If you are looking for ways to help your summer interns jump-start their careers, writing a reference letter for them can be a great start. A reference letter highlights the intern’s skills, their accomplishments during their summer internship, and how they can bring value to their future employers. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a reference letter for a summer internship, along with seven examples you can use as a starting point.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter Summer Internship
Here are some of the tips you can use when writing a reference letter for summer internship:
1. Address the letter to the specific employer or school
Make sure to address the letter to the specific employer or school that the intern is applying to. This shows that you have taken the time to personalize the letter and are invested in the intern’s future career.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am honored to write this reference letter for [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program.
[Explain what the intern did during their internship]
I highly recommend [Intern’s Name] as a candidate for [position they are applying for]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Highlight the intern’s accomplishments during the internship
Mention specific accomplishments that the intern has achieved while working in your company. This gives the employer or school a clear idea of the intern’s capabilities and what they can bring to their organization.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am writing this reference letter for [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program. During [Intern’s Name]’s time with us, they accomplished:
[List of accomplishments]
[Intern’s Name] demonstrated a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
I highly recommend [Intern’s Name] for any position they are applying for. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Discuss the intern’s skills and how they can bring value to the organization
Highlight the skills that the intern has acquired during the internship, and how those skills can be beneficial to the employer or school they are applying to. This shows that the intern is a valuable asset.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am writing this reference letter for [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program. During their time with us, [Intern’s Name] acquired:
[List of skills]
[Intern’s Name] demonstrated a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. They are also an excellent team player and a quick learner.
I highly recommend [Intern’s Name] for any position they are applying for. They would be an asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Provide contact information
Include your contact information so that the employer or school can reach out to you if they have any questions or need further clarification.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am writing this reference letter for [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program. During their time with us, [Intern’s Name] acquired:
[List of skills]
[Intern’s Name] demonstrated a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. They are also an excellent team player and a quick learner.
I highly recommend [Intern’s Name] for any position they are applying for. They would be an asset to your organization. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Use a professional tone
Keep the tone of the letter professional and formal. Avoid using slang or casual language.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am honored to write this reference letter for [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program. During their time with us, [Intern’s Name] demonstrated:
[List of accomplishments and skills]
[Intern’s Name] was a valuable member of our team, and I highly recommend them for any position they are applying for. They have my full endorsement.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Proofread the letter
Make sure to proofread the letter before submitting it. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors that may detract from the letter’s professionalism.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am writing to endorse [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program. During their time with us, [Intern’s Name] demonstrated:
[List of accomplishments and skills]
[Intern’s Name] would be an excellent candidate for any position they are applying for. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
7. Customize the letter for each application
Make sure to customize the letter for each application. Highlight the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position that the intern is applying for.
Dear [Employer or School Name],
I am writing this reference letter for [Intern’s Name], who was a participant in our summer internship program. During their time with us, [Intern’s Name] accomplished:
[List of relevant accomplishments and skills]
[Intern’s Name] would be an asset to your organization, and I highly recommend them for the [position they are applying for]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you format a reference letter for a summer internship?
A reference letter for a summer internship should be formatted like a typical business letter. It should include the date, the employer or school’s address, and the salutation. The body of the letter should highlight the intern’s skills and accomplishments, and how they can bring value to the organization they are applying to. The letter should end with a complimentary close and your signature.
What should be included in a reference letter for a summer internship?
A reference letter for a summer internship should include the intern’s skills, accomplishments, and how they can bring value to the organization they are applying to. It should be addressed to the specific employer or school, and should be written in a professional and formal tone. The letter should end with your contact information and a complimentary close.
How long should a reference letter for a summer internship be?
A reference letter for a summer internship should be no longer than one page. It should be concise and to the point, highlighting the intern’s skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position they are applying for.
Who should write a reference letter for a summer internship?
A reference letter for a summer internship should be written by someone who has worked closely with the intern and can speak to their skills and abilities. This can be their supervisor or manager, a colleague they worked closely with, or a professor who was their academic advisor during the internship.
What should the greeting be in a reference letter for a summer internship?
The greeting in a reference letter for a summer internship should be formal and professional. Address the letter to the specific employer or school, using their full name and professional title if possible.
What should the complimentary close be in a reference letter for a summer internship?
The complimentary close in a reference letter for a summer internship should be professional and formal. Use phrases such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and signature.
How can I personalize a reference letter for a summer internship?
To personalize a reference letter for a summer internship, you can mention specific achievements or skills that are relevant to the position the intern is applying for. You can also address the letter to the specific employer or school, and mention any personal interactions you had with the intern that highlight their skills and abilities.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a summer internship can be a great way to help your interns jump-start their careers. By highlighting their skills and accomplishments, you can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to create a reference letter that will help your interns achieve their professional goals.