How do you write a reference letter for a job?

Here are five elements all personal reference letters should include:

  1. Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate.
  2. Include long you’ve known the candidate.
  3. Add positive personal qualities with specific examples.
  4. Close with a statement of recommendation.
  5. Offer your contact information.

What is an example of a reference letter?

Here’s our reference letter template: Dear [insert name], I am writing to recommend [employee_name]. [He/She/They] worked with us at [company_name] as a [employee_job_title] and [reported to me/ worked with me] in my position as [insert your job title]. As an employee, [employee_name] was always [insert quality].

What should I say in a good reference?

Should you say yes?

  • Keep the information factual. Avoid opinions about issues such as personal conflicts.
  • Qualify what you say. For example, “It was our experience…” or “In this situation…”
  • Make your praise specific.
  • Refer to specific tasks or projects.
  • Avoid examples that highlight a candidate’s weaknesses.

What do you say in a reference?

Generally, a good character reference should include the following five pieces of information:

  • Start off by discussing your relationship with the applicant.
  • Establish how long you have known the applicant.
  • Talk about their positive qualities and give examples.
  • Finish with a recommendation for the position.

What should you include in a reference?

What a detailed reference says

  1. answers to questions from the employer requesting the reference.
  2. details about your skills, ability and experience.
  3. details about your character, strengths and weaknesses relating to your suitability for the new role.
  4. how often you were off work.
  5. disciplinary details.

What should you say in a reference?