When someone asks you to write a reference for them, it can be both an honor and a responsibility. Writing a reference for someone means that you are vouching for their abilities, character, and overall performance. It can be a critical factor in their next job application or academic endeavor. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write an effective reference for someone, along with seven examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing Reference For Someone
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a reference for someone:
1. Be Honest
It’s essential to be honest when writing a reference. Don’t exaggerate or fabricate information. If you don’t feel comfortable providing a positive reference, it’s best to decline the request.
2. Include Specifics
When writing a reference, include specific examples of the person’s accomplishments and skills. This will help the person stand out from other candidates.
3. Use a Professional Tone
It’s important to use a professional tone when writing a reference. Avoid using slang or informal language.
4. Customize the Reference
Customize the reference for the position or opportunity the person is applying for. Highlight skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position.
5. Ask for Information
If you’re not sure what to include in the reference, ask the person for information about the opportunity they’re applying for, and what skills they would like you to highlight.
6. Proofread
Before submitting the reference, proofread it carefully. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting.
7. Keep It Concise
A reference should be one or two pages maximum. Keep it concise and to the point.
Examples of Writing Reference For Someone
Reference for a Former Employee
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position] role at your company. [Name] worked for me as a [Position] at [Company] for [Number of Years]. During this time, [he/she/they] demonstrated excellent [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality].
[Provide specific examples of successful projects or accomplishments].
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Position] role at your company. [He/She/They] would be a valuable asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to [Graduate Program] at [University]. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] during [Timeframe] as [His/Her/Their] [Position/Supervisor].
[Name] is an exceptional candidate for [Graduate Program]. [He/She/They] demonstrated outstanding [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality] during [His/Her/Their] time at [Company/School].
[Provide specific examples of research or academic projects completed].
I highly recommend [Name] for admission to [Graduate Program]. [He/She/They] would be an excellent addition to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Volunteer Position] role at [Organization]. [Name] has been volunteering with our organization for [Number of Years/Months].
[Name] is a dedicated and hardworking volunteer. [He/She/They] has demonstrated exceptional [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality] during [His/Her/Their] time with us.
[Provide specific examples of successful volunteer projects or initiatives completed].
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Volunteer Position] role at [Organization]. [He/She/They] would be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for an Internship
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Internship Position] role at [Company]. [Name] was a student in my [Class Name] class at [University].
[Name] is a highly motivated and talented student. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated exceptional [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality] during [His/Her/Their] time in my class.
[Provide specific examples of successful class projects or research completed].
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Internship Position] role at [Company]. [He/She/They] would be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Teaching Position] role at [School]. [Name] was a student in my [Class/Program] at [University].
[Name] is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrated outstanding [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality] during [His/Her/Their] time in my class/program.
[Provide specific examples of successful class projects or academic research projects completed].
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Teaching Position] role at [School]. [He/She/They] has the skills and experience necessary to be an excellent teacher.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Business Opportunity
Dear [Client/Investor],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Business Opportunity] role at [Company]. [Name] worked for me as a [Position] at [Company] for [Number of Years].
[Name] is an exceptional candidate for [Business Opportunity]. [He/She/They] demonstrated outstanding [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality] during [His/Her/Their] time at [Company/School].
[Provide specific examples of successful projects or accomplishments].
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Business Opportunity] role at [Company]. [He/She/They] would be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Scholarship] at [University]. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] during [Timeframe] as [His/Her/Their] [Position/Supervisor].
[Name] is an exceptional candidate for [Scholarship]. [He/She/They] demonstrated outstanding [Skill/Quality], [Skill/Quality], and [Skill/Quality] during [His/Her/Their] time at [Company/School].
[Provide specific examples of successful research or academic projects completed].
I highly recommend [Name] for the [Scholarship] at [University]. [He/She/They] has the skills and experience necessary to excel in [His/Her/Their] academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I decline to provide a reference?
Yes, it’s okay to decline to provide a reference if you’re not comfortable vouching for the person’s abilities or character. It’s better to be honest than to provide a negative or lukewarm reference.
What should I include in the reference?
The reference should include specific examples of the person’s skills, accomplishments, and character traits. Customize the reference for the position or opportunity the person is applying for.
How long should the reference be?
The reference should be one or two pages maximum. Keep it concise and to the point.
How should I address the reference?
Address the reference to the person or committee requesting it. Use a professional tone and avoid using slang or informal language.
What if I don’t have much experience working with the person?
If you don’t have much experience working with the person, focus on their character traits and any interactions you’ve had with them. Be honest about your level of experience working with them.
Should I provide a copy of the reference to the person?
Yes, it’s a good practice to provide a copy of the reference to the person. This will allow them to review it and provide any necessary edits or feedback.
How do I proofread the reference?
Proofread the reference carefully for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting. Consider having someone else review it as well before submitting it.
Conclusion
Writing a reference for someone can be a significant responsibility, but it can also be a rewarding experience. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can write an effective reference that helps the person stand out from other candidates.