Sample Reference Letter Template (Page 5 of 13) in pdf

The request may become more complicated when the person would like to have a general reference letter

for several competitions or as part of a work search portfolio. If you are not sure what to comment on, not

an uncommon problem for a person writing a general letter, here are some skills and qualities that most

organizations look for in potential employees:

•

Communication skills, such as persuasive writing or delivering presentations.

•

Teamwork skills, including how much work the student performed when collaborating on a group or

research project with you. You may also comment on the student’s conflict resolution skills and ability

to compromise or take direction within the pair or group.

•

Organizational skills, such as consulting with you during the course of a project, delivering a rough

draft when asked and supplying the final material at deadline.

•

Personal attributes such as collegial, friendly and hard-working.

•

Enthusiasm for the profession and motivation to learn.

This list is from the CaPS Employer Survey 2006 and are the non-job related skills most sought after by

employers. Additional desired skills identified by the survey included willingness to learn, interpersonal

skills, attention to detail, stress management and work ethic or reliability. When developed and

demonstrated, these skills will help the student either in the workplace or in continued academic studies.

You can volunteer to write a reference letter for a person who has not asked for one. A student will always

need reference letters for a variety of purposes. You can reward a student who had great attendance,

provided an outstanding presentation or paper, showed up for study sessions and/or was a pleasure to

teach. A student who did poorly in the class but tried hard may be too shy to ask for a reference letter but

if you want to commend diligence, your letter is generous encouragement.

Permission and Privacy

Permission, privacy and information, especially in respect to employment, is an area undergoing constant

evolution. Though there are similarities, the application of privacy legislation and access to information is

not uniform between geographic regions, or between organizations with varying business models or

legislative roles. Therefore, prior to asking for or providing a reference, we strongly suggest that you

consult with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Office at the University of

Alberta. To provide you with information they will ask you the following questions:

1) Who is the letter for?

2) Who will receive the letter?

3) What is the purpose for the letter?

4) Where will the letter be stored and will copies be made?

There are also a series of forms that are available on the website of the University of Alberta FOIPP office,

, such as a Student Reference Disclosure Authorization form. Prior to asking

for or writing a letter of reference, we suggest you check the U of A FOIPP office website, or call their

offices, (780) 492-9419 for assistance, to make sure that you have the most up to date information in

regards to the request.

Sample Reference Letter Template Page 5