GUIDELINES
- Provide a brief introduction. You may include your name, position, and company. Also, make sure to mention how you know the person you are referring to in the letter.
- Taking into account the specific purpose of the letter, provide a description of the person in question. Enumerate relevant character traits and observations or anecdotal evidence to back these up. Avoid using information from hearsay and maintain an objective tone.
- Thank the recipient for his time and if you wish, welcome the possibility to answer questions regarding the content of the letter.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I hope this finds you well.
I am Angela Brooks, 32 years old, and a software developer at XYZ Solutions. I am writing this letter for the purpose of recommending Ms. Anne Allen for acceptance into the Training Program at ABC Inc.
I have had the chance to work with Ms. Allen for three years. She used to be a product developer, but as her job required her to create material which required technical backup, we often worked closely together. During this time, I have observed Ms. Allen to be goal-oriented and hardworking. She also paid great attention to detail and was not afraid to ask questions or receive feedback. She was certainly easy to work with and usually carried on with a cheerful disposition. From what I know, she only left the company to get her MBA, which she completed successfully.
Thank you for your time. Should you need more detailed information, do not hesitate to let me know. I can be reached at 555-5555.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Personal character reference letter. Sample letter.
Further things to consider when writing reference letters to whom it may concern
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 Whom It May Concern
Letters to whom it may concern are letters addressed to unknown recipients. The term "To whom it may concern" is, basically, a letter salutation that has been used over the years in business correspondence when a sender doesn't have a specific recipient or doesn't know the name of the recipient. This may happen many times during your job search. For instance, you may be sending a recommendation letter, cover letter or any other job application material to someone you don't know. It is also appropriate to address a letter to whom it may concern if you're making an inquiry but don't know who to address your letter to.
Although sending letters to whom it may concern has been a common practice, other options such as, "To hiring manager", "To customer service manager", etc., can be used at the start of a letter. Of course, you should make an effort to find the recipient's name. You can look it up on the recipient's company website, LinkedIn or other professional social sites, or contact the office and ask the assistant for advice. However, when this is not possible, you can still use "To whom it may concern".
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