Sample Reference/letter Of Recommendation Template (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

REFERENCE LETTER SAMPLE

Below is a suggested format for reference letters. The bracketed words are suggested options

to use when applicable to your particular letter. See also the resources section below.

Dear [NAME OF EMPLOYER:] or [TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:]

PARAGRAPH 1:

If written to a specific employer: I am writing this reference letter at the request of [student] who

is applying for the position of [job title] with your [firm, company, school, etc.]

If written 'to whom it may concern': I am writing this reference letter at the request of [student].

S/he has asked me to write this general letter which s/he may show to any prospective

employer who asks him/her for references.

If letter is confidential: This is a confidential letter and should be shared only with people in your

firm who are directly involved in the hiring decision. This letter should not be shown to [student]

who waived the right to see the letter.

PARAGRAPH 2:

I have known [student] for [length of time] in my capacity as a [your job title] at [your employer].

If Applicable: [student] worked for me as a [job title]/ or [student] belonged to the [club or

organisation] for which I served as an advisor/ or [student] took [number] courses from me,

including [names]. [Student] earned grades of [list grades], respectively, in those courses.

Based on [student's] grades, along with his/her [excellent, good, etc.] attendance and class

participation, I'd rate [students] performance in my class as [rating].

PARAGRAPH 3:

[Student] has a number of strengths to offer [an employer, a graduate program]. (List qualities here, backing

each one up with examples. Try to pick qualities that tie into the specific type of

job student is seeking or requested on the grad school application).

EXAMPLE: [Student] often exhibited excellent leadership in my class, volunteering to lead

groups and then organising the group's project quickly and efficiently. This attribute would serve

[student name] well in the position of Assistant Manager with your company.

PARAGRAPH 4:

In conclusion, I would [highly] recommend [student]. If his/her performance in my class(es) is

any indication of how she/he would perform [on the job, in postgraduate study, etc.], [student] will be a

positive addition to your [firm / college, etc.].

Sincerely yours, NAME & TITLE

Material and letter sample is adapted from the Career Development Centre, Ohio State University

RESOURCES: Some good annotated examples from Brookes University

Sample Reference/letter Of Recommendation Template Page 2