How to Write a Reference Letter

What is a Reference Letter

A reference letter is a letter in which a person assesses or evaluates another person’s skills and credentials in a positive manner. A reference letter can be useful in college admission, job application, or scholarship applications.

The writer of the reference letter is called the referee, and a referee is usually a teacher, professor, supervisor, boss, or someone who is connected with the person who is referred to in the letter.

This is a professional letter and is usually written by non-related people who know you professionally.

Content of a Reference Letter

In a reference letter, you should always introduce the person you are referring (the subject of the letter), the purpose of the letter and your connection to the subject should also come at the beginning of the letter.

Then, you should talk about his or her abilities, qualities, skills, experience, and knowledge. In a reference letter, you don’t really criticize a person, but at the same time, the letter should contain true facts. So, it’s better to focus on the good qualities and skills of the person and neglect the weaknesses.

A good reference letter should end with a summary of the overall qualifications and reassurance from the referee.