Reference letter for a colleague. Sample letter.

Further things to consider when writing reference letters to organizations

Reference Letters

Reference letters are letters written to endorse someone's general character and personality. A reference letter differs from a recommendation letter in that the latter supports the person's application for a specific job or education program and is usually addressed to a particular person. A reference letter is more general in nature, refers to the overall character of the person, and is not addressed to anyone in particular. It is normally addressed as "Dear sir/madam," or "To whom it may concern." The person who writes the reference letter is known as the referee, and he/she could be a close friend or colleague.

For you to write good reference letters, you need to know the candidates well to be able to express their best character. Start off with a salutation and the name of the person the letter is about. Write a sentence or two explaining how you know the person and for how long. Mention the strong qualities, characteristics, and strengths of the person in question. Giving brief examples, discuss why you feel the person will be a great addition to office and work culture. Use strong verbs but do not exaggerate. Conclude with your contacts and signature.

Letters to Organizations

Letters to organizations are letters written to institutions, associations, or any organized body of people working together to achieve a common goal. An organization could be a charity, union, corporation, or even a neighborhood association. There are a thousand reasons why you may want to write to an organization. Maybe you want to volunteer to offer your services, or you want to make a donation. Perhaps you are requesting sponsorship for your event. Whatever the reason, any letter to an organization must be formal and addressed properly.

When writing letters to organizations, it's important to know what it is that you want to achieve and what you want the organization to do. Use the standard business letter format. Start your letter with a proper salutation and introduce yourself or your company. State the purpose of the letter. Mention what you are asking for or what you are offering. Include any materials or information that you feel might be important to the recipient. Use a polite and professional tone. Keep the letter short, preferably, one page. In the end, thank the recipient in advance for his/her time and consideration. Sign-off using business-appropriate language. Include your full name and contact details.