How to Write a Powerful Personal Letter of Reference
If you’re asked to write a personal letter of reference, it can be an honor and a responsibility at the same time. You’ve been entrusted to provide an honest and insightful evaluation of an individual, based on your personal and professional relationship with them. Whether it’s for a job application, volunteer position, or academic program, your letter can make a significant impact on the candidate’s chances of success. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and best practices to help you write a powerful personal letter of reference.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Letter
Before you start writing, it’s essential to understand the purpose of the letter. Your goal is to provide an honest and balanced evaluation of the candidate’s skills, qualities, and character, as they relate to the opportunity they’re applying for. You should also focus on addressing the specific requirements of the job or program, and highlight how the candidate meets or exceeds them. Additionally, you should avoid including personal biases, irrelevant information, or anything that could be seen as discriminatory or unprofessional.
2. Gather Relevant Information
To write an effective letter of reference, you’ll need to gather relevant information about the candidate. This could include their resume, cover letter, job description, academic transcripts, and any other material that helps you understand their background, experience, and accomplishments. You should also ask the candidate for specific examples of their work, leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, or any other skills that are relevant to the opportunity. This will help you provide specific and concrete examples that support your evaluation.
3. Use a Professional Tone and Format
Your letter of reference should be written in a professional tone and format. Use a business letter template, and start with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.” You should also use a clear and concise writing style, and avoid using slang, jargon, or informal language. Your letter should be well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You can also use bullet points or numbered lists to highlight key points and make your letter more readable.
4. Provide Specific Examples and Details
To make your letter of reference more persuasive and memorable, you should provide specific examples and details that support your evaluation. Use concrete and measurable language, and provide specific examples of the candidate’s achievements, contributions, or impact. You should also describe their skills, qualities, and character traits in a way that shows how they’re relevant to the opportunity they’re applying for. For example, instead of saying “John is a great team player,” you could say “John consistently worked well with others to achieve project goals, and his positive attitude and collaboration skills helped to create a productive and supportive team environment.”
5. Close with a Strong Recommendation
In your closing paragraph, you should summarize your evaluation and provide a strong recommendation for the candidate. You could say something like “Based on my personal and professional relationship with Jane, I strongly recommend her for the position of Marketing Manager. Her exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and creative flair make her an ideal candidate for this role. I am confident that she will make a valuable contribution to your team, and I look forward to seeing her future success.” Remember to sign your letter and provide your contact information in case the recipient needs to follow up with you.
Conclusion
Writing a powerful personal letter of reference requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a strong command of the English language. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can create a letter that highlights the candidate’s strengths, reflects positively on your own professionalism, and ultimately helps the candidate achieve their goals. So take the time to write a thoughtful and impactful letter, and watch as your words of recommendation help someone else succeed.
