Sample Reference Letters

Find inspiration in our curated catalog of reference letters. Each sample letter comes with guidelines and advice to help you find the right words.

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.

Requesting for Reference letter. Sample letter
Reference letter for a nurse. Sample letter
Reference letter for an employee to meet a requirement of his landlord
Character reference for a person appearing in court
Character reference for acquaintance appearing as a court witness
Character reference for court use. Sample letter
Character reference letter for parent seeking child custody
Character reference to a judge. Sample letter
Reference letter to a judge. Sample letter
Character reference for a job applicant. Sample letter
Character reference for acquaintance seeking employment
Character reference letter for acquaintance with immigration application
Character reference sample letter for immigration purposes
Reference letter for immigration purposes. Sample letter
Reference letter for former subordinate applying for internal promotion
Character reference letter for an apartment lease applicant
Recommending someone applying as a tenant. Sample letter
Reference letter for someone seeking to rent an apartment
Reference sample letter for a potential apartment buyer
Reference letter for a coworker. Sample letter
Reference letter for someone requesting for a change of shift
Thanking a superior for Reference letter. Sample letter
Character reference for a person seeking to adopt a child
Character reference for acquaintance applying for membership
Character reference for an eagle scout. Sample letter
Character reference letter. Sample letter
Letter of recommendation. Sample letter
Professional recommendation letter. Sample letter
Recommending a family member for a volunteer program
Recommending a volunteer for entry into a project. Sample letter
Reference letter for a colleague. Sample letter
Recommending a student for graduate school. Sample letter
Recommending a teenager for a school or training program
Recommending an applicant for medical school. Sample letter
Recommending someone for a teaching position. Sample letter
Reference letter for a college applicant. Sample letter
Reference letter for a student applying for a scholarship
Reference letter for a student applying for a school transfer
Reference letter for a student to a teacher's perspective
Reference letter for an applicant for college admission
Reference sample letter for a nursing student applying at a hospital
Reference sample letter for a student's scholarship application
Sample letter for a former student seeking admission to another school
Character reference for a parent seeking child custody
Character reference for an employee you used to manage
Character reference for someone you know personally
Personal character reference letter. Sample letter
Personal reference sample letter for a friend
Reference letter for a friend. Sample letter
Reference letter for adoptive parents. Sample letter

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