When it comes to job hunting, having both a reference letter and a referral letter can greatly increase your chances of landing a job. However, many people confuse the two and use them interchangeably. In this article, we will differentiate the two and provide examples for each.
What is a Reference Letter?
A reference letter, also known as a recommendation letter, is a document written by someone who knows you well and can attest to your skills and abilities. This person can be a former employer, colleague, or teacher. Reference letters are usually requested by employers to assess an applicant’s character and qualifications for a job.
What is a Referral Letter?
A referral letter is a document that suggests or recommends a person for a particular job or position. Unlike a reference letter, a referral letter is usually written by someone who is in a position to recommend you for a job, but may not have worked directly with you. A referral letter can come from a friend, family member, or even a professional network such as LinkedIn.
Readers can find examples of both reference letters and referral letters below and edit them as needed to fit their situation.
Reference Letter Examples
Reference Letter for a Former Employee
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any position in your company. During [Employee Name]’s tenure at [Company Name], [he/she] was a valuable asset to the team. [He/She] consistently exceeded expectations and demonstrated strong leadership skills.
Overall, I highly recommend [Employee Name] for any job or position they may be seeking. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require additional information or clarification.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your university. [He/She] was one of the most dedicated and hardworking students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. [He/She] was always eager to learn and never hesitated to ask questions when in doubt.
I strongly believe that [Student Name] has the potential to excel in any academic program and become a valuable asset to your university. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require additional information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral Letter Examples
Referral Letter from a Friend
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend my friend, [Friend Name], for the open position at your company. I have known [Friend Name] for several years and can attest to [his/her] amazing work ethic and dedication to [his/her] endeavors.
I strongly believe that [Friend Name] would be a great fit for your company and would thrive in the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any additional information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Referral Letter from a Colleague
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Your Name] for the open position at your company. [Your Name] and I have worked together for [Number of Years] years and I have seen [him/her] grow and excel in [his/her] field.
I am confident that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your team and would help drive your company towards success. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Colleague Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a reference letter and a referral letter?
A reference letter is a document that attests to your skills and abilities, usually written by someone who knows you well. A referral letter is a document that recommends you for a particular job or position, usually written by someone who is in a position to recommend you but may not have worked directly with you.
Who can write a reference letter?
A reference letter can be written by someone who knows you well, such as a former employer, colleague, or teacher.
Who can write a referral letter?
A referral letter can be written by anyone who is in a position to recommend you for a job or position, such as a friend, family member, or professional network.
What should be included in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include an introduction, a description of your skills and abilities, and a conclusion that recommends you for the job or position.
What should be included in a referral letter?
A referral letter should include an introduction that explains how you know the person you are referring, a description of their skills and abilities, and a conclusion that recommends them for the job or position.
Can I use a reference letter as a referral letter?
No, a reference letter and a referral letter are two different documents with different purposes. You should make sure to use the appropriate document for the situation.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between a reference letter and a referral letter can greatly benefit your job hunting efforts. Use the examples provided above to assist you with creating your own documents, and always make sure to ask your contacts for permission before using them as a reference or referral.