GUIDELINES

  1. Employers write reference letters carefully about the people they fired or who quit. Because of liability laws, employers of your former employees can sue if they find out that the employee does not have the qualities mentioned in the letter. That is why these letters are brief and provide only factual information. This information includes job title and description, responsibilities, time of employment, work produced, etc. A reference letter that recommends a person for a job is a bit different. It is not a legally binding matter, and previous employers can describe their former employee's qualities. Besides giving facts, you can be more descriptive. But you should avoid exaggeration.

    Take a look at Decline to Write a Letter of Recommendation if you don't want to write one due to any reason. You might have some reservations for the person who asked you to write a recommendation letter for him/her.

    You should consult your company's policies on recommendation letters. Most of them are made to avoid potential lawsuits. If you write a recommendation letter, only write about actual observations. Avoid using derogatory remarks. New employers can "read between the lines" which may destroy your former employee's chance of a new job because of something you wrote. If you cannot do this, then you shouldn't write a recommendation letter.

    If the requester asks you to fill out a recommendation form, you can add comments in space on a separate sheet. If you are sending a confidential recommendation letter, sign your name across the seal. It is a standard practice in academic applications.

    In most cases, you know who is the potential employer and what is the job title. You will write the letter of recommendation keeping all that in mind. You will describe the employee's responsibilities, abilities, performance, etc. You can either mail it to the employer or hand it over to the employee to give it to his/her employer. If you give it to the employee, beware that he/she will probably read it.

    You write a reference letter when you don't know anything about the potential employer and the job title. You will write the reference letter in the same way as you write a recommendation letter. The only difference is that a reference letter is more general in nature. You will just introduce the person and vouch for his/her character. That person may read it and duplicate it for future use.

    Don't include any comments or information that may show your bias against the former employee. For instance, don't mention race, religion, gender, handicap, marital or parental status, nationality, etc.

  2. If you don't know who will receive the letter of recommendation, the salutation "To Whom it may concern" is acceptable. State in the subject heading that what you are writing is confidential.
  3. Explain how long have you known the person and state your professional relationship (supervisor, teacher, boss) with him/her.
  4. State the person's qualifications, performance, achievements, and any honors he/she received. Write the positive comments in detail because general remarks show that you don't recommend this person for the new job.
  5. If it seems appropriate, explain the reason for the termination of the individual's employment.
  6. End by giving a clear statement of recommendation. Also, express the willingness to cooperate further.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Senders Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Letter Date]

[Recipients Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-


Dear [Recipients Name],

Recommendation Letter for Eve Sandler (confidential)

TO: Graduate School Department, University of San Isidro

FROM: Randy Tyler, VP-Human Resources Department

I am pleased to recommend Randy Tyler for enrollment to the curriculum of the master program for human behavior and personnel management in your university.

Eve and I have worked together for five years in my previous company. She was a recruitment assistant that time while I was employed as a human resources officer. We have worked on several team building activities back then. She possesses the warmth and charisma that radiates and influences the rest of the team to be eager and participative in each activity. She is also very creative and resourceful.

Another thing that is remarkable about Eve is her ability to remain calm under extreme pressure. This trait of hers somehow gives a sense of assurance to the rest of the department. She is also the kind of person who is warm, approachable, and customer-centric. Being in the recruitment team that time, she values correspondence and business relationships with applicants and co-employees.

Back in college, Eve took up Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This opportunity is the ideal stepping stone in pursuing a further study in personnel management. I can say with utmost certainty that Eve is truly a dedicated person. She is dynamic and very willing to learn with the humility in accepting her shortcomings. She is a professional in every sense of the word.

Again, I highly recommend Eve Sandler. If you need further information about her, just call me at 2345678.

Sincerely,

[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Reference letter for a masters program in human behavior.

Further things to consider when writing reference letters to schools

Further things to consider when writing reference letters to schools

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 Schools

Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send.

All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.

These articles may interest you

These articles may interest you