It is important to understand how to write a professional reference letter for a job. You will most likely be requested to write a letter of recommendation for a friend, coworker, or employer at some time in your career. When they are searching for a new job, they will probably ask for a professional reference letter, and your help could be crucial.
The conventional business letter format should be adhered to in a professional reference letter. If you are writing a letter in hard copy, start it with your name, contact information, the date, and the name and information of the receiver.
Learn How To Write The Two Major Types Of Reference Letters
Professional
A supervisor, colleague, customer, teacher, or professor who is familiar with a candidate’s accomplishments in a work-like situation is typically the one to write a professional reference letter for job. It usually contains information about their role and responsibilities, how long they have worked for the company, and their skills, credentials, and contributions to the company.
Academic
The academic letters are reference letter for students. A teacher, professor, or advisor writes an academic reference. This kind of reference talks about the academic accomplishments and educational background of the candidate. Usually, these letters are written by some of the high authority figures in your institution like the director or head of the department.
Let’s understand what is the reference letter format
Before understanding how to write a professional reference letter, you must understand the Reference letter format and write your letter accordingly. An effective reference letter must include formal salutations both during the opening and closing of the letter. It is important to keep the following things in mind while writing the letter.
Typically a professional reference letter for job consists of two paragraphs, though you can extend them based on how long you’ve known the recipient. But keep in mind that while a poor recommendation letter can be worse than none at all, a strong one can help your contact realize their goals.
Before you learn how to write a professional reference letter it is essential to keep the following things in mind:
Opening Paragraph:
Tell the reader a little about yourself and how you know the person you are suggesting. Mention how long you’ve known them and what role you’ve had in it. Make it apparent that the purpose of your letter is to serve as the person’s reference.
Middle Paragraph:
Draw attention to the person’s most important credentials, abilities, and accomplishments. Give precise instances that highlight their strengths and contributions. Talk about their interpersonal abilities, work ethic, and character attributes. Anecdotes can help you prove your points. If applicable, highlight their remarkable traits by drawing comparisons with peers or industry standards.
Conclusion:
While writing a letter, you must also be mindful of the font that you are using. It is always better to use a classic font like Times New Roman, or Calibri. For ease of reading, the font size should be between 10 and 12 points. While writing a professional reference letter, you must ensure the tone is formal and direct.
To sum up your letter, you must circle back the purpose of your letter. Explain your thoughts once again and remind the person why you are writing the letter in the first place. Explain your thoughts on why you think they’d be a good fit for the position or opportunity. Offer to provide more details if they are required. Declare that you are up for more conversation. You can also contact us if you need help with your assignments.