Let's Write a Reference Letter

A reference letter is a letter of recommendation that is written by someone that is acquainted with the person. It is most effective when the writer is well acquainted with the individual by way of school, work or some other capacity. The letter is prepared to give a satisfactory view of the person's qualities and capabilities. Reference letters are normally asked for critical business such as entry to tertiary, institution, applying for a job or loan and many other business matters. It is effective because it is easier to read a letter than to contact the referees by telephone or mail since it excludes. situations like the referee being busy or unreachable. It also gives an advantage to the person that the letter is about whereby the person knows just what the referee has to say about him or her. Instead, if the referees were contacted by phone the individual would be clueless of what they disclosed about him or her.
A reference letter can be handwritten or typed, but whatever technique is employed, it must be signed by the writer and include his or her contact information in the event further information is required. Chances are, at some point in your life you may be asked to prepare a reference letter. Here's how to write a good reference letter.
Materials Required:
Paper
Tools Necessary:
Pen
Computer with necessary software
Instructions:
1. The first thing to do is to gather all the necessary details (such as address, schools attended, any skills acquired, etc.) about the person who applied for the letter. If the reason for the letter is to get employment, it may be prudent to view the job requirements.
2. If you know the individual's name to whom the letter will be sent, address it directly to that individual. If not, use TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
3. Organize your letter in three paragraphs. In the first paragraph, distinguish who you are writing about and in what capacity you are acquainted with the individual. Say for how long and why you consider the person is appropriate for the positon or for admission.
4. In your second paragraph, reveal specific skills or training that you have noticed since knowing the person. Clarify how these qualifications and skills will meet the criteria of the company or school. Share your individual opinions of the individual bearing in mind what the reason for the letter is.
5. In your third paragraph, indicate that you are available to give any further details deemed crucial. You can also include any further opinion of the individual.
6. Complete the letter with a courteous closing. Endorse the letter and again include contact information, your position and organization to verify that you are a reliable reference.
7. Check the letter and amend any error.
8. Type the letter and reread, amending any mistake if required.
9. Endorse the letter, stamp if applicable and put in an envelope.
Tips:
Ensure that you are well familiar with the person requesting the letter.
Emphasize crucal aspects that you want the reader to notice.
Use a business letter format such as, a fully blocked letter style.
Do not talk about anything negative about the person you are commending.
Don't be too loquacious. Try to be as conscise as possible so that you will end up with a one-page letter.
Do not incorporate any uncalled-for details for example the individual's ethnicity, religion or marital status unless it is certainly appropriate.
Make use of action verbs specifically when talking about accomplishments and skills.