organization that [he/she] joins.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Title: Excellent Problem-Solver
Greeting: Dear Admissions Committee,
Letter Body: I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your university. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically. [He/She] consistently takes a proactive approach to finding solutions and has a strong track record of achieving positive results. I am confident that [he/she] will excel in any academic program that [he/she] chooses to pursue.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Title: Highly Organized
Greeting: Dear Hiring Manager,
Letter Body: I am writing this reference letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for any position requiring strong organizational skills. [He/She] is a highly organized individual who pays attention to detail and consistently meets deadlines. [He/She] is an effective multitasker and has a proven track record of managing complex projects. I am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to any organization that [he/she] joins.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in the conclusion of a reference letter?
In the conclusion of a reference letter, you should summarize your recommendation, provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills and accomplishments, and end with a strong and positive statement.
How can I make my reference letter stand out?
You can make your reference letter stand out by providing specific examples of the applicant’s skills and accomplishments, using strong and positive language, and customizing the letter to fit the requirements of the position they are applying for.
How many paragraphs should a reference letter have?
A reference letter should have at least two paragraphs. In the first paragraph, you should introduce yourself and state your relationship to the applicant. In the second paragraph, you should provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills and accomplishments.
What is the best way to format a reference letter?
A reference letter should be formatted like a professional business letter. It should include your contact information, the date, the recipient’s contact information, a formal greeting, an introduction, at least two paragraphs of body text, a strong and positive conclusion, and a formal closing.
Should I include my contact information in a reference letter?
Yes, you should include your contact information in a reference letter so that the recipient can get in touch with you if they have any questions or need further information.
Can I use a reference letter template?
Yes, you can use a reference letter template as a starting point for your letter. However, it’s important to customize the template to fit the requirements of the position and the strengths of the applicant.
Conclusion
Ending a reference letter with a strong and positive statement can make all the difference in the applicant’s job search. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a reference letter that highlights the applicant’s strengths and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.